Chapter 5 - Basics of CMM

Basic concept of CMM – Types of CMM – Constructional features – Probes –

Accessories – Software – Applications – Basic concepts of Machine Vision
System – Element – Applications.

5.0.Concept of CMM

When we want to measure a line, we use standard instruments like Vernier or

micrometer. When the surface is large or when it involves complex shapes
like a circle with an undercut, or a combination of various features, it is difficult
to measure manually. In order to simplify and automate measurements, we
use a coordinate measuring machine.

In Analytical geometry, shapes are denoted by the positions occupied by its

corners or vertices. For example, consider a rectangular shape ABCD. It is
expressed by the position of its vertices A, B, C and D, with respect to an X-
axis and a Y-axis. Refer Fig.5.1. The positions are noted by the distance from
X axis and distance from Y axis.
These numerical representation of a point with respect to the two axes, is
called co-ordinates.
If we assume three axes, X, Y and Z, then any point in a three dimensional
object can be represented as a coordinate (x,y,z). The point that touches the
vertices is called a probe. There needs to be provisions to move the probe in
all three dimensions. Also, the initial position of the probe, must be made to
coincide with the meeting point (x=0, y=o, z=0) of all the three axes, The
movement of probe in all directions must be possible. This movement must be
traceable to its starting zero position. If such an arrangement is available, then
by moving the probe over an unknown object, the shape and size of the object
can be assessed electronically, using suitable software. Software can be
capable of producing the drawings required in CAD (Computer Assisted
Drawing) format. This is the principle of CMM.

5.1.CMM
CMM is an equipment capable of measuring the dimensions of any object in
three dimensions. Its objectives are
 to generate data points by probing the surface
 to compute the shape and dimensions
 to compare with a standard reference shape and dimension

A CMM has a probe that touches the sample to be measured at various

points. The movement of the probe in three mutually perpendicular directions
is enabled by three axes with capability to move perpendicular to each other.
Through such a mechanism, the moving probe can be used to collect the co-
ordinates of the discrete points that form the ends (vertices) of the sample
Using this data, software can be deployed to reconstruct the shape and size
of the sample using suitable algorithms.

Suitable scales enable estimating the position of the probe in terms of the
there axes (co-ordinates).

The main components of a CMM are

 Axial movement system
 probing system and
 software.

5.1.1.Axial movement system

The axial movement takes care of moving the probe around the object. The
probe touches and senses the object to be measured. The software
processes the data provided by the probe and gives output on the shape and
size of the object under study.

5.1.2.Probe

Refer Fig 5.2. The probe is the part that touches the sample. It has to always
maintain point contact , to avoid error in measurement. Hence, a ball
(spherical) shape is preferred. It should also be capable of withstanding the
force required to keep it pressed against the sample. Since it is to touch and
be pressed against the sample, the ball has to be stiff enough not to deform.
 If it deforms, then the
dimension being measured
will not be the actual
dimension. Also, it has to
move along the sample
while taking measurements.
This may cause wear and
tear .Hence the material of
the ball must be strong and
hard. To meet all these
requirements, probes are
normally spherical in shape
and made out of ceramics
like tungsten carbide.

A coordinate measuring machine can be used for inspection of parts in a

production line. The dimensional measurements are facilitated by a probe and
a software. The probe is the part that touches the object and provides
information on the X-Y coordinates of each points on the object being
measured.

5.1.2.1.Types of probes

Probes can be classified into two major types- contact (tactile) and non-
contact types.

A contact probe physically touches the object for measurements. A non-

contact probe does not have any physical contact with the object being
measured.

Contact probes are classified as

 hard, or fixed, probes,

 touch trigger probes and
 analog scanning probes,

Hard probes

These are probes that are manually operated by the operator, who brings teh
probe in contact with the point to be measured and then triggers a reading of
the position to be recorded. Software has input to adjust for the thickness of
the probe. for example, if a diameter is being read by a probe, then the value
is less by the radius of the probe. The software will automatically add the
radius of the probe to calculate the diameter.

Touch trigger probes:

These are probes that touch the object. Each touch produces a signal
indicating the X,Y,Z coordinates of the touch point. As the probe moves along
the corners of the object, the co ordinate positions are recorded by the
machine and its software can generate the possible shape of the object being
measured. The arrangement is such that the probe is made to touch all the
vital points to generate the shape.

The point being measured is indicated visibly by glowing of an LED light and
audibly by a beep sound. The probe head has multiple holding jaws, so that
several probes / stylus tips can be held in position and the head can be
rotated to select a given probe. This eliminates the need for manual
intervention in measurement.

