COORDINATE Coordinate

Metrology
METROLOGY

Unit 2
Co-ordinate Measuring Machines

7/3/2023 NVR 1
 Coordinate
Syllabus Metrology

Unit 2: Co-ordinate Measuring Machines

Introduction. Structure of CMM: (a) Cantilever, (b) Bridge, (c)

Column, (d) Horizontal arm, and (e) Gantry types, advantages and
limitations.

Probes (Contact/Non-contact) – Touch trigger & Scanning (Active &

Passive), Styli, Calibration, Geometry & its interpretation,

Construction of features, Interpretation of results, Import & export of

CAD models, Programming with CAD, Simulation, measurement and
interpretation of results,

Evaluation of results like detailed printout, custom printout and form

& position plots. Applications of CMMs.
6 Hours
7/3/2023 NVR 2
 Co-ordinate Measuring Machines Coordinate
Metrology
An Overview
Coordinate measuring machines (CMM’s) are machines that allow one to
locate point coordinates on three-dimensional objects (X, Y & Z or length –
width – height) – all at the same time.

They allow integration of both dimensions and orthogonal relationships.

When linked to a computer – as most are, use of a CMM eliminates difficult

and time-consuming measurements with traditional single-axis devices such
as micrometers and height gages.

Cumbersome mathematics is eliminated, complex objects can be measured

quantitatively, and data can be stored for later use.

Some advantages over conventional gaging are flexibility, reduced set-up

time, improved accuracy and improved productivity.

Generally, no special fixtures or other gages are required. The more complex
the workpiece, the more useful the CMM becomes.
7/3/2023 NVR 3
 Co-ordinate Measuring Machines Coordinate
Metrology
An Overview
A typical CMM Linked to a Computer

7/3/2023 NVR 4
 CMM Coordinate
Metrology
A Brief History

In the 1940’s, the Atomic Energy Commission in the UK recognized

potential for the ideas of devices such as a CMM.

Development continued along with advances in computer technology.

The CMM was first introduced commercially in 1959 by Ferranti in
England.

During the first fifteen years, CMM’s did not enjoy much popularity.

However, there came an era in which the machine industry - with the
automobile sector at its top - changed its style of production from
mass production to small production of a variety of models to answer
customers' needs.

7/3/2023 NVR 5
 CMM Coordinate
Metrology
A Brief History

As assemblies became automated, more and more machine parts

required screening inspections instead of the conventional sampling
inspections for quality assurance.

The reduction of labor and the rationalization of inspections, as well

as higher-accuracy, became necessary.

For this reason, combined with the development of smaller-size,

higher-performance control systems (especially microprocessor-
based personal computers), higher-accuracy reference scales, and
touch signal probes (developed in England), demands for CMM’s
dramatically increased.

7/3/2023 NVR 6
 Coordinate
Roles and Advantages of CMM Metrology

CMM has taken a lead role in many industries such as

aerospace, automotive, electronics, health care, plastics, and
semiconductor.

Being able to quickly and accurately obtain and evaluate

dimensional data separate the CMM from other devices.

The following conditions are very well-suited to CMM usage:

1. Short runs (length of runs cannot justify production

inspection tooling)
2. Multiple features to inspect (geometrical and dimensional)
3. Flexibility desired (short runs and measure multiple features)
4. High unit cost (rework or scrap is costly)
5. Production interruption (if must inspect/pass one complex
part before producing next part)

7/3/2023 NVR 7
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

7/3/2023 NVR 8
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Moving Bridge
• Most widely used configuration
• Stationary table, but moving bridge
• Major advantage over cantilever type is that bending effect
of horizontal axis is reduced significantly
• It has small to medium measuring range with relatively
small measuring uncertainity
• One problem associated with this design is “yawing”
• Also called walking
• It can occur due to two columns moving at different
speeds causing the bridge to twist
• This is avoided by using dual drive and position
feedback control system for the two columns

7/3/2023 NVR 9
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Moving Bridge

