Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) can perform many tasks that traditional measuring instruments cannot, and are more than ten or tens of times more efficient than traditional measuring instruments.
Coordinate measuring machines can be easily linked to CAD to provide real-time feedback to design and production departments to improve product design or production processes. As a result, CMMs have replaced and will continue to replace many traditional length measuring instruments. As demand grows, Coordinate Measuring Machines are gradually moving from their original use in metrology labs to use on the production floor.
How do you properly select a CMM that suits your requirements?
1、First of all, according to the size of the workpiece to be measured, in order to initially determine which type of motion coordinate measuring machine to buy. There are four basic types: horizontal arm type, bridge type, gantry type and portable type.
- Horizontal arm type measuring machine
There are two types: single-arm and double-arm. Horizontal arm configurations are easier to implement for loading and unloading workpieces, and small, shop-type horizontal arm measuring machines are suitable for high-speed production applications. They are generally used for inspecting large workpieces, such as car bodies, with a medium level of accuracy. The disadvantage is the low accuracy, which is generally above 10 microns.
- Bridge type coordinate measuring machine
Have better rigidity and stability. Bridge coordinate measuring machine can measure sizes up to 2 meters wide with micron-level accuracy. It can measure all kinds of workpieces from small gears to engine cases, which is the mainstream form of measuring machine in the market now.
- Gantry type measuring machine
The gantry is mechanically robust with an open gantry structure. Gantry type coordinate measuring machine can effectively complete the measurement work of large parts and scanning of complex shapes and free-form surfaces, which is ideal for measuring large and super large parts. It has the characteristics of high accuracy and easy measurement. The disadvantage is higher price point and higher requirement for foundation.
- Portable measuring machine
Can be mounted on top of or even inside the workpiece or assembly, which allows for measurement of internal spaces and allows the user to measure at the assembly site, thus saving time in moving, transporting and measuring individual workpieces. The disadvantage is that the accuracy is too low, usually above 30 microns.
2. Then, you have to determine whether the coordinate measuring machine is manual or automatic.
If you only need to detect the geometry and tolerance are relatively simple workpiece, or measure a variety of small batch of not quite the same workpiece, you can choose a comfortable manual machine.
If you need to detect large quantities of the same workpiece, or require higher accuracy,
choose the automatic type which is directly controlled by computer and driven by the motor to drive the movement of the measuring machine.
On the basis of meeting the above conditions of use, the technical strength and application and technical service capability of the measuring machine supplier should be fully considered, whether it has localized technology and long-term comprehensive development strength, and has a large customer base and wide recognition. This is a reliable guarantee of after-sales service.
Post time: Nov-11-2022