Using a piezo electric system in the probe, can cause a signal whenever the
probe is deflected. This improves the accuracy of the readings by eliminating
the effect of stylus bending.

If a strain gauge is used, the defects due to varying contact angle of the probe
can be eliminated and signals can be triggered at constant force of contact.

Analog Scanning probes:

In this type, the probe continuously passes over (scans) the edge or surface
of the object This produces a continuous signal on the positions. So, all points
of deflection get noticed , generating the shape of the object being measured.
Since they continuously move, they are also called as displacement probes.
Such probes use LVDT (Liner variable differential transformer) for generating
the signals. These are called CAS (Continuous Analog Scanning) probes.

CAS probes can provide more data points and the image recreated will have
more accurate features. Hence it is popularly used for large sheet metal
automobile parts. Since the data is continuous, it is used in several
applications where the shape changes continuously- like the arc on a turbine

Noncontact probes

Laser probes

Proximity probes:

These are similar to displacement probes but are non contact type. They use
light or laser to scan the surface, instead of LVDT.
Vision probes

High speed video recording of the operation is done. The picture captured is
then compared with a preloaded image of the object stored in the computer.
Thus an object can be evaluated for its quality and acceptance level.

5.1.2.2.Mechanisms used in probes

Probes use various mechanisms to convert the physical movement into

electric signals. Any system that can take mechanical movement as input and
give electrical signal as output can be deployed. Some of them are

 kinematic or switching
 strain sensing
 piezoelectric
 LVDT
 optoelectronic
 laser triangulation
 capacitive
 video imaging

5.1.3.Software

Each CMM developer had their own software and strategy for dimensional
analysis and so when parts were transferred from one CMM to the other, the
data transfer was difficult. In order to overcome this issue, a Dimensional
Measuring Interface Standard (DMIS) has been created by The Consortium
for Advance Manufacturing International . This helps in transferring data from
one CMM to the other (communication between CMMs).

5.1.3.1. Features of CMM software

CMM software have the capacity to do the following

linear measurements on objects.

interpretation of the measurements to indicate possible forms / shapes. Data points

can be identified as type of gear or as a plane surface or as a spherical surface etc.

Providing info for statistical analysis of the process-either during measurements or

after a batch is over.

Taking commands for further action on how to measure .

communicating data measured to other processing units, like a computer. Present

measured data can be compared with stored data for decision on accept or reject.
Providing input to CAD as part of reverse engineering. Any object can be measured
and the CAD info needed for further production, can be directly generated. This is
called digitization of object.

5.1.4.Calibration of CMM
As in any measurement, in CMM also, calibration is essential.

Errors may occur due to the following factors

 different temperatures causing expansion in the probe and sleeve
housing.
 wrong strategy of analysing the data in the computer program.
 wear and tear due to long term use.
 not changing the probe on time
 misalignment of the axial movements

5.1.5.Uses of CMM
CMM is used for various measurements of dimensions, features, forms,
profiles and orientations.

Distances in two dimensions and angles are called "dimensions".

 A point, a hole, a centre point, a slot, a bore etc are called "features"
 Comparison with mutual values or among the measured values can
give information on how cylindrical it is (Cylindricity) etc. These are
called "forms".
 Measuring the shape outline like is called "profiles" -example-error in
flat surface (flatness ), how straight it is (straightness) and error in
round profile (roundness),)
 Checking features like parallelism, perpendicularity, concentricity,
angularity is called "orientation".

5.1.6.Measurement strategy:

Step1 - taking the readings

a)calibration of the probe- setting the reference point abut which readings are
going to be taken,
b) locating the probe at this point and setting this point as the zero reference
point for all further measurements.
c)keeping the sample to coincide with this zero reference point.
d)moving the probe around the sample and getting the readings.

Step 2- Processing the readings

Grouping the points generated into meaningful shape data by analytical

geometric principles applied to the measured co ordinates.

Step 3 Comparing the data

Checking the measured data with the previously loaded data and providing
information on deviations.

5.1.7.Computer aided manufacturing

Because it can check dimensions, it can be located in a shop floor and used
for checking the dimensions of product being manufactured and therefore for
quality control. Such an action , if done as part of the production process, is
called Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Such an action , if done as
part of the final inspection process, is called Computer Aided Inspection. (CAI)

5.2.Types of CMM

Depending on how the three directional movements are provided, there are
several types of CMM. Each has its own specific use.