7/3/2023 NVR 10
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Fixed Bridge
• The bridge is rigidly attached to the machine bed
• The table provides one axis of motion
• This design prevents the problem of yawing and provides
high rigidity
• This design preferred for high level of positional accuracy
• Operating speed is lesser due to heavy table
• Part weight also limited since table cannot be too heavy

7/3/2023 NVR 11
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Fixed Bridge

7/3/2023 NVR 12
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Cantilever
• This design has a moving cantilever arm that supports a
carrier to move in and out
• The carrier supports the probe arm for the vertical
movement
• The work part is placed on a fixed table
• Relatively heavy parts can be inspected
• High throughput makes this design a favorite for general
measurement applications
• Main disadvantage is the bending caused by cantilever
design
• As the carriage is moved towards its extreme outer position,
bending becomes more worrisome

7/3/2023 NVR 13
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Cantilever

7/3/2023 NVR 14
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Horizontal Arm
• Ideal for measuring automobile bodies or other similar parts
• Major types:
• Moving table
• Moving ram
• Dual arm
• Excellent accessibility to all sides of the part
• Higher measurement speeds, but limited accuracy
• Large operating range

7/3/2023 NVR 15
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Horizontal Arm

7/3/2023 NVR 16
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Gantry
• For very large parts requiring measuring volumes of 10m3 or
more
• Solid foundation is required to limit deflections
• To avoid yawing of the travelling beam, dual-drive systems
(master and slave configurations) are frequently used
• Easy access to all parts in the machine volume
• Accuracy normally achieved is in the medium range

7/3/2023 NVR 17
 Coordinate
Types of CMMs Metrology

Gantry

7/3/2023 NVR 18
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components

Major hardware components of a CMM

• Structural Elements
• Bearing systems
• Drive systems
• Displacement & measurement systems
• Probe head
• Control systems

7/3/2023 NVR 19
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components

Structural Elements

• Structural elements serve as the backbone of a CMM

• Structural elements comprise: machine base, table,
machine columns, slideways and ram
• Requirements of structural elements:
• Dimensional stability
• Infinite stiffness
• Weightlessness
• High damping capacity
• Low co-efficient of thermal expansion
• High thermal conductivity

7/3/2023 NVR 20
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components

Structural Elements
• Aging and stress relieving techniques are used for
obtaining dimensional stability

• Granite, with its natural seasoning of millions of years,

is considered by many as the most suitable material
for structural elements

• Aluminum has large coefficient of thermal expansion

compared with granite or steel, but it is a good choice
for CMM structural elements because of its extremely
high thermal conductivity

7/3/2023 NVR 21
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Bearing Systems
• Bearings influence the characteristics of the drive system and
directly affect measurement accuracy
• Two types of bearing systems are used in CMMs:
• Noncontact air bearings
• Mechanical contact bearings
• Desirable properties of bearings: dynamic stiffness, load carrying
capacity, damping, etc.
• Aerostatic air bearings use a thin film of air under pressure to
provide load support. Low viscosity of air requires a close gap of
around 1-10 µm
• Air bearings are durable because they have no mechanical
contact
• Correct air pressure, regulation and filtration are important for
the smooth functioning of air bearings
• Precision roller and ball bearings, and sliding uideways are also
used in CMMs whenever high load has to be handle

7/3/2023 NVR 22
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Air Bearings
Air bearings use a thin film of pressurized air to support a load

This type of bearing is called a "fluid film" bearing. Fluid film

bearings have no solid-to-solid contact under typical running
conditions; instead, a film of lubricating fluid (in our case
pressurized air) forms a layer between the solid machine
elements and serves to transfer forces from one to the other

Air Bearing Benefits:

• No solid to solid contact
• No wear, particles or lubricants
• Zero static friction
• Zero running friction
• High Stiffness
• Self Centering
• Error Averaging

7/3/2023 NVR 23
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Air Bearings

7/3/2023 NVR 24
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Air Bearings
The fluid is able to transfer forces because as
the fluid is pushed through the bearing gap it
generates a pressure profile across the
bearing area. The force the bearing can
support is then:

Force = Avg. Pressure x Area

The actual pressure distribution in the bearing varies based

on the bearing design and other parameters but a good rule
of thumb is to expect 30% efficiency.

