CMM Equipment
Are you looking for CMM machines? Quality control systems rely on accurate measurement and data collection. Though there are many ways to measure parts, a used CMM probe is often the best way to meet customer requirements. Over the years coordinate measuring machines (CMM) has been replacing traditional inspection methods. A used CMM probe can reduce the time and effort needed to inspect special features such as gears, camshafts, airfoil shapes, and many others. Traditionally, special features like these required specialized testing equipment. Our experts can help you find a CMM for sale that fit your business needs.
CMM Equipment For Sale
A CMM also known as a coordinate measuring machine is an inspection machine that measures the geometrical aspects of a manufactured object. Usually these machines are automated but can also be controlled by a CMM expert. When a prototype or group of manufactured products are ready for qualuty control, The CMM can probe the geometrical aspects of the X, Y & Z cuts of an object. There are (3) major CMM probe types to choose from:
- Portable: Commonly used CMM in many machine shops due to its "Portablity" and its cost. With many features available in a portable CMM it is easily the best way to start with quality control.
- Bridge: unlike the protable CMM probes, Bridge CMM proble are more automated and can get higher levels of accuracy to help with controlling quality. Bridge CMM can endure higher production runs and can perform in a lot of diffrent machine shop conditions.
- Gantry: Gantry CMM are also Bridge CMM but are 10 times the size. These machines are ideal for quality measurement of larger products like automtive and aircraft parts.
Delivery Quality Parts with a CMM Probe
Product quality depends not just of the quality of machine tools for manufacturing, but on the accuracy and repeatability of the measuring and inspection devices. Even if you have a low cost, low-performance machining center, if you have a high-quality CMM, you can guarantee delivery of quality parts. However, if you have a high-quality machine tool and a low-quality CMM, your quality can be compromised. Quality control systems which rely on CMM data are more reliable than other more manual types of inspection.
Important factors when buying a CMM Probe
Size Matters: The first thing to consider when purchasing a CMM probe is the size. We recommend considering a CMM with twice the X, Y, and Z measuring ranges as the part width, length, and height that you need to measure. This way you will have space for extensions and fixtures if needed in the future.
Required Uncertainty: Different CMM equipment conforms to various performance standards. You can learn more about the standards in ISO 10360-2. ISO10360-2 is an international standard that specifies two uncertainties: volumetric length measuring uncertainty (E) and volumetric probing uncertainty (R). These are things that you can test for when inspecting a used CMM by using gage blocks or a step gage. When you are comparing CMMs from different manufacturers, make sure you compare like specifications. Other standards you may find include CMMA, VDI/VDE 2617, B89, and JIS.
Software: Some CMMs come with software for measuring complex geometries such as impellers, screw compressors, hob cutters, and bevel gears. Make sure you understand the complexity of your parts and know that the specific used CMM probe has the software capabilities to measure it.
Throughput: Consider how many parts you will need to inspect daily. The more parts a CMM can inspect in a day, the lower the cost per part. Look for the acceleration rates and the number of probing points per minute, which can determine overall throughput. Sometimes special fixturing arrangements can increase throughput as well.
We can help you find the right used CMM
Everyday shops across the country are improving their quality control systems with the purchase of a used CMM probe in response to growing demand, changes in product mix, and company priorities.
If your in the market for a CMM call our CNC experts. We have the right contacts and used inventory to help you meet your quality measurement needs.