TYPES OF CMM INSPECTION &
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
WHAT IS A COORDINATE
MEASURING MACHINE?
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• A coordinate measuring machine is an instrument that is used
to collect measurements of three-dimensional objects.
• A CMM consists of a structure that moves in three dimensions, a probe
attached to the structure, and computer control and/or recording system.
• All coordinate measuring machines operate in the same way: the probe
touches points on the object to be measured, and the position of the
structure recorded.
• Each measurement point is described by X, Y, and Z coordinates. All
the measured points for a single object are combined into a 3D CAD
file known as a point cloud. The point cloud can be compared to a 3D design
drawing to determine if the object has been manufactured to the correct
dimensions.
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TYPES OF CMM’S
• Articulating Arm
A
• r Horizontal
m Arm
• Bridge
• Cantilever
• Gantry
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• These compact, versatile CMM’s consist of a vertical post with
multiple articulating segments and up to 8 axes of movement.
• A probe is mounted to an articulating joint at the end of the arm,
and they often have a laser scanning apparatus allowing for the
use of either or both at the same time. Articulating Arm
• The articulating joints allow the probe or scanner to be angled to
collect measurements in hard to reach areas. These machines
are manipulated by hand to place the probe or scanner at the
point to be measured.
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• A probe is mounted on a rotating joint at the end of the arm. The
arms can be extended or retracted from the base in any direction and
will also pivot about the base, allowing for measurements in three axes.
• However, for some configurations, the probe is capable of traversing
perpendicular to the base on a horizontal arm, providing a third Horizontal Arm
measurement axis.
• This type of CMM is often fully computer-controlled, allowing them
to measure, record, and evaluate data without operator intervention. A
joystick for manual operation can control some machines. Accuracy is
typically better than an articulating arm CMM, but it suffers somewhat
from an inherent lack of rigidity in the cantilevered design.
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• Bridge machines are the most common type of CMM. These
machines are typically benchtop or floor-mounted and comprised
of a granite measurement table, a “bridge” structure that moves
horizontally above the table, a vertical beam that moves along the
bridge structure as well as vertically, and a probe mounted to the
bottom of the vertical beam via a rotary joint. Bridge
• The bridge traverse movement function is typically driven from
one side only and equipped with air bearings to minimize
friction.
• Bridge CMM’s can be manually controlled or fully
automated. The rigid bridge structure makes this the most
accurate type of CCM, and temperature compensation is often
available.
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• A cantilever type CMM is similar to a bridge-style machine,
but with only one support to allow easier access to the
measuring table.
Cantilever &
• The largest CMM’s are gantry type. These machines are
mounted on custom foundations and installed in
Gantry
bespoke climate-controlled buildings. The layout is similar to
bridge machines. Accessibility and the ability to measure very
large parts are the primary advantages of a gantry CMM.
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CMM OPERATING
PRINCIPLES
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• CMM’s use linear scales (sometimes called linear encoders) to measure
translation movements in the X, Y, and Z axes. These scales can operate on
a variety of principles, but generally consist of a strip that encodes position
ENCODERS information and a sensor that reads the strip. Common types of encoding
are optical, magnetic, capacitive, inductive, and eddy current.
• Rotary encoders operate on the same principles as linear encoders, and
they are used to monitor the angles of articulating joints. From the encoder
angle and known member lengths, trigonometry is used to calculate the
probe position. Coordinates are adjusted to provide the proper X, Y, Z
coordinates for the measurement.
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• CMM probes are often touch-triggered, collecting a measurement point every
time they touch a surface. A typical probe tip consists of a spherical
ruby mounted to the end of a thin stylus. When the probe touches a
surface, it transfers pressure through the stylus to a sensor within the probe
body, triggering a measurement.
• More sophisticated machines have scanning probes that drag across the
PROBES surface to be measured, collecting measurement points at pre-programmed
intervals.
• In some cases, contact probes can be replaced with optical scanning probes.
These scanning probes use reflections of light to triangulate measurement
points on the object’s surface. Recently, advances in technology have
allowed optical scanners to increase in accuracy and range. As a result, stand-
alone optical scanners are replacing CMM’s for some applications.
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USE OF CMM’S
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• CMM’s are used for various purposes, including
quality inspection, field inspection, creation of drawings for existing
equipment, and measurement of worn parts for refurbishment.
• CMM’s can quickly and accurately obtain measurements for many geometrical
features that would otherwise be very difficult to measure.
• Operation and programming of coordinate measurement machines
are typically conducted by someone who has received specific training for that
purpose. Training materials and courses relating to CMM
operation are commonly available from the equipment manufacturer.
• Since CMM operators are often checking the dimensions of a part against a
drawing or design, the ability to read technical drawings and knowledge of
geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, or GD&T, is essential for these
personnel.
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