5.2.1.Moving Bridge CMM

Refer Fig.5.3
Solid fixed table on which a bridge like
arm A can move in X direction. The
horizontal arm of the bridge has a slide
B that can slide along a railing running
parallel to the horizontal arm. A tool
holder C is attached to the slide B in
such a way that the tool holder can
move up and down. A can move in X
direction; B can move in Z direction; C
can move in Y direction. By a
combination of these three movements,
any point on the surface of the table can
be reached by the probe. Probe is
normally held by the tool holder.
5.2.2.Fixed Bridge CMM

Refer Fig.5.4.
Consider the Moving bridge CMM. The
bridge A is now fixed to the table base.
Instead, a small table is placed on the
large base and this small table is
capable of movement in X-Direction.
By fixing the vertical portion, the
stability of the bridge is improved . This
helps in reduced vibrations and better
sensitivity for the probing tool.
5.2.3.Cantilever CMM

Refer Fig.5.5.
In some cases, when the sample is too big
and requires one end of the CMM to be
open, we can go for a Cantilever type
CMM. In this type, X axis movement is
achieved by moving a Cantilever
horizontally, over a fixed wall. The Y-axis
movement is achieved by moving the probe
holder along the length of the cantilever.
The Z-axis movement is achieved by
moving the probe vertically along the probe
holder. By a combination of these three
movements, the probe can reach any spot
within the space of the table base.
cantilever . As can be seen, the absence of
machine obstruction on one side, provides
freedom to move the job easily.
5.2.4.Horizontal Arm CMM
Refer Fig.5.6.
In this type, all movements are
provided by a single pillar
mounted setup, thereby freeing
the entire space above the table
for easy loading and moving of
the sample. The pillar is similar to
the pillar in any drilling machine.
It has a rack along its axis. On
this rack, the horizontal arm is
mounted radially. Since the pillar
is cylindrical, the entire arm along
with the rack, can be rotated
about the pillar, on both sides. It
can be moved up and down.
Because of its radial movement,
the radial arm can cover the
entire area of the table, covering
both X and Y axes. Upward and
downward movement of the radial
arm about the pillar provides the
Z-direction movement.
5.2.5.Gantry CMM
Refer Fig.5.7.
When the parts are too big to be lifted,
it is better to have some set up that
can do the job, without lifting the
sample to a table. This is achieved by
Gantry type CMM. Two parallel
beams provide support and horizontal
movement along X-direction, for a
cross beam. The cross beam provides
support and horizontal movement in
Y-direction, for a probe holder. The
Probe can move up and down about
the probe holder in the Z-direction.

5.2.6.Column CMM

Refer Fig.5.8.
This is similar to a forging machine . A
solid table and integrated pillar form the
basic support. On the vertical pillar, the
probe holder is mounted and can be
moved up and down, along Z-axis. The
flat table fixed to the base can be
provided movement in two directions, X
and Y. As can be seen, the part to be
tested can be moved in X and Y
directions. The probe can be moved in
Z-direction.

It may be noted that , for simplicity sake, all sketches show only the basic
arrangement to obtain a particular set of relative movements. Each of these
movements can be achieved by motorised controls.

Summary

1. The numerical representation of a point with respect to the two axes of

a surface, is called co-ordinates

2. CMM is an equipment capable of measuring the dimensions of any

object in three dimensions. Its objectives are to generate data points by
probing the surface, to compute the shape and dimensions and to
compare with a standard reference shape and dimension
 3. The main components of a CMM are Axial movement system , probing
system and software.

4. The axial movement takes care of moving the probe around the object.
The probe touches and senses the object to be measured. The
software processes the data provided by the probe and gives output on
the shape and size of the object under study.

5. The probe is the part that touches the sample. The purpose of a probe
is to convert physical measurement into electrical signals.

6. Scanning probes, transmit information continuously, when they are

moved over a surface (scanning).

7. Non contact probes are similar to scanning probes, except that they do
the work without touching the object.

8. CMM is used for various measurements of dimensions, features,

forms, profiles and orientations

9. Depending on how the three directional movements are provided,

there are several types of CMM. Each has its own specific use.

Review Questions

2 marks

1. Define Machine tool metrology.

2. Give two uses of computers in the field of metrology?
3. Name the types of accuracy specifications used for CMM.

More marks

1. What is a CMM? Explain the different types of CMM. (12)

2. What are the major components of a CMM?explain.(8)
3. Explain the procedure to be used in measurement of various
dimensions of a typical component using a cantilever type CMM. (10)
4. Write short notes on probes used in CMM.(5)
5. How is a CMM calibrated? (5)
6. With the help of sketches explain the construction of any four types of
CMM. (16)