When every second counts, most gains come from what happens between cuts. Fast part set-up, quick in-cycle checks and reliable feedback keep the spindle earning. TC50 and TC60 touch probes are built for this pace, combining high measuring speed with proven reliability in real shop conditions.

 

Why cycle time is often won outside the cut

Programs get tuned endlessly, yet time slips away in manual tool offsets, datum setting when re-fixturing and dimensional checks done off the machine. Bring measurement into the cycle and you cut hand-on intervention, correct dimensions before the finish pass and avoid rework. The outcome is fewer scrapped parts and a steadier rhythm per shift.

 

Meet TC50 and TC60

Blum’s TC50 and TC60 are universal workpiece touch probes for medium and large machines. They use an optoelectronic switch mechanism with a rotationally symmetrical design, so trigger forces are consistent in any direction and spindle indexing isn’t required. Probing speeds reach up to 3 m/min, with repeatability of 0.3 micrometres. Both are sealed to IP68 and proven to work in coolant and swarf. See the full overview: TC50 | TC60 touch probes.

 

Quickstart measuring cycles: where the time savings land

Quickstart measuring cycles are ready-made subroutines inside the control, so you enter a few parameters instead of hand-coding macros. They add minimal overhead while catching issues that would cause rework. Typical uses include setting work offsets, checking standard features mid-cycle, and applying automatic tool or work offsets when limits are exceeded. Explore the software family: Measuring cycles for probes (Quickstart) and a UK primer on apps and software: Measurement software guide.

 

Example 1: single-spindle line that keeps moving

Scenario: Aluminium housing on a 3-axis milling machine with a pallet changer.
Cycle:

1. Quickstart probes two datums on pallet load.
2. Rough machining.
3. Quickstart checks pocket depth and a boss diameter. If a limit is exceeded, the cycle adjusts the tool data and calls an extra finish pass.
4. Finish and unload.
   Result. Corrections happen while the part is still clamped — no trip to a CMM or second operation.

 

Example 2: double-spindle with TWIN mode

Scenario: Two identical parts per cycle, one per spindle, using TC60 in TWIN mode.
Cycle:

1. Each TC60 probe sets both work offsets at the same time.
2. Mid-cycle, both probes verify hole positions simultaneously.
3. End-of-cycle spot checks log to SPC.
   Result. Parallel probing keeps both spindles cutting together rather than waiting for each other’s checks.

 

Programming tips that trim seconds without risking crashes

• Mask probing time with G0 rapids: pair short probing calls with rapids on the orthogonal axis.
• Measure before you finish: correct offsets before the final pass, not after.
• Set sensible tolerances: tight where it protects function; wider where it’s allowed.
• Keep the stylus clean: brief air or coolant blast before touching on swarf covered features.
• Log what matters: send a small set of key dimensions to your quality log to stay quick and audit-ready.

 

Choosing TC50 or TC60 for your cell

• TC50 (infrared): best for clear line-of-sight machines and straightforward installs.
• TC60 (radio): best for enclosed cells, larger machines, turn-mill centres and multi-spindle work where visibility is tricky.

For high-volume automotive work or larger aerospace parts, the flexibility of radio often pays back quickly. For compact VMCs and simple fixtures, infrared is typically spot on.

Decision point	TC50	TC60
Transmission	Infrared	BRC radio
Best for	Clear line of sight	Large or enclosed cells
Range and obstacles	Shorter; needs sight to receiver	Longer; works around covers
Multi-spindle	DUO (sequential, IR)	DUO + TWIN (simultaneous, radio)
Typical machines	Compact VMCs, simple fixtures	HMCs, turn-mills, high-throughput
Pick if…	Quick, cost-effective install	Flexibility and parallel probing

Still unsure? We’ll survey your process and recommend the fastest route to shorter non-cutting time — contact Blum-Novotest UK.

 

Where this shines

• Automotive series production: repeatable in-cycle checks support right-first-time output and long unattended runs. See Automotive on the UK site.
• Medical and aerospace: tight tolerances, expensive materials, zero appetite for rework.
• Palletised cells: probe on load, verify between rough and finish, log at the end. The cell keeps moving and operators focus on exceptions.

 

Next steps

Ready to cut the minutes between cuts? Talk to the Blum-Novotest UK team about a quick demo or short trial on your parts. If you need the full technical breakdown for approvals, you’ll find it here: TC50 | TC60 touch probes.