COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE (CMM)

INTRODUCTION
A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a device for measuring the
physical geometrical characteristics of an object. This machine may be
manually controlled by an operator or it may be computer.

A typical CMM is composed of three orthogonal axes, X, Y and Z operating

in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Each axis has a scale system
that indicates the position of that axis. The machine will read the input from
the touch probe, as directed by the operator or computer program. The
machine then utilises the X,Y,Z coordinates of each of these discrete points
to determine size and position with micrometre precision.
The touch probe allows for the automatic generation of measured point on
the component surface while simultaneously and automatically recording
the XYZ position in space of the point taken. This simple patented device
has revolutionized the inspection of manufactured parts throughout
manufacturing and has played a critical role in the globalization of
manufacturing in past decades.
This innovative product led to a revolution in three-dimensional co-ordinate
measurement, enabling the automatic and accurate measurement of
machined components and finished assemblies.

AVAILABILITY
These machines can be free-standing, handheld and portable and are
available in various sizes and various configuration.They are selected on
the basis of ones requirements and prices varies depending on the model.

Portable coordinate-measuring machines

Whereas traditional CMMs use a probe that moves on three Cartesian axes
to measure an objects physical characteristics, portable CMMs use either
articulated arms or, in the case of optical CMMs, arm-free scanning
systems that use optical triangulation methods and enable total freedom of
movement around the object.
The inherent trade-offs of portable CMMs are manual operation (they
always require a human to use them). In addition, their overall accuracy

can be somewhat less accurate than that of a bridge type CMM and is less
suitable for some applications.
Example-

HOW FSAE TEAMS USE IT

FSAE teams uses a steel space frame(apart from monocoque) in the
assembly of its racing cars, welding the frames according to
measurements. The teams relies on hand tools (e.g. steel rule and
calipers) as well as visual checks to confirm welding positions. This
inevitably results in inaccuracies because these measurements were often
subjective. In addition, the team also often assumed that there would be
weight equilibrium throughout the entire car. This assumption proved to be
a costly mistake because weight distribution actually changes when a car is
in motion, causing instability in the racing car.
To attempt to resolve the problem at a later stage would be very timeconsuming. In fact, it would be impossible to completely correct the shift in
distribution. The instability is an issue especially when the racing car makes
turns or takes a corner, as the car could spin out of control. Not only would
this be dangerous, but it would also cost the team dearly in a competition,
where precious time is lost and penalty points incurred if the car hits the
pylon.

Therefore Some top teams mainly relies on the portable CMM to

accurately locate welding positions. Precise measurements are taken when
positioning the frames, thereby eliminating the need for hand tools and
visual checks. Welding is no longer performed based on subjective
decisions, but rather on objective data generated by the 3D measuring
device. Some of the benefits that these teams has since enjoyed include a

reduction in welding time, better vehicle setting, and an improved drivability

in the racing car.
The availability of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data enables to know
with certainty that mounting was done exactly according to plan, which
reduces any time spent on welding and rework. Projects that used to take a
month can now be completed in about a week. With this teams are also
able to ensure better weight distribution by reducing the error margins in
the welding of steel space frames, which the car is assembled upon.
Perhaps most importantly, the amount of time spent on car setting has
been significantly shortened from four hours to just one hour. In the world of
Formula SAE, the time saved in any part of the process goes a long way in
securing a win for the team.

EXAMPLEFARO ARM (Product of Faro technologies Ltd.)

The FaroArm is a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM)
that allows manufacturers easy verification of product quality by
performing 3D inspections, tool certifications, CAD comparison,
dimensional analysis, reverse engineering, and more

Portable and extremely versatile, the FaroArm is used to measure the

welding points on the steel space frame.

Complete steel frame Welded with highly-accurate 3D measurements

provided by the FaroArm.

CONCLUDED ADVANTAGES OF CMM

CMM has got a number of advantages. The precision and

accuracy given by a CMM is very high. It is because of the
inherent characteristics of the measuring techniques used in
CMM. Following are the main advantages that CMM can offer
Flexibility
CMMs are essentially universal measuring machines and need not
be dedicated to any particular task. They can measure almost any
dimensional characteristic of a part configuration, including cams,
gears and warped surfaces. No special fixtures or gages are
required. Because probe contact is light, most parts can be
inspected without being clamped to the table.
Reduced Setup Time
Part alignment and establishing appropriate reference points are
very time consuming with conventional surface plate inspection
techniques. Software allows the operator to define the orientation
of the part on the CMM, and all subsequent data are corrected for
misalignment between the parts-reference system and the
machine coordinates.
Single SetupMost parts can be inspected in a single setup, thus eliminating
the need to reorient the parts for access to all features.
Improved Accuracy
All measurements in a CMM are taken from a common
geometrically fixed measuring system, eliminating the
introduction and the accumulation of errors that can result with
hand-gage inspection methods and transfer techniques.
Reduced Operator Influence-

The use of digital readouts eliminate the subjective interpretation

of readings common with dial or vernier type measuring devices.

PRICES (AS PER 4TH FEB 2015)

Prices varies with model.We mainly require a portable
CMM and its prices also varies according to size of the job
,No. and types of profiles in job,brand etc.So as per
current survey a portable cmm just for dimensional
analysis,accurate setting of chassis welding and various
mounting points,cad model comparison for a 6 feet job
(our chassis) would cost around $32000.

some links.http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/sido/trtc/4.htm
http://www.tradeindia.com/manufacturers/portablecmm.html
http://www.indiamart.com/accuratesalesservices/portable-cmm-machine.html