Coordinate Measuring

Machine (CMM)
TYPES OF MEASURING MACHINES

1. Length bar measuring machine.

2. New all measuring machine.

3. Universal measuring machine.

4. Co-ordinate measuring machine.

5. Computer controlled co-ordinate measuring machine.

 Coordinate Measuring Machines
• Coordinate metrology is concerned with the measurement
of the actual shape and dimensions of an object and
comparing these with the desired shape and dimensions.
• In this connection, coordinate metrology consists of the
evaluation of the location, orientation, dimensions, and
geometry of the part or object.
• A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is an
electromechanical system designed to perform coordinate
metrology.
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Measuring machine consisting of a contact probe and a mechanism to

position the probe in three‑dimensions relative to surfaces and features of a
work part
The probe is fastened to a structure that allows movement relative to the
part
Part is fixture on worktable connected to structure

The location coordinates of the probe can be accurately recorded as it

contacts the part surface to obtain part geometry data
 Coordinate Measuring Machines

• A CMM consists of a constant probe that can be positioned in 3D space

relative to the surface of a work part, and the x, y, and z coordinates of the

probe can be accurately and precisely recorded to obtain dimensional data

concerning the part geometry

 Coordinate Measuring Machines

accomplish measurements in 3D, a basic CMM is composed of the following

components:
 Probe head and probe to contact the work part surface.
 Mechanical structure that provides motion of the probe in three Cartesian axes
and displacement transducers to measure the coordinate values of each axis.

• In addition, many CMM have the following components:

 Drive system and control unit to move each of the three axes
 Digital computer system with application software.
 CMM

Cylindricity

Flatness

Roundness

CMM – Coordinate Measuring Machine

CMM Mechanical Structure

(a) Cantilever (b) Moving bridge (c) Fixed bridge

CMM Mechanical Structure

(d) Horizontal Arm (e) Gantry (f) Column

Cantilever type

• A vertical probe moves in the z-axis

• Carried by a cantilevered arm that moves in the y-axis

• This arm also moves laterally through the x-axis

• Advantage- a fixed table allows good accessibility to the

work piece

• Disadvantage- the bending caused by the cantilever design

• The cantilever design offers a long table with relatively small

measuring ranges in the other two axis.

• Suitable for measuring long, thin part

Moving bridge type

• Most widely used

• Has stationary table to support work piece to be

measured and a moving bridge

• Disadvantage- with this design, the phenomenon of

yawing (sometimes called walking) can occur- affect
the accuracy

• Advantage- reduce bending effect

Fixed bridge type

• In the fixed bridge configuration, the bridge is

rigidly attached to the machine bed

• This design eliminates the phenomenon of

walking and provides high rigidity
Column type

• Often referred to as universal measuring

machine instead of CMM

• The column type CMM construction provides

exceptional rigidity and accuracy

• These machines are usually reserved for gauge

rooms rather than inspection
Horizontal arm type
• Unlike the previous machines, the basic horizontal
arm-type CMM

• Also referred to as layout machine

• Has a moving arm, and the probe is carried along the

y-axis

• Advantage- provides a large area, unobstructed work

area

• Ideal configuration for measurement of automobile

parts
Gantry type

• The support of work piece is independent of the x and y axes,

both are overhead, supported by four vertical columns rising
from the floor

• This setup allows you to walk along the work piece with the
probe, which is helpful for extremely large pieces
 CMM Operation and Programming
• Positioning the probe relative to the part can be accomplished in several ways, ranging from
manual operation to direct computer control.

• Computer-controlled CMMs operate much like CNC machine tools, and these machines must
be programmed.

CMM Controls

• The methods of operating and controlling a CMM can be classified into four main
categories:
1. Manual drive,
2. Manual drive with computer-assisted data processing,
3. Motor drive with computer-assisted data processing, and
4. Direct Computer Control with computer-assisted data processing.
CMM Controls
• In manual drive CMM, the human operator physically move the probe along the
machine’s axes to make contact with the part and record the measurements.
• The measurements are provided by a digital readout, which the operator can
record either manually or with paper print out.
• Any calculations on the data must be made by the operator.