Force = 0.3 x Supply Pressure x Area

7/3/2023 NVR 25
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Air Bearings
How does the air get into the bearing?

After entering the bearing and being routed though internal

passages, the next step is to feed the pressurized air to where it
is needed - namely directly into the bearing gap. There are two
basic ways to accomplish this, orifices and porous media. For
orifices, the air flows through a small hole (typically .004" to
.015" dia.) into the bearing area. Porous media bearings use a
porous material (typically carbon, bronze, or steel) which the air
penetrates through into the bearing area.

7/3/2023 NVR 26
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Air Bearings
Y-axis

• High rigidity and low vibrations are two of the remarkable

features of the air bearings of the Y-guideway.
• The air bearings are intended for contactless guiding of
the moving parts (Y-carriage, X-extension arm and ram)
on the corresponding guide surfaces.
• The air bearing bolts enable precise adjustment of
perpendicularity.
• The bearings of the Y-carriage are shown on the following
page.
• The Y-carriage is supported by eight air bearings (1 to 8)
on the L-guide of the granite table.
• The granite table surface is the contact surface for air
bearing no. 9. It is called ballerina bearing.

7/3/2023 NVR 27
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Air Bearings

X-axis & Z-axis

• The X carriage and the ram are supported by a four-piece

cassette bearing (bearing cage) each.
• The ceramic surface of the X-bridge is the bearing contact
surface for the X-carriage.
• The cassette bearing of the ram is fastened to the cassette
bearing of the X-carriage by means of six screws.

7/3/2023 NVR 28
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Drive systems
The drive system provides the movement for the probe

Displacement transducers or scales provide positional

information

Types of drive systems:

1. Rack and pinion
2. Belt drive
3. Friction drive
4. Lead screw
5. Linear motor

Natural frequency of drive system should be designed to be

higher than that of the machine structure

7/3/2023 NVR 29
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Drive systems
Dynamic response band width of the servo control system
should be tuned much lower than the machine structural
natural frequency to avoid structural resonance

The first resonant frequency of a CMM structure dictates the

dynamic response bandwidth of the drive system

1. Rack and pinion drive

• Pinion is the driving element and the rack is the driven
• Used when long travel is required, such as, gantry type
CMM
• Form errors and backlash in gears limit the accuracy of
CMMs
• Cost effective alternative

7/3/2023 NVR 30
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Drive systems
2. Belt Drive
• Comprises a belt, multistage speed reducer and a servo
motor
• Belt can be either fibre-reinforced notched belt or a
metallic flat type
• Belt drive offers quiet transmission of power
• It also acts as a low pass filter preventing high
frequency motor oscillations from entering the
measuring structure
• The moving axes can be driven at high acceleration and
speeds with belt drives
• One limitation is its elasticity, which limits its use for
high accuracy scanning operation

7/3/2023 NVR 31
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Drive systems
3. Friction Drive
• Comprises a driving wheel, a flat or round bar, and a
supporting back-up roller
• The driving wheel is driven directly by a motor or
through a speed reducer
• Advantages:
• Simple design
• Low friction force
• Minimum backlash
• Deadband is negligible due to elastic deformation
induced by the preload
• High positioning accuracy

7/3/2023 NVR 32
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Drive systems
4. Leadscrew Drive
• Most common lead screw is ball screw
• It transforms rotary motion of servo motor into linear
translational movement of carriage
• Provides excellent dynamic stiffness
• Limitations:
• Inability to disengage and reengage easily for
manual operation
• It can be noisy and subject to wear

