CMM for Plastics Industry

Beyond final part inspection, CMMs play a significant role in the plastics industry. For example, they are often used as part of R&D and quality control in the production molds that are used for injection-molded components. This inspection process ensures that these parts meet specific standards and are defect-free.

In addition, some plastic parts can be sensitive to contact-based measurement methods, making non-contact inspection an important consideration for certain applications. Metal parts, however, are typically well suited for contact-based CMM measurements due to their durability and rigidity.

Like most industrial equipment, CMMs are available in several models, each with advantages for different applications. The three main CMM categories are bridge/gantry, cantilever/horizontal arm, and portable arm systems. For many plastics manufacturing applications, portable CMMs paired with adaptable software are often the best fit. Let’s take a look at why.

To select the proper CMM for the plastics industry, it’s best to pick one that can combat environmental changes, like variations in temperature or humidity. With these considerations, the proper CMM model for the plastic manufacturing industry is a handheld and portable CMM.

A handheld portable CMM measures and inspects parts by bringing the system directly to the plastic component and touching the probe to the surface. This allows inspections to be completed without moving the part to another room or removing it from the mold. There are also non-contact measurement options, allowing operators to inspect sensitive parts without making physical contact with the surface.

Alternative CMM models, such as bridge-style systems, require the plastic part or mold to be brought to the machine for inspection. Frequent transportation can cause deformities from temperature changes or handling, especially with sensitive plastic components. It also adds unnecessary time and inefficiency to the inspection process.

The most effective CMM software for the plastics manufacturing industry should include features such as temperature and vibration compensation, visual guidance, and CAD model comparison.

Temperature compensation helps standardize measurements by accounting for changes caused by environmental conditions. This is especially important for plastic parts, which can expand or deform with temperature fluctuations. Vibration compensation also helps maintain accurate measurements in active production environments by reducing the impact of external movement.

Visual guidance is valuable for repeated inspections because it helps ensure every part is measured the same way, regardless of the operator. Reducing variation between technicians improves consistency and helps prevent measurement errors from affecting the rest of the production batch.

Implementing a coordinate measuring machine in plastic manufacturing will prevent defects and improve inspection repetition.

KEYENCE’s portable and handheld coordinate measuring machines are specialized for the plastics industry, featuring 3D CAD model color map comparison to spot deformities, visual guidance with a touch screen for consistency, and temperature compensation for neutral measurements.