Mark:
The Renishaw system is a bit different than the Zeis. The scanning system from Renishaw is a SP600M scanning probe connected to a PH10M motorized index able probe head. I believe you can maintain the usefulness of the indexing capability of the head with the scanning probe connected. I have only seen it set up a couple of times. For a better look check out http://www.renishaw.com and view the information about the PH10 and SP600. Something that several companies can do now is a "patch" scan. Instead of maintaining constant contact with the part it will take points at defined increments. Say you want to "scan" the wheel. After your cad is loaded OR your external and internal boundaries are defined the machine will take points at whatever increments you would like in an array type pattern. It runs a lot slower than the continuous contact probes, but it is an option for you to consider. As far as the lab room accuracy, several companies now have a good handle on this as well. LK MSI in Brighton, MI unveiled a very affordable machine with lab room accuracy. It is the LK Ultra. Speaking from experience, there service response time is unparallel. LK DMIS, PC-DMIS and Virtual DMIS to name a few all have scanning available in the commands. With these softwares you can perform scans with regular touch probes similar to the method I described above. For bolt hole patterns PC-DMIS has a very cool cut and paste feature that will allow you to copy one feature and paste as many as you like in an array type pattern. I am sorry if I didn't answer your question very well, but I tried to include some useful information for you. Yes, scanning can be different depending on the probe you use, but it can also be better. If I have made any misrepresentations I am certain our colleagues will correct me and I apologize ahead of time. Best of luck to you.
Regards,
Terry W. Prather
Metrologist
BOSCH
AIRFLOW SYSTEMS GROUP
1613 Progress Dr.
Albion, IN 46701
Phone: (219)636-4299
Fax: (219)636-1106
E-Mail: mailto:terry.prather@us.bosch.com