7/3/2023 NVR 33
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Drive systems
5. Linear Motor Drive
• This drive system offers unusually high stiffness
• Because of direct drive, no tachometer signal is
available, which is required for servo velocity control
• Speed feedback has to be derived from position
feedback signals, which in turn impose the requirement
of extremely high resolution on position feedback
devices
• Well suited for large gantry type CMMs
• CMMs with linear motor drives often have relatively high
acceleration characteristics
• Heat generation is a concern and needs cooling system
for heat dissipation
• Relatively expensive

7/3/2023 NVR 34
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Displacement Transducers

• A variety of displacement transducers are

used in CMMs:
• Optical scales
• Rotary encoders
• Inductosyns
• Magnetic scales
• Laser interferometers

7/3/2023 NVR 35
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Optical scales

• Optical linear scales consist of a scale element and an

electro-optical read head, one of the two is fixed to
the moving slide of the CMM
• Relative motion between these two components
generates the positioning signal
• Among optical scales, there are three general types:
a) Phototransmission scale
b) Photoreflection scale
c) Interferential scale

7/3/2023 NVR 36
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Transmission Scale
• It is generally made of glass and is a precision lined
grating with a line pitch of usually 50-100 lines per
millimeter
• The read head contains a light source, a collimating
lens for conditioning the light beam, a scanning reticle
with index gratings and photocells
• When the read head is moved relative to the scale,
lines on the scale coincide alternatively with lines or
spaces in the index grating
• Periodic fluctuation of light intensity is converted by
photocells into electrical signals

7/3/2023 NVR 37
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components
Transmission Scale

7/3/2023 NVR 38
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components

Transmission Scale

• Output from photocells consist of two sinusoidal

signals
• These signals are phase shifted by 900
• The signal period is equal to the grating period of the
scale graduation
• A third signal peak from the reference mark serves as
the reference signal (scale zero or home position)

7/3/2023 NVR 39
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components

Reflection Scale

• It is made up of steel
• The interference pattern for the reflection scale is
established with alternate reflective lines and
diffusively reflective gaps
• The read head contains a light source, a collimating
lens for light beam conditioning, a scanning reticle
with index gratings and silicon photocells
• When the read head moves, the photocells produce
periodic signals similar to those generated from a
glass scale

7/3/2023 NVR 40
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components

Reflection Scale

7/3/2023 NVR 41
 Coordinate
Metrology
Hardware Components

Interferential Scale

• This type uses grating scales

• The scale is a precision-lined grating with a line pitch
of 100 or more lines per millimeter
• The lines are read by a photoelectric head that detects
the interference fringes created by light reflected from
the scale and a reference grating on the read head
• Electrical outputs of the read head are sinusoidal
waves
• Signals are electronically subdivided for finer
resolution and then digitised

7/3/2023 NVR 42
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

The probe is the sensing element that makes

contact and causes readings to be taken.

It is the heart of the CMM unit. There are two

general categories of probe – contact and non-
contact.

Early CMM’s had a solid member that made

contact – much like other measuring
instruments like vernier and micrometer
calipers.

Today’s contact probes can be of the touch-

trigger or analog scanning type.

7/3/2023 NVR 43
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

The touch-trigger contact probe works using a sensor to

indicate a difference in contact resistance - the probe has
deflected and thus contact has been made.

The ball at the tip of the probe is of precise dimension to

know the contact point in the X, Y or Z direction. The
computer records the contact point in coordinate space, and
contact is generally accompanied by an LED and audible tone
for the operator.

For delicate, flexible or soft materials, there are low-trigger-

force, high-sensitivity probes available which require less
force to deflect the probe and indicate contact made.

7/3/2023 NVR 44
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

The simplest probes are sensitive and trigger in the X and Y

axes only, and are referred to as four-way probes.

If there is capability for a one-way trigger response in the Z-

axis as well, it is called a five-way probe, and if in plus or
minus direction of the Z-axis, it is a six-way probe.

7/3/2023 NVR 45
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

The probe head is mounted to the end of one of the

CMM’s moving axes.

The actual probe is attached to the probe head, and there

are various types of extensions available to reach difficult
access areas of a part.

