Arm CMM

Arm CMMs use angular measurements, via rotary encoders, taken at the joints of the arm to calculate the position of the stylus tip. KEYENCE CMMs use a combination of cameras and sensors instead since encoders can slowly degrade over time. This allows the user to use a wireless, ergonomically probe instead of a non-ergonomic arm. Additionally, since the XM Series CMM works based off of line-of-sight without rotary encoders, the system does not have internal moving parts, which eliminates costly annual recalibration fees. Another major benefit is that our CMMs are "infinite axis". You'll notice that arm CMMs have an axis rating. Our probes can come in at any orientation as long as the head unit can read the lights on the probe.

A portable CMM allows for versatility. KEYENCE's CMMs work just as well on the shop floor as inside of a quality lab. Similar to arm CMMs, they can be moved around to different locations. However, the head unit does not have to be clamped down like many arm CMMs. It can be placed on the stage it comes with, on an optional tripod, or mounted to a table. The head itself simply locks into a mount, so users can easily take the head unit and probe to different stations or leave it in the same location at all times.

The XM Series comes standard with a stage. However, it has the versatility to be placed in other areas. Let's say that you want to have stations around your shop floor for your CMM. You can purchase mounts and have them located around your facility to transport the measurement unit to. Maybe you want the ability to measure a part while its in-machine or have a 3' x 4' that is incredibly heavy and currently located close to the ground. In these instances, you can place the head unit on a tripod and measure the part on the floor and even directly inside of a machine. A product specialist can assist with deciding what's best for you. What about XM vs WM CMM? These are essentially a little brother and big brother version of each other. For parts that are less than 6' wide or just under 4' cubed, the XM is the best fit. If the majority of your parts are 6+ feet, then you want the bigger version, the WM series. If you have a mix of parts in both ranges, our CMM product specialists exclusively work with those 2 systems and can help assist choosing what's best for you.

CMMs have many capabilities. The most common use is to take 3D measurements, including GD&T that could be difficult, less repeatable, or impossible to measure with hand tools. What sets apart KEYENCE CMMs from competitors is the ability to take a picture of the physical part you are measuring and overly measurements using augmented reality to make inspection easy for anyone to understand. This combined with the user interface gives our CMMs a lower learning curve for on-boarding and a faster road to mastery. CMMs can assist with measuring the "profile" of a part, for example. CMMs are very commonly used on machined parts and are used in various industries, ranging from medical to aerospace. Our CMMs are manual and most often used in manufacturing industries, but we have plenty of users in niche areas that have great success with our CMMs.

In-machine measurement is the ability to measure a part while it is inside of the machine manufacturing it, or a similar location. The benefit to in-machine measurement is saved time. If you have a heavy part that would normally need to be moved via multiple individuals or even a powered machine, such as a crane, you can avoid that with in-machine inspection. Additionally, there is the ability to inspect mid-machining process. If you want to inspect a part mid-machining, you can simply inspect it while the part is being made to reduce time and reduce error since there is no need to remove the part from the fixture.