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Coordinate Measuring Machine
Coordinate measuring Machine
Coordinate Measuring Machine is one of the most essential parts of product verification. It is used to qualify rapid prototypes and production parts that have complex geometries with tight tolerance.
A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a device that measures the geometry of physical objects by sensing discrete points on the surface of the object with a probe. It uses a very sensitive electronic probe to measure a series of discrete points from the geometry of a solid part. These measurements are used to confirm the part’s conformance to specifications.
The components of CMM include the parts to be measured which are securely mounted on a solid granite table, that has been ground flat. The probes, which come in different sizes and types, are mounted on a spring-loaded stylus and this stylus is connected to a gantry that moves in an X-Y-Z coordinate plane. Probes make use of physical contact, rather than optical light or lasers, rely on spherical tips made from ruby or another rigid and stable material that won’t change size due to temperature fluctuations.
The probe and stylus are also able to rotate independently in order to access different parts features. The probe and stylus are connected to exquisitely sensitive electronics that detect even the slightest deviation in electrical resistance coming from the probe. Each time the spherical tip contacts a solid object and is forced to deflect it generates an electrical signal which is recorded on the computer. Any number of points can be measured depending on the requirements of the part. All of the motions of the gantry and probe can be controlled manually via a joystick or programmed automatically. This makes the CMM a true computer-numerical-controlled machine.
At present Coordinate Measuring Machine is not only a kind of laboratory measurement instrument but is widely used in machining and assembly workshops. In the automotive industry, the CMM is the necessary measuring tool for product quality assurance and quality control. The application of the coordinate measuring machine in practice is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. Product quality inspection.
Due to product processing shape becomes more and more complicated, higher, and higher precision, the CMM gradually becomes the main fixture of the product quality inspection. It is used to issue all machining dimension inspection to ensure to provide qualified products to the 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 fixtures 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 becomes the main means of quality inspection.
2. Understand the adjustment status of the equipment.
If the measurement results show that the processing of parts size is 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.
3. 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 bigger, 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.
Modern coordinate measuring machine can not only complete various kinds of complex measurement under the control of the computer, but also can control the machining by exchanging information with CNC machines, and realize reverse engineering according to the measurement data.
CMM has been widely used in the measurement of the machined parts and accessories applied in mechanical manufacturing, automobile, electronics, aerospace, military and defense, furniture, and tool prototype; the box, frame, gear, cam, worm wheel, worm, blade, curve, curved surface, and more in molding industry; as well as hardware, plastic and other fields to measure the size, shape and position tolerance of the workpiece, to complete the parts inspection, shape measurement, and process control, it’s the indispensable measuring equipment for modern precise inspection and quality control.
There are many advantages of CMM. It can do a precise and accurate measurement.
There are a few advantages given below:
1. The hardware lasts for a long time.
If the machine is properly maintained, it will not wear out during its useful life. It may require a change of motor or a few parts, but its fundamental machine is guaranteed to last for several years. This means you won’t have to keep on replacing your CMM.
2. The software continuously gets better.
Today, there is a great improvement in graphically driven software and its ability to retrieve and store a wealth of information. Metrology experts also say that the software will continue to become more affordable, accurate, user-friendly, and standardized.
3. You can upgrade the machine by upgrading only the software.
Most coordinate measuring machines can have software upgrades for five times and they will still give the same performance. Most owners of CMMs will ask for a software upgrade more times than asking for an upgrade in hardware.
4. Newer models are now resistant to less controlled environments.
Most would want to have a CMM in on the shop floor in order to increase efficiency, and the measuring machines of today allow you to do just that. They are now more resistant to most shop floor influences, such as vibrations and temperature changes.
Maxellences Engineering Technologies brings to you with Coordinate Measuring Machines to help you ace your production verification and measuring machines parts. Our in house team will also help you choose the right probes which suit your requirements