Lab Report: Getting Familiar with the CMM System.

Objective:
I. To identify components of the CMM system.
II. Working principle of the CMM.

Introduction: A Coordinate Measuring Machine is a sophisticated measuring tool used

in manufacturing that precisely measures an object’s physical geometry and properties. It
is called a Coordinate Measuring Machine because it measures the coordinates of points
on the surface of an object to determine its shape and dimensions.

CMM Machining uses a probe (mechanical or optical) that touches or scans the surface of
the measuring object. The machine then uses the data obtained from the probe to create a
digital representation of the object’s geometry, which is used for further analysis through
the computer.
CMMs are widely used in industries for quality control, inspection, and reverse
engineering. This lab aims to provide a basic understanding of the components and
working principles of a CMM system.
The measurements are possible with a CMM:
A CMM, or Coordinate Measuring Machine, can measure various physical characteristics
and properties of an object with high accuracy and precision. Some of the measurements
that a CMM can make include the following;

Dimensions Length, width, and height of an object, as well as other

geometric features such as diameters, angles, and radii.
Surface profiles Contour and shape of an object’s surface, including deviations
from its intended shape.
Surface roughness The machine can also measure the roughness of an object’s surface.
Hole and bore Diameter & depth of holes, bores, and other internal features.
measurements
Position & orientation An object’s position and orientation in three-dimensional space are
essential for ensuring proper assembly and alignment.

Components of the CMM system: The CMM system typically consists of the
following key components:
1. Machine Structure
o Base: Provides stability and support for the CMM.
o Bridge or Arm: Moves the probe in three-dimensional space.
o Worktable: Surface where the part to be measured is placed.
2. Probe System
o Touch Trigger Probe: Contacts the part to measure specific points.
o Scanning Probe: Continuously measures the surface of the part.
o Laser Probe: Uses laser technology for non-contact measurements.
3. Control Unit
o Computer and Software: Processes the data collected by the probe and
performs calculations to determine dimensions and tolerances.
o Joystick or Control Handles: Used by the operator to manually position
the probe.

4. Measurement Software: Processes data collected by the probe and creates 3D

models or reports. Examples include PC-DMIS and CMM-Manager.
➢ Linear Encoders: Measure the position of the probe along the X, Y, and Z axes.
➢ Rotary Encoders: Measure angular positions.
➢
5. Workpiece/Table: The part to be measured is fixed on the table, often using clamps or
fixtures.

6. Environment: A temperature-controlled room ensures accuracy since measurements

can be sensitive to environmental changes.

Working Principle of the CMM:

The CMM operates by moving the probe in three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) to measure
the coordinates of points on the surface of the part being inspected. The process involves
the following steps:
1. Setup and Calibration
o Place the part on the worktable and secure it.
o Calibrate the CMM to ensure accurate measurements.
2. Measurement Process
o Contact Method: The probe touches specific points on the part's surface.
The CMM records the coordinates of these points and uses them to
calculate dimensions and geometrical properties.
o Non-Contact Method: For laser probes, the CMM scans the part’s surface
without physical contact, capturing continuous data points for a detailed
measurement.
3. Data Processing
o The control unit processes the collected data, comparing it to the part's
design specifications.
o The software generates a report detailing the dimensions, tolerances, and
any deviations from the design.
4. Analysis and Output
o The measurements are analyzed to ensure the part meets quality standards.
o Reports are generated for documentation and further analysis.
For example, suppose the CMM is measuring the dimensions of the object. In that case,
the probe will collect information such as the length, width, height, angles, radii, shape,
contours, or other geometric features. On the other hand, if a CMM is measuring surface
roughness, the probe will collect information such as hole and bore dimensions, position
and orientation, and peak and valleys on the surface.
Next, the data measured by the probe gets stored in CMM software. The data could
contain different information according to the probe type and path followed by the probe,
which can be set by digital instructions (or programming). Finally, the intended decisions
are made by analyzing the measured data with the CAD model specifications,
dimensions, and tolerances.

How to Use a CMM Machine?

Using a CMM machine in manufacturing helps optimize accuracy, quality, and
production time. However, using a CMM machine is not easy. It involves several steps
that need to be carried out carefully.
1. Part preparation
The accuracy of the measurement results depends on the proper preparation of the part.
Therefore, the first step is to ensure the part is clean and free of debris or contaminants.
It is necessary to avoid interference with the probe or the measurement process.
Additionally, the operator must define the part’s coordinate system by identifying the
part’s origin and orientation. This information is necessary for the CMM machine to
accurately measure the part’s features and dimensions.
2. Probe selection
The type of probe used depends on the part’s geometry and the features to be measured.
You must choose a probe that can access all the critical features and dimensions of the
part. The common types of probes available in the market include;
• Touch-trigger probes: To measure discrete points on a part’s surface.
• Scanning probes: To measure continuous surfaces.
• Optical probes: To capture part features without physical contact.
Once the appropriate probe is selected, the operator must install and calibrate it on the
CMM machine.
3. Calibration of CMM machine
Calibration involves verifying the accuracy of the measurement system and ensuring that
it meets the required standards. In CMM measurements, the process consists in using a
known artifact, such as a calibrated sphere, to test the CMM machine’s accuracy and
repeatability.
Any discrepancies found during calibration should be corrected by adjusting the CMM
machine’s settings, such as probe calibration, temperature compensation, or machine
alignment.
4. Programming the measurement routine
The measurement routine specifies the points to be measured, the order in which they are
measured, and the measurement parameters. It can be programmed manually or generated
automatically using software that imports CAD models of the part to be measured.
5. Performing the measurement
Next, the CMM moves the probe along the programmed path, taking measurements at
each point or continuously scanning the part’s surface. The measurements are recorded
and stored in the CMM’s software. Later, data can be analyzed to decide the part’s quality
and compliance with manufacturing requirements.
6. Analysis of the measurement data
Ultimately, measurement data is analyzed to ensure that the part meets the required
specifications. This may involve comparing the measurements to the part’s design
specifications or tolerance limits specified by the manufacturer. If the part does not meet
the required specifications, adjustments can be made to the manufacturing process to
correct the issue.

Conclusion:
This lab helped identify the components of the CMM system and understand its working
principle. Familiarization with the CMM highlights its importance in achieving high
precision and efficiency in quality control and inspection tasks. Further hands-on
experience is recommended to gain practical proficiency with CMM operations.