A major factor in the evolution of the CMM has been the Renishaw touch trigger probe and other forms of inspection probes. Renishaw innovations, such as the motorized probe head and automatic probe changer paved the way for automated CNC inspection. Renishaw 3-D touch probes feature a sensor capable of rapid, accurate inspection with low trigger force. Their full range of precision probes, styli, and accessories for CMMs is unequaled throughout the world.

While touch-trigger probes gather discrete points on the surface, scanning probes acquire vast quantities of surface data, providing a clearer picture of the form and shape of the workpiece. Scanning is therefore ideal for measurement applications where the form of a feature is a significant element of the overall tolerance, or where complex surfaces must be inspected.

Motorized indexing heads, such as Renishaw's PH10 range, enable the probe to be orientated to 720 repeatable positions. Combined with extension bars of up to 300mm, they give accessibility to the most difficult-to-reach workpiece features. A motorized head gives a DCC machine the added capability of probe reorientation, allowing the probe to inspect features at the optimum angle, considering access requirements and probing best practice.