COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE

Manufacturing and metrology lab report

NavyaTej
Me10b021

Aim: To measure the geometric parameters of the given block. Apparatus Required: Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), Geomet software, widget block, probe, probe fixture. Procedure: Step1: Connect system with CMM and calibrate the ruby ball stylus using the calibration ball.

Step2: Generally the origin is fixed at back end of the horizontal surface of machine. Step3: But if we want to change the origin we can change it using the software. It will measure all the readings from origin. Step4: We have been given the plate as shown in figure for finding its dimensions using stylus. Step5: We will have a remote to control the motion of the stylus and. Step6: If you want to measure thickness, you can touch the stylus probe at any point of the upper surface and take a lower surface point also and get the distance between those. Step7: If you want to measure the radius of a circle, then take three points of the circle using stylus and you can get the radius of the circle. Step8: To get angle of an inclined surface, take three points on the plane and form a plane, after that measure angle using angle option in the software between the plane and already formed horizontal plane or with respect to which plane required. Step8: After getting total dimensions we can get the geometry of the object in type of CAD model. Theory: A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is an instrument that locates point coordinates on three dimensional structures mainly used for quality control applications. The highly sensitive machine measures parts down to the fraction of an inch and must be properly maintained and protected to ensure accurate measurements. Specifically, a CMM contains many highly sensitive air bearings on which the measuring arm floats.

The typical 3 "bridge" CMM is composed of three axes, an X, Y and Z. These axes are orthogonal to each other in a typical three dimensional coordinate system. Each axis has a scale system that indicates the location of that axis. The machine will read the input from the touch probe, as directed by the operator or programmer. The machine then uses the X, Y, Z coordinates of each of these points to determine size and position with micrometer precision typically. Dimensional inspection is used in process control; its results adjust the parameters of the manufacturing process to achieve the desired outputs. Computer controlled dimensional inspection is typically performed with a Coordinate Measuring Machine or CMM, which is a very precise mechanical system designed to move a measuring probe to determine coordinates of points on a work piece surface.

A CMM consists of a workspace in which parts are fixed, a sensor for detecting the part surfaces, a mechanical assembly for moving the part sensor around the workspace, and a computer with software used in calculating the part dimensions based on the sensor measurements. CMM has a touch-trigger probe, which uses a ruby-tipped stylus to sense the part.

Figure showing typical CMM

When taking a measurement, the stylus is brought into contact with a part surface. By probing the part on its critical surfaces and recording their locations, the dimensions of the part can be calculated. The computer software (Geomet) will maintain a database of qualified styli used in an inspection report. Each stylus that will be used in the report needs to be qualified against a known reference sphere to identify the size and MCS (machine coordinate system) location of the reference. Features of machine: In the CMM experiment the following feature controls: angularity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and flatness are inspected. In modern machines, the gantry type superstructure has two legs and is often called a bridge. This moves freely along the granite table with one leg (often referred to as the inside leg) following a guide rail attached to one side of the granite table. The opposite leg (often outside leg) simply rests on the granite table following the vertical surface contour. Working principle: Air bearings are the chosen method for ensuring friction free travel. In these, compressed air is forced through a series of very small holes in a flat bearing surface to provide a smooth but controlled air cushion on which the CMM can move in a frictionless manner. The movement of the bridge or gantry along the granite table forms one axis of the XY plane. The bridge of the gantry contains a carriage which traverses between the inside and outside legs and forms the other X or Y horizontal axis. The third axis of movement (Z axis) is provided by the addition of vertical quill or spindle which moves up and down through the center of the carriage. The touch probe forms the sensing device on the end of the quill. The movement of the X, Y and Z axes fully describes the measuring envelope. Optional rotary tables can be used to enhance the approachability of the measuring probe to complicated work pieces. The rotary table as a fourth drive axis does not enhance the measuring dimensions, which remain 3D, but it does provide a degree of flexibility. Some touch probes are themselves powered rotary devices with the probe tip able to swivel vertically through 90 degrees and through a full 360 degree rotation. Applications: Some of the applications are as shown:

Learning: To measure the different dimensions of an object using CMM and its software package.

Calibration of CMM using standard ceramic ball.