Renishaw RLP40 User manual

RLP40 radio lathe probe
Installation guide
H-5627-8504-07-B

Renishaw part no.: H-5627-8504-07-B
First issued: 02.2010
Revised: 04.2023
© 2010–2023 Renishaw plc. All rights reserved.
This document may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part, or transferred to any other media
or language, by any means, without the prior written permission of Renishaw plc.
Renishaw plc. Registered in England and Wales. Company no: 1106260. Registered office: New Mills,
Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8JR, UK.
Compliance information for this product is available by scanning the QR code or visiting
www.renishaw.com/mtpdoc

i
Contents
Before you begin .............................................................1.1
Disclaimer .................................................................1.1
Trade marks................................................................1.1
Warranty ..................................................................1.1
CNC machines .............................................................1.1
Care of the probe ...........................................................1.2
Patents ...................................................................1.2
RLP40 software notices ......................................................1.2
Intended use ...............................................................1.3
Safety ....................................................................1.3
RLP40 basics ................................................................2.1
Introduction ................................................................2.1
RLP40H ................................................................2.1
Getting started ...........................................................2.1
System interface..........................................................2.2
Trigger Logic™ ...........................................................2.2
Probe modes...............................................................2.2
Configurable settings.........................................................2.3
Switch-on / switch-off methods...............................................2.3
Enhanced trigger filter .....................................................2.4
Multiple probe mode.......................................................2.4
Acquisition mode .........................................................2.5
RLP40 dimensions ..........................................................2.6
RLP40 and RLP40H specification...............................................2.7
Typical battery life.........................................................2.8
System installation ...........................................................3.1
Installing the RLP40 with an RMI or RMI-Q .......................................3.1
Positioning the RLP40 and RMI or RMI-Q ......................................3.2
Performance envelope .....................................................3.2

RLP40 installation guide
ii
Contents
Preparing the RLP40 for use...................................................3.3
Fitting the stylus ..........................................................3.3
Installing the batteries .....................................................3.4
Mounting the probe on a shank ..............................................3.5
Stylus on-centre adjustment.................................................3.6
Stylus trigger force and adjustment (RLP40 only)...................................3.7
Calibrating the RLP40 ........................................................3.8
Why calibrate a probe? ....................................................3.8
Calibrating in a bored hole or on a turned diameter...............................3.8
Calibrating in a ring gauge or on a datum sphere ................................3.8
Calibrating the probe length .................................................3.9
Trigger Logic™ ...............................................................4.1
Reviewing the probe settings ..................................................4.1
Multiple probe mode settings ..................................................4.2
Probe settings record ........................................................4.3
Changing the probe settings ...................................................4.4
RLP40 – RMI partnership .....................................................4.6
RLP40 – RMI-Q partnership ...................................................4.7
Operating mode.............................................................4.8
Maintenance .................................................................5.1
Maintenance ...............................................................5.1
Cleaning the probe ..........................................................5.1
Changing the batteries .......................................................5.2
RLP40 eyelid ...............................................................5.4
Fault-finding .................................................................6.1
Parts list .....................................................................7.1

1.1
Before you begin
Disclaimer
WHILE CONSIDERABLE EFFORT WAS MADE TO VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THIS DOCUMENT
AT PUBLICATION, ALL WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND LIABILITY,
HOWSOEVER ARISING, ARE EXCLUDED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
RENISHAW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THIS DOCUMENT AND TO THE
EQUIPMENT, AND/OR SOFTWARE AND THE SPECIFICATION DESCRIBED HEREIN WITHOUT
OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF SUCH CHANGES.
Trade marks
RENISHAW® and the probe symbol are registered trade marks of Renishaw plc. Renishaw
product names, designations and the mark ‘apply innovation’ are trade marks of Renishaw plc or its
subsidiaries.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
AppStore is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Other brand, product or company names are trade marks of their respective owners.
Warranty
Unless you and Renishaw have agreed and signed a separate written agreement, the equipment
and/or software are sold subject to the Renishaw Standard Terms and Conditions supplied with such
equipment and/or software, or available on request from your local Renishaw office.
Renishaw warrants its equipment and software for a limited period (as set out in the Standard Terms
and Conditions), provided that they are installed and used exactly as defined in associated Renishaw
documentation. You should consult these Standard Terms and Conditions to find out the full details of
your warranty.
Equipment and/or software purchased by you from a third-party supplier is subject to separate terms
and conditions supplied with such equipment and/or software. You should contact your third-party
supplier for details.
CNC machines
CNC machine tools must always be operated by fully-trained personnel in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