• A CMM with manual drive and computer-assisted data processing provides some data
processing and computational capability for performing the calculations required to
evaluate a give part feature.
• The types of data processing and computations range from simple conversioons between
units to more complicated geometry calculations, such as determining the angle between
two planes.
CMM Controls
• A motor-driven CMM with computer-assisted data processing uses electric
motors to drive the probe along the machine axes under operator control.
• A joystick or similar device is used as the means of controlling the motion.
• Motor-driven CMMs are generally equipped with data processing to accomplish
the geometric computations required in feature assessment.

• A CMM with direct computer control (DCC) operates like a CNC machine tool. It
is motorized and the movements of the coordinate axes are controlled by a
dedicated computer under program control.
• The computer also performs the various data processing and calculation
functions.
• As with a CNC machine tool, the DCC CMM requires part programming.
APPLICATIONS

1) Co-ordinate measuring machines find applications in automobile, machine tool,

electronics, space and many other large companies.

2) These machines are best suited for the test and inspection of test equipment, gauges
and tools.

3) For aircraft and space vehicles, hundred percent inspections is carried out by using

CMM.

4) CMM can be used for determining dimensional accuracy of the components.

5) These are ideal for determination of shape and position, maximum metal condition,

linkage of results etc. which cannot do in conventional machines.

6) CMM can also be used for sorting tasks to achieve optimum pairing of components
within tolerance limits.
7) CMMs are also best for ensuring economic viability of NC machines by reducing
their
downtime for inspection results. They also help in reducing cost, rework cost at the
appropriate time with a suitable CMM.
ADVANTAGES
• The inspection rate is increased.

• Accuracy is more.

• Operators error can be minimized.

• Skill requirements of the operator is reduced.

• Reduced inspection fix Turing and maintenance cost.

• Reduction in calculating and recording time.

• Reduction in set up time.

• No need of separate go / no go gauges for each feature.

• Reduction of scrap and good part rejection.

• Reduction in off line analysis time.

DISADVANTAGES

• 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.

CAUSES OF ERRORS IN CMM
• The table and probes are in imperfect alignment. The probes may have a degree of
run out and move up and down in the Z-axis may occur perpendicularity errors. So
CMM should be calibrated with master plates before using the machine.
• Dimensional errors of a CMM is influenced by
Straightness and perpendicularity of the guide ways.
Scale division and adjustment.
Probe length.
Probe system calibration, repeatability, zero point setting and reversal error.
Error due to digitization.
Environment
• Other errors can be controlled by the manufacture and minimized by the measuring
software. The length of the probe should be minimum to reduce deflection.

• The weight of the work piece may change the geometry of the guide ways and
therefore, the work piece must not exceed maximum weight.

• Variation in temperature of CMM, specimen and measuring lab influence the

uncertainly of measurements.

• Translation errors occur from error in the scale division and error in straightness
perpendicular to the corresponding axis direction.

• Perpendicularity error occurs if three axes are not orthogonal.

Comparison between conventional and coordinate measuring
technology
CONVENTIONAL METROLOGY COORDINATE METROLOGY

Manual, time consuming alignment of the test piece Alignment of the test piece not necessary

Single purpose and multi-point measuring instruments Simple adaptation to the measuring test by software
making it hard to adapt to changing measuring task

Comparison of measurement with material measures, Comparison of measurement with mathematical or

i.e., gauge block numerical value

Separate determination of size, form, location and Determination of size, form, location and orientation in
orientation with different machines one setup using one reference system
Features of CMM Software
• Measurement of diameter, center distance, length.
• Measurement of plane and spatial carvers.
• Minimum CNC programmed.
• Data communications.
• Digital input and output command.
• Program me for the measurement of spur, helical, bevel’ and hypoid
gears.
• Interface to CAD software
• Generally software packages contains some or all of the following capabilities:

1. Resolution selection
2. Conversion between SI and English (mm and inch)
3. Conversion of rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates
4. Axis scaling
5. Datum selection and reset
6. Circle center and diameter solution
7. Bolt-circle center and diameter
8. Save and recall previous datum
9. Nominal and tolerance entry
10. Out-of tolerance computation
 CMM

