Coordinate Measurement Machine CMM Review

Quality and Inspection Process Knowledge

Coordinate measurement machines CMM's are electromechanical machines designed to measure the coordinates of surface elements on a work piece. Coordinate measurement machines are typically used in dimensional and tolerance verification measurement. CMM dimensional measurement capabilities include, position, perpendicularity, parallelism, angularity, profile of a surface, profile of a line, straightness, flatness, circularity ( roundness ), cylindricity, symmetry, concentricity, total / circular runnout, and datum qualification.

Modern CMM's are equipped with advanced features such as crash or impact detection systems, which protect delicate measurement probes and hardware. Other features include manual controls, CAD generated model import / export, programmable and automated measurement capabilities, digitizing, and imaging.

Coordinate measuring machines CMM's are available in a wide range of sizes, configurations, and measurement accuracy. CMM's use touch probing methodology to digitize coordinate location on a work piece. A wide range on probe configurations and shapes are available to access complex geometries. CMM probe velocity may also vary from manufacturer and can have an effect on accuracy.