RLP40 installation guide
1.2
Before you begin
Care of the probe
Keep system components clean and treat the probe as a precision tool.
Patents
Features of the RLP40 and RLP40H, and other similar Renishaw products, are the subject of one or
more of the following patents and/or patent applications:
CN 100466003
CN 101482402
EP 1425550
EP 1457786
EP 1576560
EP 1804020
EP 1931936
EP 2216761
IN 215787
WO 2004/057552
JP 4575781
JP 5238749
JP 5390719
KR 1001244
TW I333052
US 7285935
US 7665219
US 7821420
US 9140547
RLP40 software notices
The RLP40 and RLP40H product includes embedded software (firmware) to which the following
notices apply:
US government notice
NOTICE TO UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CONTRACT AND PRIME CONTRACT CUSTOMERS
This software is commercial computer software that has been developed by Renishaw exclusively
at private expense. Notwithstanding any other lease or licence agreement that may pertain to, or
accompany the delivery of, this computer software, the rights of the United States Government and/or
its prime contractors regarding its use, reproduction and disclosure are as set forth in the terms of the
contract or subcontract between Renishaw and the United States Government, civilian federal agency
or prime contractor respectively. Please consult the applicable contract or subcontract and the software
licence incorporated therein, if applicable, to determine your exact rights regarding use, reproduction
and/or disclosure.
Renishaw software EULA
Renishaw software is licensed in accordance with the Renishaw licence at:
www.renishaw.com/legal/softwareterms

1.3
Before you begin
Intended use
The RLP40 and RLP40H are radio lathe probes that enable automated workpiece inspection and job
set-up on multi-tasking machines and lathes.
Safety
Information to the user
This product is supplied with non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Refer to the battery
manufacturer’s literature for specific battery operating, safety and disposal guidelines.
• Do not attempt to recharge the batteries.
• Replace the batteries only with the specified type.
• Do not mix new and used batteries in the product.
• Do not mix different types or brands of batteries in the product.
• Ensure that all batteries are inserted with the correct polarity in accordance with the instructions in
this manual and indicated on the product.
• Do not store the batteries in direct sunlight.
• Do not expose the batteries to water.
• Do not expose the batteries to heat or dispose of the batteries in a fire.
• Avoid forced discharge of the batteries.
• Do not short circuit the batteries.
• Do not disassemble, apply excessive pressure, pierce, deform or subject the batteries to impact.
• Do not swallow the batteries.
• Keep the batteries out of the reach of children.
• If the batteries are swollen or damaged do not use them in the product and exercise caution when
handling them.
• Dispose of waste batteries in accordance with your local environmental and safety laws.
Ensure that you comply with international and national battery transport regulations when transporting
the batteries or this product with the batteries inserted. Lithium metal batteries are classified as
dangerous goods for transportation and require labelling and packaging in accordance with the
dangerous goods regulations before being offered for transportation. To reduce the risk of shipment
delays, should you need to return this product for any reason, do not return any batteries.
In all applications involving the use of machine tools, eye protection is recommended.
The RLP40 has a glass window. Handle with care if broken to avoid injury.

