Benefits & Limitations of Coordinate Measuring Machine

CMM machines should be an integral part of any production process. This is because of its huge advantages that outweigh the limitations. Nevertheless, we will discuss both in this section.

Benefits of Using A Coordinate Measuring Machine

Below is a wide range of reasons to use a CMM machine in your production workflow.

Save Time and Money

CMM machine is integral to the production flow because of its speed and accuracy. Production of complex tools is becoming rampant in the manufacturing industry, and the CMM machine is ideal for measuring their dimensions. Ultimately, they reduce production costs and time.

Quality Assurance Is Guaranteed

Unlike the conventional method of measuring machine parts’ dimensions, the CMM machine is the most reliable. It can digitally measure and analyze your part while providing other services such as dimensional analysis, CAD comparison, tool certifications and reverse engineers. This is all needed for quality assurance purpose.

Versatile with Multiple Probes and Techniques

CMM machine is compatible with many types of tools and components. It does not matter the complexity of the part since a CMM machine will measure it.

Less Operator Involvement

A CMM machine is a computer-controlled machine. Therefore, it reduces the involvement of human personnel. This reduction reduces operational error that can lead to problems.

Limitations of Using A Coordinate Measuring Machine

CMM machines definitely improve production workflow while playing a crucial role in manufacturing. However, it also has a few limitations that you should consider. Below are a few of its limitations.

The Probe Must Touch Surface

Every CMM machine using the probe has the same mechanism. For the probe to function, it must touch the surface of the part to be measured. This is not an issue for very durable parts. However, for parts with a fragile or delicate finish, consecutive touching can lead to parts deterioration.

Soft Parts Could Lead to Defects

For parts that comes from soft materials like rubbers and elastomers, using a probe can lead to the parts caving in. This will lead to error which is seen during digital analysis.

The Right Probe Must Be Selected

CMM machines use different types of probes, and for the best one, the right probe must be selected. Selecting the right probe depends largely on the part’s dimension, the design required, and the probe’ ability.


Post time: Jan-19-2022