Basics - Optical CMM

July, 2020

Are you looking to learn Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine (Optical CMM) basics, including capabilities, best practices, advantages, and next-generation functions? Our free metrology resource site offers fundamental knowledge related to dimensional measurement instruments, environment requirements, selecting the right tool for the job, and various inspection processes.

Fundamentals

1 Overview

What is an Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine (Optical CMM)? Also commonly known as a vision measuring machine (VMM) or a video measuring machine. An optical CMM is a 3D measurement system with three-vertical-axis movement systems to construct a spatial coordinate system, the coordinate point cloud can be detected by the sensors with the travel working of three-axis-linear-scales. These sensors include a vision sensor such as a CCD or CMOS camera or laser probe.

2 Capabilities and Advantages

Optical coordinate measuing machines (Optical CMMs) allow for three-dimensional inspection of parts. Measurements include lengths, angles, diameters, planes, cylinders, spheres and GD&T. They have the advantage of being non-contact, highly accurate, computerized for data collection, and performs complex dimensional inspections.

3 Core Technology

Learn about the core techology that drives these tools, and the next-generation optical coordinate measuring machines using the principals of these tools of in new ways to bring added-value to production and quality inspection.