RLP40 installation guide
1.4
Before you begin
Information to the machine supplier/installer
It is the machine supplier’s responsibility to ensure that the user is made aware of any hazards
involved in operation, including those mentioned in Renishaw product literature, and to ensure that
adequate guards and safety interlocks are provided.
If the probe system fails, the probe signal may falsely indicate a probe seated condition. Do not rely on
probe signals to halt the movement of the machine.
Information to the equipment installer
All Renishaw equipment is designed to comply with the relevant UK, EU and FCC regulatory
requirements. It is the responsibility of the equipment installer to ensure that the following guidelines
are adhered to, in order for the product to function in accordance with these regulations:
• Any interface MUST be installed in a position away from any potential sources of electrical noise,
(for example power transformers, servo drives).
• All 0V/ground connections should be connected to the machine “star point” (the “star point” is a
single point return for all equipment ground and screen cables).This is very important and failure to
adhere to this can cause a potential difference between grounds.
• All screens must be connected as outlined in the user instructions.
• Cables must not be routed alongside high current sources (for example, motor power supply
cables), or be near high-speed data lines.
• Cable lengths should always be kept to a minimum.
Equipment operation
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.

2.1
RLP40 basics
Introduction
At only 40mm diameter, the compact RLP40 job set-up and inspection probe sets industry standards
for functionality, reliability and robustness in the harshest of machine tool environments.
The RLP40 forms part of Renishaw’s family of new generation radio transmission probes. It is ideally
suited to multi-tasking machines and lathes where line-of-sight between probe and receiver is difficult
to achieve or where Z travel is limited.
The RLP40 complies with FCC regulations and operates in the 2.4 GHz band. It delivers interference-
free transmission through the use of frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), which allows
several systems to operate in the same machine shop without risk of cross-interference.
All RLP40 settings are configured using Trigger Logic™. This technique enables the user to review and
subsequently change probe settings by deflecting the stylus whilst observing the LED display.
Configurable settings are:
• Radio on / Radio off
• Radio on / Timer off
• Spin on / Spin off
• Spin on / Timer off
• Filter on / Filter off
• Multiple probe mode on / Multiple probe mode off
RLP40H
The RLP40H variant is configured with high stylus trigger forces, making it particularly suitable for
application on machines that produce high levels of shock and vibration.
Getting started
Three multicolour LEDs provide visual indication of selected probe settings.
For example:
• Switch-on and switch-off methods
• Probe status – triggered or seated
• Battery condition

RLP40 installation guide
2.2
RLP40 basics
Batteries are inserted or removed as shown (for more information, see page 3.4, “Installing the
batteries”).
On insertion of batteries, the LEDs will begin to flash (for more information, see page 4.1,
“Reviewing the probe settings”).
System interface
The RMI and RMI-Q integrated interfaces/receivers are used to communicate between the RLP40
probe and the machine controller.
Trigger Logic™
Trigger Logic (for more information, see page 4.1, “Reviewing the probe settings”) is a method
that allows the user to view and select all available mode settings in order to customise a probe to suit
a specific application. Trigger Logic is activated by battery insertion and uses a sequence of stylus
deflections (triggering) to systematically lead the user through the available choices to allow selection
of the required mode options.
A Trigger Logic app is available that simplifies this process with clear, interactive instructions and
informative videos and is available for download on the following stores:
or
Current probe settings can be reviewed by removing the batteries for a minimum of 5 seconds, and
replacing them to activate the Trigger Logic review sequence (for more information, see page4.1,
“Reviewing the probe settings”).
Probe modes
The RLP40 probe can be in one of three modes:
Standby mode: where the probe is awaiting a switch-on signal.
Operational mode: when activated by one of the switch-on methods, the probe is switched on and
ready for use.
Configuration mode: where Trigger Logic may be used to configure the probe settings.

