COORDINATES MEASURING

MACHINES (CMM)
PRESENTED BY
MUTHURAJ R
CONTENTS
• Coordinates Measuring Machines
• Differentiate Between Conventional And Coordinate Measuring Technology
• Components of CMM
• Working Principle of CMM
• Types of CMM
• Advantages of CMM
• Disadvantages of CMM
• Application of CMM
Coordinates Measuring Machines

• A coordinate measuring machine is a device that

measures the geometry of physical objects by
sensing discrete points on the surface of the
object with a probe. Various types of probes are
used in CMMs, including mechanical, optical,
laser, and white light
Differentiate Between Conventional And Coordinate Measuring Technology

Conventional Measuring Metrology Coordinate Measuring Technology

• It is Mutual Metrology and Time • Alignment of the test piece is not

Consuming for Alignment of the necessary
Test piece
• Simple adaption to the measuring test is
• Single purpose and multi-point done by software
measuring instruments make it hard
• A comparison of measurement with
to adapt changing measuring task
mathematical or numerical measurement
• A comparison of measurement with is done
material measurement is done , i.e.,
• Determination of size , form, location
gauge block
and orientation in one setup using one
• A separate determination of size, form, reference system is used
location and orientation with different
machines is used
COMPONENTS OF CMM
There are 4 Major Parts are Present in
Conventional Measuring Machine
They are
• Structure
• Probing System
• Controller
• Metrology Software 
COMPONENTS OF CMM

Structure
The structure is the basis of a CMM. Over the years,
the material used to create this structure has changed.
At first, manufacturers made CMMs with steel and
granite, but CMM builders now use additional
materials like ceramic and silicon carbide to
manufacture a machine's structure
Probing System

• A CMM’s probing system plays an essential role in

its measuring capabilities. These probes interact
with an object and then measure the item based on
the CMM structure's coordinate system.
• Every CMM will use a probing system to measure
an object. The probe used will ultimately be
determined by the type of machine used, the
measurements required, and the object of interest.
Controller

A CMM’s controller maintains precision by targeting and

houses the machine’s mathematical error map. It allows
variable running speeds and performs circulator
interpretation. The controller is the measuring system’s
traffic officer as it directs information from motor’s scales
and probe to the software.
Metrology Software 

CMMs all have a metrology software system to obtain,

collect, and display data. These systems are ultimately
software that is updated every so often for improved data
display. PC-DMIS and Polyworks are the most widely used
Softwares for coordinate measuring machines
Metrology software collects, analyzes, and mathematically
deduces complex 3D forms to allow the display of
numerical or graphical data results
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF CMM

• The coordinate measuring machine has movements in X-Y-Z

direction which can be easily controlled and measured. The
machine structure of CMM comprises three frames that move
along three orthogonal axes, i.e. X, Y and Z axes.
• The displacement along each axis is measured by a linear
measurement system and the readings are sent to an electronic
control unit. The electronic controller is connected to a
computer that also enables various types of data processing to
be performed.
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF CMM (CONTD).,
• Usually, a measuring probe is attached to the end of Z axis. When the probe
touches the surface of a work piece, a sensor is triggered. So, the computer
can calculate the precise X, Y and Z coordinates at the point of contact.
These points are collected by using a probe that is manually positioned by an
operator or automatically via Direct Compute. Control (DCC).
• After collecting a sufficient number of surface points, the data set is then
analyzed by the software. The software uses various algorithms to analyze
the surface point data set to construct features to determine the size, location,
orientation and form of a part feature.
• Repeated measurements on similar objects can be easily done by
programming the motion of the axes of the machine. It reduces the time
taken for measurement and inspection up to 80% to 90%
Types of CMM

There are 4 Types of CMM

They are
• Bridge
• Cantilever
• Gantry
• Horizontal arm
 Bridge

The first type of CMM is also the most common. Bridge-style

CMMs are further divided into Moveable-tables and Non-
moveable-bridges. Bridge style designs provide very stable
anchors for the measuring apparatus. They are available as
both fixed machines and as portable units. Unlike laboratory
machines, these are usually hardened to stand-up to the rigors
of the machine shop floor. However, bridge style CMMs are
often limited to measuring small and medium-sized parts
which can be lifted and placed on the table
Cantilever

Next are cantilever machines. These are interesting because they

are supported at only one point, which makes them less rigid than
styles that use two-point support. These are generally limited to
measuring small parts: they have the advantage of allowing the
part to be accessed from three sides, rather than just one or two.
Gantry

Gantry-style CMMs are used for large products such are

automobiles where the floor itself can serve as a datum. These
designs eliminate the need to lift an article onto a table, so they
are useful for heavy machine parts. Their enormous size makes
them much more expensive than the other styles, but their utility
makes them critical for machine shops that churn out large and
hefty parts
Horizontal arm

The first three types mount their probes vertically; horizontal arm
CMMs, though, mount theirs’ horizontally. These machines are
used to measure long, slender parts that would otherwise be out
of the range of the typical CMM. While they are useful for this
application, these machines are not as accurate as the other types.
Advantages of CMM

• Less Setup Time

• Flexibility
• Good Accuracy
• Reduced Operator Influence
• Improved Productivity
Disadvantages of CMM

• The table and probe may not be in perfect alignment.

• The probe may have run out.
• The probe moving in Z-axis may have some perpendicular errors.
• Probe while moving in X and Y direction may not be square to
each other.
•     There may be errors in digital system.
Application of CMM

Mode of Inspection Purpose of Location of

Metrology Stages of Inspection
Operation Inspection Inspection
• Linear • Receiving • Manual • First-piece approval • Standard Room
Measurement • In-process • Automated (DCC) • Process Control • Machine Shop
• Angular • Final • Pre-assembly • on Site
Measurement qualification of
• Geometrical parts
Features • Reverse
• Profile Checking Engineering
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