 Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is a 3-

dimensional measuring device that uses a contact

probe to detect the surface of the object.
 The probe is generally a highly sensitive pressure
sensing device that is triggered by any contact with a
surface.
 The linear distances moved along the 3 axes are
recorded, thus providing the x, y and z coordinates of
the point. CMMs are classified as either vertical or
horizontal, according to the orientation of the probe
with respect to the measuring table.
 After NC machines were invented,
manufacturing become very fast
 Inspection was still slow as it was still
being done using measuring traditional
methods
 The first CMM was developed by Harry
odgen, the chief engineer at Ferranti Ltd,
a company producing NC machines in
Scotland..
 Measuring accuracy of the first CMM was
0.025mm
 CAD

Theoritical part

CAM

Part Program

NC CMM
processor processor

NC
machine CMM
center

Part CMM Inspection

Tool
Update NC
Flag tool room management
part program
and planning

for minor tooling wear

and machine for major flaws
adjustment
Fixed Table Cantilever Coordinate Moving Bridge Coordinate Measuring
Measuring Machine Machine
Fixed Bridge Coordinate Measuring Column Coordinate Measuring
Machine Machine
Moving Ram Horizontal Arm Coordinate Moving Table Horizontal Arm Coordinate
Measuring Machine Measuring Machine
Gantry Coordinate Measuring L-shaped Bridge Coordinate
Machine Measuring Machine
Fixed Table Horizontal Arm Coordinate Moving Table Cantilever Arm Coordinate
Measuring Machine Measuring Machine
 Step 1: Calibration of the stylus or probe tip with
respect to the probe head reference point using a
calibrated ball.
 Step 2: Metrological determination of the work
piece position in the measuring machine-related
coordinated system.
 Step 3: Measurement of the surface points on the
work piece in the measuring machine-related
coordinate system.
 Step 4: Evaluation of the geometric parameters of
the work piece
 Step 5: Representation of the measurement results
after coordinate transformation into the work piece
related coordinate system.
 Special design features to build high
accuracy and precision into the frame.
 Precision roller contact bearings and
hydrostatic air-bearing.
 Installation mountings to isolate the CMM
and reduce vibrations transmitted from
factory floor
 Manual drive
 Manual drive and computer assisted data
processing
 Motor driven CMM with computer
assisted Data processing
 Direct Computer Control
• Manual lead-through
• Off line programming
 Core software
• probe calibration
• Part coordinate system definition
• Geometric feature construction
• Tolerance analysis
 Postinspection software
 Reverse Engineering ad application
specific software
Switching probe system Continuous measuring probe system Kinematic touch trigger probe
sensing
array
y

x = 0.5 y tan(A)
 Digital Solid-state sensor

Laser Light Source

Lens
SURFACE
Measuring Range 30o
Xw, Yw, Zw – Work piece related coordinate system
XM, YM, ZM – Machine related coordinate system