Advance Measuring Instruments

1. Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Introduction:
A coordinate measuring machine, also known as CMM, is a device uses a sensitive electronic
probe to measure the geometry of physical parts through sensing discrete points on the surface of
objects. The purpose is to test if the part is conforming to the required specifications. A
coordinate measuring machine is usually composed of the main structure (includes X, Y and Z
axes), probing system, data collection, and reduction system. A combination of granite and
aluminum is the widely used material of CMM due to the stiffness to weight ratio. There are
many types of probes that can be used in CMM, like mechanical, optical, laser and white light.
The position of probes can be controlled manually or automatically (CNC). CMM can offer
accurate inspection results for complex parts in a short time.

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 Construction of Coordinate Measuring Machine

➢ Computer system:
A computer is used to store the programs in it and send it to the control unit We can change
the program directly in the computer if required.

➢ Control unit;
This controls the machine to the Programs Designed.

➢ Probe Head:
The Probe Head is used to carry the Probe Tool.

➢ Table:
This is to carry the Object and moves according to the work.

Working of Coordinate Measuring Machine

Three coordinates is the 3D coordinate measuring machine, it refers to the measurable in 3D
space range, according to the data measured by probe, through the software system to calculate
all kinds of geometry shape, size and other parameters.

Three coordinates measuring instrument can be defined as a kind of detector that can be moved
to 3 directions, can be moved along three perpendicular guide rail. This detector transfer signals
through contact or non-contact type.
.
The basic principle of coordinate measuring machine is putting the parts to be tested in the
allowed range, measuring the coordinates of the points on the work-piece surface accurately,

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processing these values through measuring software, best fitting form measuring elements, such
as round, ball, cylindrical, cone, curve and so on, through mathematical calculation method to get
the geometric shape and position tolerances and other data.

Types of Coordinate Measuring Machine

Before choosing a CMM machine, you need to know about the different types of measuring
machine. All CMMs have three orthogonal axes, X, Y and Z, but in varying structures.

➢ Bridge CMM Machine:

The bridge-type coordinate measuring machine is the most popular style. The typical 3D bridge
CMM machine allows the probe to move along X, Y and Z, which are orthogonal to each other,
each axis has a sensor for monitoring the probe position, usually with micrometer precision.
When the probe contacts the object, the machine samples the three sensors, then measuring the
location of one point on the surface. And repeat the process until generating an area that
describes the surface. Bridge machines offer better accuracy than other types of coordinate
measuring machines and have a low cost and ability to maintain accuracy and repeatability.

➢ Gantry CMM machine:

Gantry type coordinate measuring machines have similar structures to bridge machine, but it’s
primarily used to measure large and heavy parts. Most gantry machines are directly mounted on
the floor, which is safe setup allows the programmer to easily walk up to the part and make the
operation more conveniently. The operator can access the machine in unrestricted, make small
features that can be measured carefully. In addition, the surface plates for smaller components
are easily inserted into the gantry machine, decrease the difficulty of measurement and
complexity.

➢ Horizontal Arm CMM Machine:

Horizontal Arm type machine has a different configuration where a vertical column (X-axis) and
a horizontal arm (Z) mounted on a saddle that runs vertically up and down the X-axis. The Y-
axis is the length of a surface plate or a long beam. There are two basic types: plate mounted and
two run way mounted. Horizontal arm CMM offers a lower accuracy than the three above
CMMs, but it is useful for measuring large surfaces or difficult to reach features including large
thin-walled/sheet-metal type components mounted in fixtures that represent car body position,
like car door.

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 Applications of Coordinate Measuring Machine

Coordinate measuring machine at present is not only a kind of laboratory measurement

instrument, but is widely used in machining and assembly workshop. In the automotive industry
the CMM is the necessary measuring tool of product quality assurance and quality control. The
Application of coordinate measuring machine in practice is mainly reflected in the following
aspects:

➢ Product quality inspection:

Due to product processing shape becomes more and more complicated, higher and higher
precision, the CMM gradually become the main fixture of the product quality inspection. It is
used to issue all machining dimension inspection to ensure to provide qualified products to next
working procedure. In each processing procedure, as long as there is a status change should send
for CMM detection, such as replacement of tool, machining time or program. For extremely
complex mechanical parts, traditional fixture already cannot satisfy the requirement of quality
control, at the same time the processing and design of gauge becoming a difficult problem
because of the complexity of the processing, so the coordinate measuring machine become the
main means of quality inspection.

➢ Understand the adjustment status of the equipment:

If the measurement results show that the processing of parts size are biased towards one side of
the tolerance zone, it shows that equipment is not transferred to the best, we can adjust
equipment or fixture when necessary.

➢ Timely understand the development trend of process, and send out

warning signals to the state of products and equipment:
If the size of the machined part of systemic in one direction drift, indicating the tool wear,
thermal drift, or other factors. If found by measuring the geometrical parameters of form error is
more and more big, shows the knives dull, friction increasing, processing of oscillations, and so
on. So we need to remind relevant personnel to take timely measures to remedy.

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