The stylus is attached to the probe, and is the contact

device.

The most common stylus tip is a ruby ball for great wear
life, but other tips – and even clusters of multiple tips are
available.

7/3/2023 NVR 46
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Configuration of a Tactile Probing System

• A probing element to establish a mechanical interaction

with the workpiece surface, for example, tip ball. Tip
balls must exhibit low form deviation, high stiffness, and
low wear, and they are usually made from ruby
• A transmitting device, for example, stylus shaft, for
transferring the contact information (probe force) to the
sensor. The stylus must have high stiffness, low thermal
expansion and low weight. Preferred materials are steel,
tungsten carbide, ceramics and carbon fibre reinforced
plastic
• A force generating and controlling element for producing
a defined probing force, for example, a spring

7/3/2023 NVR 47
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Configuration of a Tactile Probing System

• A sensor for evaluating contact information (eg., switch,

force or displacement sensor). Besides those that
merely detect contact, probing systems that measure
direction and magnitude of stylus displacement are also
common
• An interface to the CMM for transmitting the measured
contact information to the control unit for triggering
position measurement of the CMM axes, further
processing, and evaluation of the probed point’s position
in the machine coordinate system

7/3/2023 NVR 48
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Contact Probe Parts, Variations, Multiple Styli

7/3/2023 NVR 49
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Stylus Tips

7/3/2023 NVR 50
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Ruby Ball Stylus

The ball stylus type is suitable for the

majority of probing applications, and
incorporates a highly spherical industrial
ruby ball. Ruby is an extremely hard
ceramic material and thus wear of the
stylus ball is minimized.

It is also of low density - keeping tip mass to a minimum,

which avoids unwanted probe triggers caused by machine
motion or vibration. Ruby balls are available mounted on a
variety of materials including non-magnetic stainless steel,
ceramic and carbide to maintain stiffness over the total
range of styli.

7/3/2023 NVR 51
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Star Stylus

The star stylus can be used to inspect a variety of different

features.

Using this stylus to inspect the extreme points of internal

features such as the sides or grooves in a bore minimizes
the need to move the probe, due to its multi-tip probing
capability.

Each tip on a star stylus requires datuming in the same

manner as a single ball stylus.
7/3/2023 NVR 52
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Pointer Stylus

The pointer stylus should not he used for

conventional XY Probing.

It is designed for the measurement of thread

forms, specific points and scribed lines (to
lower accuracy).

The use of a radius end pointer stylus allows

more accurate datuming and probing of
features, and can also be used to inspect the
location of very small holes.

7/3/2023 NVR 53
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Ceramic Hollow Ball Stylus

The ceramic hollow ball style is ideal

for probing deep features and bores in
X, Y and Z directions with the need to
datum only one ball.

Also, the effects of very rough

surfaces can be averaged out by
probing with such a large diameter
ball.

7/3/2023 NVR 54
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Disc Stylus
The disc stylus, or 'thin section' of a large
sphere, is usually used to probe undercuts
and grooves.

Although probing with the "spherical edge" of

a simple disc is effectively the same as
probing on or about the equator of a large
stylus ball, only a small area of this ball
surface is available for contact.
A Disc may also have a threaded center to allow the fixing
of a center stylus, giving the additional flexibility of probing
the bottom of deep bores (where access for the disc may be
limited).

7/3/2023 NVR 55
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Cylinder Stylus

The cylinder stylus is used for probing holes in thin sheet

material, probing various threaded features and locating the
centers of tapped holes.

A ball-ended cylinder stylus allows full datuming and probing

in X, Y and Z directions, thus allowing surface inspection to
be carried out.

7/3/2023 NVR 56
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Stylus Extensions

An extension provides added probing

penetration by extending the stylus away
from the probe.

However, using a stylus extension can

reduce accuracy due to loss of rigidity.