2.3
RLP40 basics
Configurable settings
Switch-on / switch-off methods
The following switch-on / switch-off options are user-configurable.
• Radio on / Radio off
• Radio on / Timer off
• Spin on / Spin off
• Spin on / Timer off
RLP40 switch-on method
Switch-on options are
configurable
RLP40 switch-off method
Switch-off options are
configurable
Switch-on time
Radio on
Radio switch on is commanded by
machine input.
Radio off
Radio switch off is commanded by
machine input. A timer automatically
switches the probe off 90 minutes
after the last trigger if it is not turned
off by machine input.
Timer off (timeout)
Timeout will occur 12, 33 or
134seconds (user-configurable) after
the last probe trigger or reseat.
1 second maximum
NOTE: This
assumes a good
radio communication
link. In a poor radio
frequency (RF)
environment this may
rise to a maximum of
3 seconds.
Spin on
Spin at 500 r/min for 1 second
minimum (6 seconds maximum).
Spin off
Spin at 500 r/min for 1 second
minimum (6 seconds maximum).
A timer automatically switches the
probe off 90 minutes after the last
trigger if it is not spun.
Timer off (timeout)
Timeout will occur 12, 33 or
134seconds (user-configurable) after
the last probe trigger or reseat.
2 seconds maximum.
NOTE: The 2
seconds starts from
the moment the
spindle reaches
500r/min.
NOTE: After being switched on, the RLP40 must be on for 1 second minimum. When using spinon /
spinoff, ensure that the probe is stationary for 1 second minimum after it has stopped spinning before
using spin on.

RLP40 installation guide
2.4
RLP40 basics
Enhanced trigger filter
Probes subjected to high levels of vibration or shock loads may output signals without having
contacted any surface. The enhanced trigger filter improves the probe’s resistance to these effects.
When the filter is enabled, a constant 10 ms delay is introduced to the probe’s output.
The RLP40 is factory-set to trigger filter off.
NOTE: It may be necessary to reduce the probe approach speed to allow for the increased stylus
overtravel during the extended time delay.
Multiple probe mode
The RLP40 can be configured, using Trigger Logic, to allow multiple radio probes to be used with a
single RMI or RMI-Q.
NOTES:
The “radio on” switch-on method cannot be used in “multiple probe mode”. “Multiple probe
mode” will not appear as an option if the “radio on” option has been selected.
RLP40 probes which are set to “multiple probe mode on” can coexist alongside any number of
RLP40 probes set to “multiple probe mode off”.
To allow multiple radio probes to work in close proximity, and with a single RMI or RMI-Q, 16 choices
of “mode on” colours are available, each representing a different machine tool installation; for more
information, see page 4.2, “Multiple probe mode settings”.
All probes operating with a single RMI or RMI-Q must be set to the same “mode on” colour choice;
any multiple probes located on adjacent machines must all be set to an alternative “mode on” colour
choice.
Only one probe per “mode on” colour choice needs to be partnered with the RMI or RMI-Q as, by
configuring multiple probes to a single “mode on” colour choice, all probes using this “mode on”
colour choice will have the same identity. The probe to be partnered is partnered after selecting the
“multiple probe mode” setting and choosing the “mode on” option; for more information, see page
4.4, “Changing the probe settings”.
There is no limit to the number of probes that can be used with a single RMI or RMI-Q as long as they
all have the same “mode on” colour choice.
All RLP40 probes are factory-set to “mode off”.
The addition of any further probe(s) into a single probe installation will require that all probes are
reconfigured to the same “mode on” colour choice and that one of the probes is repartnered with the
RMI or RMI-Q.
The addition of any further probe(s), or replacements, into a multi-probe installation can be achieved
through the reconfiguration of the probe to the same “mode on” colour choice.

