CMM Inspection, Are You Getting Value?

Nowadays many companies large and small are offering CMM inspection services.  How do you, as the customer, know when you are getting value for money?  For many, the obvious answer is to just select the cheapest hourly rate.  After all, CMM inspection procedures and equipment should be the same, aren't they? 

Well, to the uninitiated, all CMM inspection services would seem to deliver the same end product.  But the reality is that the results you will get vary from one CMM inspection house to another, irrespective if they are an ISO accredited company or not!

The majority of customers want valid and reliable results.  In the end, incorrect results can lead to unnecessary adjustment of machines and even scrap parts, resulting in the potential loss of a contract.  So the primary consideration for these inspection services is to get the best value and, most importantly, obtain credible data for the customer's requirements.

The CMM inspection company that you select, must have the correct equipment to do the job.  Do your research by visiting several CMM inspection services in your area and asking the following questions:  Do they have only one machine?  Is that machine big enough, accurate enough and does it have the correct probing and software to properly measure your components?  It is important that you seek references and speak to the customers that this company has done business with in the past.

Ideally, the CMM inspection facility you choose should have several measuring systems in-house that allow a variety of solutions that can be tailor-made to fit your needs.  The following are 6 items to consider prior to the selection of a CMM Services company:

1.  How frequently are the machines calibrated?  The more often the better off you will be.
2. Is the machine in a temperature controlled environment.  What are the limits of this control?
3.  Does this company provide a variety of equipment to suit various part sizes?
4. Are other manual measuring devices available to verify the CMM results?
5. Is more than one probing system, available on the machine or machines?  Since probing is equivalent to tooling on a machine tool, it's important that the correct probe is used.  For instance, if the company only has a Renishaw TP2 probe then capability to measure the diameters or form is severely restricted.  Whereas if the Renishaw SP 25 probing system is being used, then credible results will be given.
6. Does the CMM inspection company have other means of measurement?  For instance, laser probing or vision.  It is wise to choose a CMM inspection company that can provide a complete solution, and is not hampered by the use of restricted equipment resources.

Remember, it's not the hourly rate that matters. Pprecision and credibility of your CMM inspection service provider are the keys to getting the most value for your money. Visit http://www.cmmxyz.com.