CMM, Coordinate Measuring Machine Analysis

A coordinate measuring machine, also known as a CMM for short, is a piece of equipment that measures the geometry of physical objects. CMMs use a probing system to detect hidden spots on the surfaces of objects.

The first CMM was produced in the early 1960s. This first two-axis CMM used a 3D tracking device with a simple digital readout that displayed XYZ positions. Three-axis models were then developed in the late 1960s.

Coordinate measuring machines are often used to analyze a part or assembly to determine if it fits the original design intent. These machines are integrated into quality assurance or quality control workflows to control the dimensions of manufactured components to prevent or solve quality issues.

The main advantages of using coordinate measuring machines over manual inspections or controls with traditional metrology instruments such as micrometers and altimeters are: accuracy, speed, and reduction of human error.

Today's manufacturers are under greater pressure to increase efficiency, offer just-in-time delivery schedules, and accelerate time-to-market. The speed and efficiency of a coordinate measuring machine are therefore critical.

However, deadlocks on coordinate measuring machines are often due to the volume of work required by a limited number of qualified metrologists. These machines need to be configured for each type of component or subassembly to be evaluated, and CMM programming times significantly extend inspections.

Conventional CMMs equipped with CMM probes are slow and not suitable for measuring complex shapes efficiently. Newer CMMs with CMM sensors tend to speed up inspection processes, but they still need to be run by experts.

That's why manufacturers are increasingly looking for inspection technologies, such as innovative optical coordinate measuring machines, that keep up with the high speed and stringent quality assurance and quality control standards required in demanding production environments.

Our organization also provides CMM, coordinate measuring machine analysis services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.