7/3/2023 NVR 57
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Contact Detection

• Contact with the workpiece is detected when the probing force

exceeds an electronically or mechanically controlled value.
• An example is the kinematic resistive probing system that
detects contact with the workpiece when probing force is high
enough to open at least one of the kinematic contacts, which
are closed by the prestressing force of a springdue to the
arrangement of three contact pairs, the levers between probing
force and prestressing force vary so that probing direction
could be detected
• More sophisticated systems measure either probing force or
displacement of an elastically mounted stylus. This gives the
possibility of defining a threshold value for triggering or even
measuring one probing point with different probing forces in
order to extrapolate its position equivalent to a virtual probing
force of zero

7/3/2023 NVR 58
 Coordinate
PROBE Metrology

Contact Detection

• Most of the non-tactile probing systems for CMMs are optical

• They detect the workpiece surface or proximity to it with the
help of electromagnetic waves
• Common non-tactile systems are point and line sensors, whose
working is based on triangulation, and also 3D measuring
fringe projection systems
• The absence of force interaction with the workpiece enables
measurement of delicate parts
• Non-tactile probing systems have higher measuring speeds

7/3/2023 NVR 59
 Coordinate
CONTROL SYSTEMS Metrology

• The control system in a CMM performs the function of a live

interaction between various machine components such as
machine drives, displacement transducers, probe systems, and
peripheral devices
• Control systems can be classified according to the following
groups of CMMs:
1. Manually driven CMMs
2. DCC CMMs
3. CMMs linked with CAD, CAM, FMS, etc

7/3/2023 NVR 60
 Coordinate
CONTROL SYSTEMS Metrology

Manually driven CMMs

• For manual mode, the CMM operator moves a free-floating

probe in all three axes and establishes contact with the part
feature being assessed.

• In manual computer-assisted mode, an electronic digital

display makes zero settings, changes signs, converts between
inch – decimal inch – SI (metric) systems, and prints out data.

• The motorized computer-assisted mode features a joystick to

drive machine axes. The operator manipulates the joystick to
bring the probe into contact with the workpiece.

7/3/2023 NVR 61
 Coordinate
CONTROL SYSTEMS Metrology

Direct Computer Controlled (DCC) CMMs

• Computer controls movement of slides, readout from

displacement transducers, and data communication
• For movement of slides, different control strategies are used:
1. Point-to-point control
2. Continuous path control
3. Vector control
• In continuous path control, there are two distinct modes: pre-
calculated scanning control and adaptive scanning control
• In pre-calculated scanning control, the probe system moves to
the target position along a defined path
• This type of control is used when measurement is being
performed on known shape features

7/3/2023 NVR 62
 Coordinate
CONTROL SYSTEMS Metrology

Direct Computer Controlled (DCC) CMMs

• With the adaptive scanning control, the probe head moves to

the target position in one or two axes with freely selected
speed
• If there is a change in the shape of the feature, the adaptive
control ensures that the probe tip maintains contact with the
workpiece surface
• This control mode is used when scanning undefined features
• With the vector control, shortest motion between the start and
target position is achieved. Probe head moves to the target
position in all the three axes under continuously optimised
speeds
• CMMs linked with CAD, CAM, FMS, etc., have interfaces with
CAD work stations, CNC machines and robotic systems. A
central supervisory control will control sequential and smooth
operation of all the systems

7/3/2023 NVR 63
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

1. Safety check
2. CMM Start-up
3. Reviewing the drawing
4. Choosing probes
5. Fixturing
6. Record keeping
7. Developing measurement program
a) Qualification
b) Alignment
c) Inspection
d) Analysis
e) Reporting
8. Test run

7/3/2023 NVR 64
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

1. Safety check

• Keep all manufacturer supplied covers on the machine,

avoiding pinch points, and keeping the pendant
(joystick box) with its emergency stop within reach
• Check that no unwanted fixtures or tools are kept on
the table before switching on the machine
• Use proper lifting techniques to load and unload parts
from the table to avoid mishaps or injury to the
operator
• Ensure that operators are trained in all safety measures,
both mechanical and electrical in nature, to nesure safe
operation

