CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)

CMM for Oil & Gas Industry

Key Takeaways

Portable CMMs are ideal for oil and gas, enabling on-site inspection of assembled parts to reduce downtime.
CMMs accurately measure bend angles, flatness, and GD&T data, ensuring quality in extreme environments.
Select CMM software with temperature and vibration compensation, automated reporting, and easy data sharing.

A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a tool that collects coordinate points to measure dimensions and GD&T data. CMMs are available in four main types: bridge, gantry, cantilever, and portable systems.

Your ideal model depends on your industry, and in this blog, we’ll discuss how to choose a CMM for oil and gas applications. Since the industry is frequently changing, a portable CMM with dynamic software is the optimal coordinate measuring machine for energy industry applications. Keep reading to learn more about how a portable CMM supports angular measurements, assembly, and data exchange.

How CMM Machines are Used in the Energy Industry

Price volatility, unpredictable changes in supply, extreme environments, and constant data exchange are aspects of the energy industry that make it unique. However, with the uniqueness comes challenges with measuring and inspection in the energy industry. CMMs are a lifeboat for those challenges.

CMMs can precisely inspect and measure complex dimensions and GD&T data while considering friction, environmental conditions, and pressure. A CMM machine ensures bends are at the correct angle, flanges are flat enough, and pitch circle diameters are fitting. These tools are advanced and precise compared to other tools like rulers, calipers, and micrometers.

Choosing the Right CMM for Oil and Gas Applications

Select the Proper Model

Bridge, cantilever, and horizontal models are usually large, heavy, and unmovable, so they aren’t the most effective choice for oil and gas applications.

A portable CMM is often a better fit for oil and gas applications. These systems are compact, easy to transport between sites, and simple for multiple technicians to use. Their flexibility also allows operators to inspect and measure assembled parts without taking them apart, helping reduce downtime and eliminate the need for reassembly.

Select the Proper Software

The fast-paced and demanding nature of the oil and gas industry also makes flexible CMM software essential. The software should allow measurement data to move easily between technicians, locations, and applications while keeping results organized and accessible. Features such as data management and automated reporting can help teams quickly review, share, and analyze inspection results.

Software like this helps keep everyone aligned, even in environments with changing teams, schedules, and communication. Easy-to-use CMM software improves both efficiency and accuracy by helping ensure measurements remain consistent between technicians while reducing the need for extensive training or onboarding time.

It is also important to consider the oil and gas industry’s frequent exposure to extreme environments and vibration, as these conditions can impact measurement accuracy and inspection reliability. Certain types of CMM software can help compensate for external disturbances such as vibration and temperature changes, allowing measurements to remain consistent across different sites and environments.

Integrate the CMM into the Energy Industry Manufacturing Process

The energy industry is dynamic, so the tools must be, too. KEYENCE’s Portable CMM for in-process, on-machine, on-site, and final inspection adds consistency to the energy industry demands.

The KEYENCE WM Series Portable CMM is well suited for oil and gas applications. The handheld system can easily travel between sites in a roller suitcase and requires minimal training to operate. Measurements are taken by touching the probe to the part and selecting the desired inspection or measurement directly from the touchscreen interface.

The KEYENCE WM Series can calculate complex measurements in seconds and generate inspection reports with data and photos. It is also designed to compensate for vibration and temperature changes, helping maintain accurate measurements in demanding environments. The system supports easy handoff between technicians and can measure parts up to 82 feet in size.

Have more questions about KEYENCE measurement systems? Contact us today for a demo.

Contact us to learn more about how our advanced technology can help take your business to the next level.