CMM – Coordinate Measuring Machine

 CMM

CMM – Coordinate Measuring Machine

 DMIS

$$*
$$* IIT
IIT Delhi-
Delhi- DMIS
DMIS File
File For
For Verifying
Verifying Cylindricity:
Conicity:
Generated
Generated by
by Bhaskar
Bhaskar
$$->
$$-> DMIS
DMIS File
File Number
Number -- 1 2
$$->
$$-> Manifold
Manifold Part
Part // MFG001
MFG002
DMISMN
DMISMN // DMIS
DMIS Program
Program
UNITS
UNITS // MM,
MM, ANGDEC
ANGDEC
$$->
$$-> FEATNO
FEATNO // 128
88
$$
$$ Verify
Verify Gtol
Gtol g01
g02
T(CYLINDRICITY)=
T(CONICITY)= TOL /TOL / CYLCTY,
CNCTY, 0.005000
0.005000
OUTPUT
OUTPUT // FA(M_CY1),
FA(M_CN02),TA(CYLINDRICITY)
TA(CONICITY)
$$->
$$-> END
END //
ENDFIL
ENDFIL
 DMIS
$$* IIT Delhi- DMIS File For Measuring A Cone: Generated
Cylinder: by Bhaskar
Generated by Bhaskar
$$-> DMIS File Number - 2 1
$$-> Manifold Part / MFG002 MFG001
DMISMN / DMIS Program
UNITS / MM, ANGDEC
0.000000,
S(1)= SNSDEF 0.000000, 1.000000,
/ PROBE, INDEX, 100.000000, 2.000000
POL, 0.000000, 0.000000, $
$$->
0.000000, FEATNO / 88 1.000000, 100.000000, 4.000000
0.000000,
MODE
$$-> FEATNO / PROG,/ 128 AUTO
SNSLCT
MODE / /PROG, S(2) AUTO
FEDRAT
SNSLCT // S(1) MESVEL, MPM, 15.000000
FEDRAT / POSVEL, MESVEL, MPM, MPM, 20.000000
15.000000
ACLRAT
FEDRAT / MESACL, POSVEL, MPM, MPMM,20.000000
5.000000
ACLRAT / POSACL, MESACL, MPMM, MPMM, 10.000000
5.000000
PRCOMP
ACLRAT //POSACL, OFF MPMM, 10.000000
SNSET
PRCOMP / APPRCH,
/ OFF 0.249996
SNSET / RETRCT, APPRCH, 0.249996
5.500000
SNSET / CLRSRF, 0.000000
RETRCT, 5.500000
F(M_CN02)=
SNSET / CLRSRF, FEAT0.000000
/ CONE, INNER, CART, $
0.000000,
F(M_CY01)= 0.000000, -44.999981,
FEAT / CYLNDR, $ CART, $
INNER,
0.000000, 0.000000, 1.000000, 0.000000, 36.870000
$
MEAS
0.000000, / CONE, F(M_CN02),
0.000000, 6.000000
-1.000000, 30.000000
RAPID
F(BND_20)= / 1.000000 FEAT / PLANE, CART, $
GOTO
0.000000, / 0.0000000000, 0.0000000000,
0.000000, 0.000000, $ 2.000000
RAPID
0.000000, / 1.000000
0.000000, 1.000000,
GOTO
F(BND_21)= / 0.000000, FEAT 0.000000, 2.000000
/ PLANE, CART, $
RAPID
0.000000, / 1.000000
0.000000, -10.000000, $
GOTO
0.000000, / 0.000000,
0.000000, 0.000000, -37.000000
-1.000000,
PTMEAS
BOUND //F(M_CY1), CART, 6.000008, 0.000000,
F(BND_20), -37.000000, $
F(BND_21)
-0.799999,
MEAS / CYLNDR, 0.000000, 0.600001
F(M_CY1), 32
PTMEAS / CART, 0.000000, 6.000008, -37.000000, $
..........................
0.000000,
GOTO / 0.000000, -0.799999, 0.600001
0.000000, -2.000000
PTMEAS / CART, -0.000000, 13.000000,-6.000008, -37.000000,$ $
0.000000, -2.000000,
0.000000,
1.000000, 0.799999, 0.000000, 0.600001
0.000000
PTMEAS / CART, 9.192388, 9.192388, -2.000000, $
0.707107, 0.707107, 0.000000
MACHINE VISION
VISION SYSTEM
VISION SYSTEM
Principle:
FUNCTION OF MACHINE VISION
INTEGRATION OF CAD/CAM WITH INSPECTION SYSTEM
FLEXIBLE INSPECTION SYSTEM