2.5
RLP40 basics
Acquisition mode
System set-up is achieved by using Trigger Logic and powering-on the RMI or RMI-Q, or applying
ReniKey. Partnering is only required during initial system set-up. Further partnering will be required if
the RLP40, RMI or RMI-Q is changed.
NOTES:
Systems using the RMI-Q can be partnered with up to four RLP40 probes manually. Alternatively this
can be achieved by using ReniKey: a Renishaw machine macro cycle which does not require the
RMI-Q to be power cycled.
For more information or to download ReniKey free of charge visit:
www.renishaw.com/mtpsupport/renikey
Partnering by ReniKey is not available for RMI.
Partnering will not be lost by reconfiguring the probe settings or changing the batteries, except where
“multiple probe mode” is selected. Partnering can take place anywhere within the operating envelope.

RLP40 installation guide
2.6
RLP40 basics
RLP40 dimensions
Stylus overtravel limits
Stylus length ±X/±Y Z
50 (1.97) 12 (0.47) 6 (0.24)
100 (3.94) 22 (0.87) 6 (0.24)
Dimensions given in mm (in)
50 (1.97) 19 (0.75)
12.5°
12.5°
58.3 (2.30)
51 (2.01)
Ø40 (1.57)
A range of probe-ready shanks
is available from Renishaw
Battery cassette
Probe status LED
Window
XY overtravel
M4 stylus

2.7
RLP40 basics
RLP40 and RLP40H specification
Principal application Workpiece inspection and job set-up on multi-tasking machines and
lathes.
Dimensions Length
Diameter
58.3 mm (2.30 in)
40 mm (1.57 in)
Weight (without shank) With batteries
Without batteries
260 g (9.17 oz)
240 g (8.47 oz)
Transmission type Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio
Radio frequency 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz
Switch-on methods Radio M-code, spin
Switch-off methods Radio M-code, spin, timeout
Spindle speed (maximum) 1000 r/min
Operating range Up to 15 m (49.2 ft)
Receiver/interface RMI or RMI-Q combined antenna, interface and receiver unit
Sense directions Omni-directional ±X, ±Y, +Z
Unidirectional
repeatability
Maximum 2σvalue in any
direction
RLP40
1.00 µm (40 µin) 2σ 1
RLP40H
2.00 µm (80 µin) 2σ 1
Stylus trigger force 2 3
XY low force
XY high force
Z
0.60 N, 61 gf (2.15 ozf)
0.97 N, 99 gf (3.49 ozf)
6.23 N, 635 gf (22.41 ozf)
1.58 N, 161 gf (5.68 ozf)
3.17 N, 323 gf (11.40 ozf)
10.62 N, 1083 gf (38.20 ozf)
Maximum setting:
XY low force
XY high force
Z
0.83 N, 85 gf (2.99 ozf)
1.60 N, 163 gf (5.76 ozf)
10.00 N, 1020 gf (35.97 ozf)
Not applicable
Minimum setting:
XY low force
XY high force
Z
0.30 N, 31 gf (1.08 ozf)
0.60 N, 61 gf (2.16 ozf)
4.00 N, 408 gf (14.39 ozf)
Not applicable
Stylus overtravel
XY plane
+Z plane
±12.5°
6 mm (0.24 in)
±12.0°
5 mm (0.20 in)
1Performance specification is tested at a standard test velocity of 480 mm/min (18.9 in/min) with a 50 mm stylus.
Significantly higher velocity is possible depending on application requirements.
2Trigger force, which is critical in some applications, is the force exerted on the component by the stylus when the probe
triggers. The maximum force applied will occur after the trigger point (overtravel). The force value depends on related
variables including measuring speed, machine deceleration and system latency.
3These are the factory settings; manual adjustment is not possible on the RLP40H.

