The Advantages of Using Portable Coordinate Measurement Machines in Manufacturing Quality Control

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) have revolutionized the quality assurance process in manufacturing industries. However, traditional CMMs can be bulky and require parts to be brought to the machine for measurement. Portable coordinate measurement machine solve this problem by allowing measurements to be taken directly on the shop floor. Here are some of the ways that portable CMMs benefit manufacturing quality control:

Improved Accessibility:

Portable CMMs are easy to maneuver around the factory floor and shop, making it possible to measure parts in their production environment. This eliminates the need to transport parts to a separate CMM room, saving time and improving accessibility. Parts can be measured while still in the production flow, without the need for them to be removed from assembly lines and moved to a CMM lab.

Faster Measurement Cycles:

With portable CMMs, there is no downtime waiting for parts to be removed and brought back to the production line. Measurements can be taken on-demand whenever needed, resulting in faster measurement cycles. This translates to faster design iterations, product improvements, and lower production delays.

More Flexibility and Improved Throughput:

The ability to measure parts in situ allows for more flexibility in workpiece positioning and part configurations. This makes it easier to measure complex assemblies with multiple subcomponents, improving overall production throughput.

Better Monitoring of Ongoing Processes:

Portable coordinate measurement machines allow for on-demand spot checking of work in progress. This enables manufacturing and quality engineers to monitor processes in real time and identify issues early on, leading to process improvements and catching defects as soon as they occur.

Safer Measurement Environment:

Portable CMMs reduce the need for part movement and handling, making the measurement process safer. There is less risk of damage to parts during transportation between production and quality labs, and parts can remain securely fastened during measurement, eliminating safety concerns.

Reduced Labor and Resource Costs:

Compared to a network of full-sized CMMs, portable CMMs do not require expensive lab setups and facilities. They can be used in existing production space, and there is a lower requirement for CMM operators since training focuses on one portable machine instead of multiple traditional CMMs. This results in reduced labor, facility, and equipment costs.

Easier Collation of Measurement Data:

Portable coordinate measurement machines wirelessly collate measurement data on a central network, making it easier to analyze and compare data across multiple measurements, locations, and production runs. This eliminates the need for manual data entry from printouts.

Suitability for a Wide Variety of Parts:

The flexibility of portable CMMs allows them to measure a wide variety of part sizes and types, from small electronics to large machinery components. This makes them suitable replacements for full-sized CMMs for most manufacturing applications.

In conclusion, the use of portable coordinate measurement machines in manufacturing quality control offers numerous benefits, from improved accessibility and faster measurement cycles to reduced costs and better monitoring of ongoing processes. With their versatility and efficiency, portable CMMs are essential tools for ensuring the quality and accuracy of manufactured parts.