How do I use a Coordinate Measuring Machine.

Hi ehill0911

I have used a few machines that can be described as a CMM and even made one myself. Lately you also have GPS.

Please give more details.

Well, the most that know about it is that it will used in a manufacturing plant for quality assurance,,but it is not a floor machine it has the x,y,z axis and is controled by whatever GD&T stands for ..Sorry not much help here just really need to know the basics of how it is used..Eric

You may be looking for "Total Station", which calculates coordinates from laser distance meter and angular measurement.

This machine can save upto 10,000 3D Coordinates and related attributes in internal memory.

GD&T = Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing

It is a table top presumably to convert small 3d items into drawings with dimentions,

What does it look like?

The axis can be handwheel controlled (with vernier scale) or driven by steppers or servos.

Is there a :- controller box? keypad? Joystick? LCD display? Any Manuel?

Interface plug to a computer?

Could You post a photo?

A CMM is a Coordinate Measuring Machine. These are capable of measuring in the X, Y, and Z axis. Most of these that I have seen are of the gantry type. I have seen a few that use a robotic arm as the platform. The common purpose for this machine whether manual or CNC controlled is to inspect the accuracy of a completed part or some of its features. These can measure just about any type of feature you can imagine. Typically they are equipped with a ruby tipped stylus. Usually you will need to create an inspection program to follow as prompted during the inspection process. This assures that the features being inspected are in an easy to follow order for comparing to the print dimensions. GD&T refers to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. This is a standardized tolerancing system set forth by ASME Y14.5M-1994. Basically you are inspecting not only the size of a feature but also how accurately it was formed and its location in reference to datums or reference planes. For example a hole in a flat part would be inspected for roundness, straightness, and center location. The location would be referenced in two directions based on datums. If the hole was in the end of a shaft, as in a lathe operation, it would be inspected for concentricity to the shaft itself as well as straightness and roundness. That is unless it is intentionally off set. Whole nuther can-O-wirms thar. There are about 14 GD&T symbols that call out location, form, profile, orientation, and run out. This is just the basics.

Foot Note:

A side from inspection, CMM's can also be used for reverse engineering. You will need different software than what typically comes with the machine. This is great for helping make new dies and molds when they become damaged and a new component must be made. The draw back in the lack of morals found around the world. A product can be copied in a short amount of time. Then sent to production with out the R&D costs incurred by the original developer. For more information you might try the Wikipedia site.

I just reread your question. Sorry if I was off the mark just a bit. The actual use of the machine varies from one manufacturer to the next. Depending on the software, the same model machine will be operated in differing ways. If you just want to play around and take sample readings you will still need to read the manual or contact tech support just to get started. We have 2 of these in our shop. The Brown & Sharp is the easiest to get started on. It is a lower end model of their product line. Vary basic in operation. The other is a Mitutoyo. It has a much more complicated software program. That is not to say that makes it better. The software packages for each machine could be better. Nothing against the machines. Just the software that was ordered is not user friendly. The basic operation of each of these manual machines is the same. All slides have air bearings. You have the option to lock any and all axis as needed. All axis are locked for "storage" to prevent damage to the machine from drift. Unlock all of the axis and apply very gentle pressure to move the stylus/probe to the desired location. If measuring a diameter lower the "Z" to the desired height and lock. You can now move X and Y as needed without worrying about the height changing. Be very careful of your approach speed. These are very sensitive. To fast and you will get false readings. Same process for inspecting counterbores, pockets, and slots. Lock and unlock axis as need depending on the situation. To scan a part into the computer, move to the start point and lock either the X or the Y depending on how you wish to move the probe along the part. For example, locking Y will allow you to scan X and Z along a fixed cross section of Y. At the end of the scan, unlock Y and move to the next increment along Y you wish to scan. Lock Y and repeat the X and Z scan. Remember this is just basic information. Get training before using the machine. The probes for these are very expensive and easily damaged. Great way to get on several people's lists if you screw it up. Starting with the QC department and ending with your employer. Look on the bright side. If you crash it without training, you'll get to meet lots of new people down at the employment office.

Thank you very much, that information was all that I needed...Eric