RLP40 installation guide
2.8
RLP40 basics
Spin switch on Radio switch on
Continuous use
Standby life 5% usage
(72 minutes/day) Standby life 5% usage (72 minutes/day)
240 days 150 days 290 days 170 days 450 hours
Typical battery life
Environment IP rating IPX8, BS EN 60529:1992+A2:2013
IK rating IK02 (BS EN 62262:2002+A1:2021) [for
glass window]
Storage temperature −25 °C to +70 °C (−13 °F to +158 °F)
Operating temperature +5 °C to +55 °C (+41 °F to +131 °F)
Battery types 2 × ½AA 3.6 V lithium-thionyl chloride (LTC)
Battery reserve life Approximately one week after a low battery warning is first given (based
on 5% usage)
Low battery indication Blue ashing LED in conjunction with normal red or green probe status
LED
Dead battery indication Constant or ashing red
Typical battery life See the table below

3.1
System installation
Installing the RLP40 with an RMI or RMI-Q
Section 3, “System installation”
Radio transmission does not require line-of-sight between the probe and interface as it will pass
through very small gaps and machine tool windows. This allows easy installation, either inside or
outside the machine enclosure.
Coolant and swarf residue accumulating on the RLP40 and RMI or RMI-Q may have a detrimental
effect on transmission performance. Wipe clean as often as is necessary to maintain unrestricted
transmission.
When operating, do not cover the probe glass window, RMI, or RMI-Q with your hands, as this will
affect the performance.
RLP40 inspection
probe
RMI/RMI-Q
interface
Mounting
bracket
CNC
machine
controller
Cable
Workpiece
Stylus
Lathe turret

RLP40 installation guide
3.2
System installation
Typical plot at +20 °C (+68 °F)
360° around probe axis in m (ft)
Positioning the RLP40 and RMI or RMI-Q
The probe system should be positioned so that the optimum range can be achieved over the full travel
of the machine’s axes. Always face the front cover of the RMI or RMI-Q in the general direction of the
machining area and the tool magazine, ensuring both are within the performance envelope shown
below. To assist in finding the optimum position of the RMI or RMI-Q, the signal quality is displayed on
an RMI or RMI-Q signal LED.
NOTE: Installing the RLP40 and RMI or RMI-Q with the RLP40 in “radio-on” conguration
The RLP40 has a built-in “hibernation mode” (battery-saving mode) that saves battery life when the
RMI or RMI-Q is unpowered in “radio-on” (radio-off or timer-off) congurations. The RLP40 goes into
“hibernation mode” 30 seconds after the RMI or RMI-Q is unpowered (or the RLP40 is out of range).
When in “hibernation mode”, the RLP40 checks for a powered RMI or RMI-Q every 30 seconds. If
found, the RLP40 goes from “hibernation mode” to “standby mode”, ready for “radio-on”.
Performance envelope
The RLP40 and RMI or RMI-Q must be within each other’s performance envelope, as shown below.
The performance envelope shows line-of-sight performance, however, radio transmission does not
require this, as any reflected radio paths will be less than the 15 m (49.2 ft) operating range.
75°
60°
45°
30°
15°
0°
15°
30°
45°
60°
75° 90° 75°
60°
45°
30°
15°
0°
15°
45°
60°
75°
75°
60°
45°
30°
30°
45°
60° 75°
10 (33)
15 (49)
15°
0°
15°
30°
5 (16)
10 (33)
15 (49)
RLP40
RMI
RMI-Q
Operating and switch-on / switch-off
5 (16)

1
2
3.3
System installation
Preparing the RLP40 for use
Fitting the stylus
M-5000-3707
1.8 Nm – 2.2 Nm
(1.3 lbf.ft – 1.6 lbf.ft)

RLP40 installation guide
3.4
System installation
Installing the batteries
NOTES:
See Section 5, “Maintenance”, for a list of suitable battery types.
If dead batteries are inadvertently inserted, the LEDs will remain a constant red.
Do not allow coolant or debris to enter the battery compartment. When inserting batteries, check that
the battery polarity is correct.
After the batteries have been inserted, the LEDs will display the current probe settings (see page
4.1, “Reviewing the probe settings”, for further information).
1
4
Remove the battery
isolation device from the
battery compartment
before use.
2
3