Solution Proposal from Mitutoyo

Measuring Instrument Overview

What is a Coordinate Measuring Machine?

A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is a precision instrument used to measure the physical geometrical characteristics of an object. It operates by using a probe to contact the surface of the object at various points, recording precise coordinates (X, Y, and Z) for accurate dimensional measurement. The probes used in CMMs can vary depending on the application: a tactile probe makes contact with the object's surface, a scanning probe continuously measures a surface, an optical probe uses light to measure dimensions without physical contact, a laser probe utilizes laser beams for high-speed, non-contact measurement, and a roughness probe is designed to assess the surface texture and roughness. CMMs are widely used in manufacturing and quality control to ensure parts adhere to exact specifications, enabling detailed inspection and detection of defects.

 

There are different types of CMMs, such as:

 

• Manual CMM: These require an operator to manually move a probe to the points of interest on the part being measured.

• Motorized or Automated CMM: These are computer-controlled machines that automatically move the probe to the required points on the part, making the process faster and more precise.

• Portable CMM: These are smaller and can be moved to various locations, often used for larger parts or items that cannot be easily placed on a traditional CMM.

 

Common Applications:

• Inspection and quality control: Ensuring parts meet specifications and tolerances.

• Reverse engineering: Capturing the dimensions of existing parts for reproduction.

• Tooling and fixture design: Verifying that tools and fixtures are built to spec.

CNC Model

(Automatic Model)

Manual Model

Items Measurable with a Coordinate Measuring Machines

Key Point: A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) can perform a wide range of measurements with a single machine.

System Configuration

Benefits of Implementation

• Measurements that were previously unattainable are now possible (geometric tolerance, surface evaluation, etc). 

• Reduction of measurement work time
  ・Other tasks can be performed simultaneously during automatic measurement, enabling parallel progress.

• Easy to operate by anyone
  ・With automatic measurement, there is no difference in the measurement results regardless of the operator (CNC 3D Measuring Machine).
  ・Simply place the measurement object in the predetermined position and execute the measurement program (CNC 3D Measuring Machine).

• Reduction of dedicated jigs and gauges
  ・The evaluation content can be easily modified by switching the measurement program.

• Improvement of reliability
  ・Elimination of human error factors in quality control.
  ・Consistency of measurement data with suppliers (unification of measurement rules).

• Improved Corporate Image
  ・Facilitates the development of an advanced quality control system.
  ・Enhanced external trust by lowering defect rates.

Points to Consider When Selecting a Model

• Measuring machine body size
  ・The body size of the measuring machine must be larger than the measured object to accommodate the probe's measuring posture.

• Measurement accuracy
  ・Confirm the measurement error by substituting the measurement length into the formula described in the catalog.
         i.e.: ：Measurment error E_0,MPE＝（1.7＋3L/1000）μm　　L=Measurement Lenghth（mm）
                   if the desired length is 200 mm　...
                  →Measurement error ＝（1.7＋3×200/1000）＝2.3 μm
  ・Measurement accuracy of 1/5 or less of the required tolerance is desirable.

• Contact type/non-contact type

• Evaluation items
  Automatic or manual measurement, high-speed measurement, fine shape measurement, three-dimensional shape evaluation, etc.

• Installation environment
  ・Temperature and vibration can impact measurement results.
  ・Setting up a dedicated measurement enclosure may be necessary to ensure accuracy.

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Related Solutions and Applications

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