VTube-LASER Tactile Probe Measuring and 7-Axis Versus 6-Axis HEXAGON Arms

Customers seek our advice on the difference between the 7-axis and 6-axis HEXAGON arms when using VTube-LASER in tactile mode.

Executive Summary: Choosing a 7-axis arm, despite its higher cost, provides a significantly better user experience. We do not recommend a 6-axis arm for measuring tubes. Both arms are accurate using ball probes. However, the 7-axis arm will provide a significantly better long-term experience along with upgradability.

Advantages of 7-Axis Arms

Details

Advantage 1

There is added articulation with a pistol grip.

We have used them both, and would much rather use the 7-axis arm with a grip when measuring with the ball probe.

The 7-axis arm offers a better experience due to its pistol grip.

You can see us using a 7-axis arm with the grip in the video.

The 6-axis does not have a pistol grip, and it lacks the flexibility of the seventh axis.

See a user holding the 6-axis knuckle.

Advantage 2

With a 7-axis arm, you can upgrade to an AS-1 scanner later.

With a 6-axis arm, you cannot add an AS-1 scanner later.

AS-1 Scanner

This scanner is recommended because it has significantly superior scanning quality.

HP-L-8.9 Scanner

This scanner is not recommended because it has poor scanning quality compared to an AS-1. Additionally, the absence of the seventh axis makes articulating around a tube shape particularly challenging.

We have had customers purchase 6-axis arms with the scanner to save money, only to immediately regret not buying the 7-axis arm with the better scanner.