7/3/2023 NVR 65
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

2. CMM Start-up

• Check the air filters and clean bearing surfaces before

using CMM
• Ram, rails, and guide ways should be cleaned with a
lint-free cloth and alcohol
• Probe styli and reference sphere should also be cleaned
thoroughly
• Ensure that all probes and stylus assemblies are tight
• When the CMM is started up from a power-off state, it
usually needs to be homed. Check the instruction
manual for the proper procedure

7/3/2023 NVR 66
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

3. Reviewing the drawing

• The programmer should determine several things from

the part specifications before actually beginning to plan
the measurement using the CMM
• Identify datum features that be measured in order to
construct the necessary datum reference frame
• Identify the number of set ups required to measure the
entire work part
• Identify groups of features that need to be evaluated as
patterns

7/3/2023 NVR 67
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

4. Choosing probes

• Specific probe and stylus choice should be made well

before the part measurement begins
• It is preferable to use a single probe-stylus combination
to reduce uncertainity in measurement
• It makes more sense to change the part orientation for
better probe access than to use a stylus configuration
that is awkward, unsteady or difficult to calibrate

7/3/2023 NVR 68
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

5. Fixturing

• Parts must be held rigidly. But, the forces introduced by

the measuring process are very low so that the fixtures
do not need to be as massive and as restraining as
manufacturing fixtures
• Requiring more than one set up can increase the total
time needed to measure the part
• One common technique for fixturing small parts is to
use epoxy or super glue to affix the parts to a parallel
sine plate or riser block. A rigid bond is created, which
can be easily broken away after measurement is
complete

7/3/2023 NVR 69
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

7. Developing measurement program

Qualification

• It is also called probe calibration

• All the probes identified for a part’s measurement
should be qualified (calibrated)
• For multiple style set ups, offsests between tips are
critical for accurate measurement
• It is a good practice to qualify all the tips at once using
a reference sphere position

7/3/2023 NVR 70
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

7. Developing measurement program

Alignment

• The term alignment is used to describe the creation of a

coordinate system for the work part
• Alignment involves a two-step process for DCC
machines
i. Some points are measured manually on the part
and an initial rough coordinate system is generated
ii. The majority of the poits are measured in DCC
mode
• Thus, a stable and repeatable coordinate system is
developed for the part

7/3/2023 NVR 71
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

7. Developing measurement program

Alignment

• The next step is to measure each of the datum features

in order to establish the datum reference frames needed
for part inspection

7/3/2023 NVR 72
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

7. Developing measurement program

Inspection

• It is an efficient approach to measure all features that

are near to each other at the same time
• This brings down measurement cycle time
• The programmer should add comments to the program
for each feature so that another programmer or
operator can easily understand and modify the program
• After all the features are measured, the software can
perform analysis of the part with respect to the
tolerances and generate a report

7/3/2023 NVR 73
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

7. Developing measurement program

Analysis

• Analysis of the coordinate data collected by the CMM is

a fundamental part of CMM software
• Analysis involves size, form, location, orientation, etc of
the feature. More advanced users learn how to report
features in a different coordinate system or how to
transform features from one coordinate system to
another
• Other advances techniques may involve choosing
algorithms to carry out more complex analysis

7/3/2023 NVR 74
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

7. Developing measurement program

Reporting

• The software supports variety of reports, which can be

customised to the user’s requirement
• A report typically includes list of features measured,
actual values of each attribute of the feature, tolerances
for these attributes, a bar graph showing where actual
values lie within the tolerance band
• An advanced reporting may utilise colours to flag out-of-
tolerance features and also use an image of the CAD
model of the part to show where each feature is located
• It also involves date, time, operator, inspector, etc., so
that it aids traceability

7/3/2023 NVR 75
 Coordinate
OPERATING A CMM Metrology

7. Developing measurement program

Test Run

• Once the program is complete, one can dry run the

program from start to finish and ensure that there are
no collisions between the part and the probe and also
that reporting is in the desired format

7/3/2023 NVR 76