Meetkop

Meetkop is a term used in metrology and manufacturing to denote the measurement head of a measuring instrument. It is the interchangeable component that carries the sensing elements—tactile probes, scanning sensors, or optical devices—through which a device gathers geometric data from a part or tool. The concept is most commonly encountered in coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), portable measurement arms, and optical scanning systems.

Etymology and usage: the word meets the Dutch roots “meet” (to measure) and “kop” (head), and is used in Dutch- and Afrikaans-speaking engineering contexts as well as in international metrology discussions that reference traditional naming conventions for probe hardware.

Configurations and sensors: meetkop assemblies come in several configurations, including tactile heads with various stylus lengths, scanning heads for rapid surface tracing, and optical heads using laser, chromatic confocal, or structured-light sensors. Some systems combine multiple sensing modalities in a single head to enable simultaneous measurements of different properties.

Construction and interfaces: measurement heads are designed as modular, interchangeable units that attach to a machine’s probe body or to a portable arm. They are connected via standardized quick-change interfaces, power, and data cables, and require calibration whenever a different head is installed to maintain measurement accuracy. Environmental factors and stylus configuration are important considerations during setup and use.

Applications and considerations: meetkop assemblies are essential for producing accurate geometrical data in quality control, tool and mold measurement, reverse engineering, and part inspection. Users must perform regular calibration, account for stylus length variations, and manage drift and thermal effects to ensure reliable results.

See also: Coordinate measuring machine, tactile probe, optical sensor, metrology.