Summary: Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) measure the geometry of a part by collecting points on a surface, usually by contact. Fixed CMMs are the standard type, generally designed as gantry or bridge types, where the probe is attached to the machine and the machine maneuvers the probe onto the part. Portable CMMs are generally handheld, with a manual probe that a technician controls. Portable CMMs are efficient for large parts, cover a wide measurement range, follow NIST traceability standards, and cost less because they need no dedicated room or specialized technicians. KEYENCE manufactures two portable CMMs: the XM-5000 handheld probe CMM and the WM-6000 wide area CMM. Provided by KEYENCE.
A CMM is a type of measuring tool that measures the geometry of a part by collecting points on a surface, usually by contact. Once the points are determined, the CMM uses software to measure 2D and 3D dimensions, record data, and acquire GD&T features.
CMMs are necessary tools for measurement and inspection in industries such as aerospace, automobile, and medical devices.
Fixed CMMs are known as the standard CMMs, generally designed as gantry or bridge types. The probe used is attached to the machine, and the machine maneuvers the probe onto the part.
Portable CMMs are generally handheld and have a manual probe that a technician controls. These devices work by physically going over to the part's location and touching the probe to the desired measurement area.
Both types are accurate, user-friendly, and efficient when used in the correct scenarios. Choosing one over the other may not always have detrimental effects, but it will make the measuring process easier.
Large parts are difficult to measure because of weight, size, and difficulty transporting. Portable CMMs are handheld and lightweight, countering those difficulties. With the WM Series you can choose whether to use the portable CMM with a tripod or pole mount. Companies in the aerospace and automobile industries have seen significant reductions in inspection time by using KEYENCE's XM and WM Series around the shop floor with big parts.
Portable CMMs have a wide range for measuring small to large parts.
| Model | Measurement range |
|---|---|
| XM Series portable CMM | Parts from palm size to 2 m (6.6 ft) in width and 1 m (3.2 ft) in height |
| WM Series portable CMM | Up to 25 m (82.0 ft) in width and 12.5 m (41.0 ft) in height |
Portable CMMs are accurate and repeatable tools, especially compared with their portable metrology counterparts such as calipers, micrometers, and other manual gauges. KEYENCE's portable CMMs follow NIST traceability standards for measurement and inspection.
Portable CMMs are cheaper than fixed CMMs because there are no extra costs to introduce them as new devices. They are easily integrated into shop floors because of how little space they take up, so there is no need to spend money building an area for these tools. They are also intuitive to use, so there is no extra cost for hiring new specialized technicians.
XM-5000 Handheld Probe Coordinate Measuring Machine — types of measurements:
WM-6000 Wide Area Coordinate Measuring Machine — measurement examples:
If you are looking for a cost-effective, transportable, accurate, and versatile tool, a portable CMM is probably best. If you need utmost accuracy, have a high budget, and measure large batches of small or sensitive parts, a fixed CMM may be the better choice.
Source: KEYENCE, "Portable vs Fixed CMMs and How to Choose a CMM" https://www.keyence.com/products/3d-measure/cmm/resources/cmm-resources/portable-vs-fixed-cmms.jsp