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.

Also, as mentioned, due to plastic's occasional sensitivity, there are other non-contact methods mixed into CMM inspection. However, larger metal molds don't have this obstacle and are ideal for CMMs.

Like most machines, CMMs have multiple models with pros and cons for different applications.

CMMs have three main categories: bridge/gantry, cantilever/horizontal, and arm. For the plastics industry, the best CMM model to use is a portable CMM with adaptable software. Let's discuss 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 and portable CMM machine measures and inspects by bringing the CMM to the plastic part and touching a probe to it. This type of CMM does not require moving the plastic to another room or removing it from the mold.

Alternative CMM machine models—bridge, gantry, cantilever, and horizontal—require you to bring the plastic part or mold to the CMM. This frequent transportation can cause deformities due to temperature changes or handling. On top of that, the back-and-forth transporting of each plastic part is inefficient.

The proper arm CMM software for the plastic manufacturing industry is software with temperature and vibration compensation, visual guidance, and CAD model comparison.

Temperature compensation measures the plastic at a standardized temperature. This provides insights into how the plastic will measure when exposed to a variety of temperatures. This is necessary, especially for plastic, because it changes with different environments. Likewise, vibration compensation will point out if vibration is getting in the way of accurate measurements.

Visual guidance is useful for repeated measurements to make sure everything is measured the same way with no variance between technicians. Errors between repetitive measurements can affect the rest of the batch, so every single part must be measured the same.

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.

Our CMMs, the WM and XM, transport between technicians in a rolling case and remain consistent with measurements no matter who is using it. Do you manufacture plastics up to 2 m? If so, the XM Series is the right tool for you. If you have larger components, you’ll want to check out the WM.

Contact us today for a free demo of our CMM solutions and to go over any questions you have.