Nothing beats bridge-style CMMs in precision, reliability, repeatability or cost. This simple structure and design is still the mainstay of coordinate metrology today and has been with us since the late 1970s. With simple mechanical modifications, the bridge design has remained the most popular structure available.
At CMMXYZ, we’re proud to be a leading CMM machine provider in North America, offering one of the largest selections of new and used CMMs, including a wide range of bridge CMM machines. Our on and off-site measurement services are designed to help manufacturers and shop floor leaders improve their production practices and achieve the highest level of accuracy.
With our selection of bridge-type CMMs, you can remain competitive in your industry without sacrificing productivity or quality.
Contact us today, and we will help you select the best bridge CMM equipment for the job.
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Whether you’re in the aerospace, automotive, or energy and power industry, there are various benefits to implementing a bridge-type CMM machine into your production process, including:
A bridge CMM is a coordinate measuring machine that is designed to provide exceedingly accurate dimensional characteristic measurements. This type of CMM is controlled in one of two ways — via a computer or manually, and includes an extremely accurate measuring probe.
The probe is directed in three axes — X, Y, and Z. — scanning or probing the measured part will generate highly accurate measurements.
A bridge CMM is an important piece of metrology equipment and is best suited for manufacturers and production leaders that are looking to increase the accuracy of their measurements and their overall manufacturing quality.
Several industries use bridge CMM machines to create custom-fit solutions and produce precise measuring results, including:
These industries will utilize this type of CMM to confirm the dimensions of a three-dimensional manufactured component or to resolve and even prevent quality control issues. Its heightened functionality and precision make this CMM one of the most widely used worldwide.
Whether you’re in the aerospace, automotive, medical or energy and power industry, there are various benefits to implementing a bridge-type CMM machine into your production process, including:
Guaranteed Accuracy
A bridge CMM ensures all collected measurements, sensor components, and measuring software are able to work together to produce high-quality and reliable results.
Advanced Measuring Speeds
When you need to collect data on a specific timeline, a bridge-type CMM can measure complex components and parts rapidly and accurately.
Custom Dimensional Inspection
Today’s advanced bridge CMMs are designed to measure a wide range of components and materials used in manufacturing, including plastic, glass, and sheet metal.
The conventional bridge machine has the entire bridge structure (X beam and the two uprights) riding on a granite plate or a steel substructure.
Yes, bridge machines not only retain their accuracy longer but are generally the most accurate coordinate measure machines available. The exception to this, of course, is a stationary bridge structure with a moving plate (i.e. Leitz PMM).
Many manufacturers worldwide build first-class structures. Manufacturers such as Mitutoyo, Hexagon, Zeiss, L.K., Coord 3 and Wenzel are the best to stick with. What differentiates them is software, probing and controls.
Generally, the largest standard-build bridge machines are no larger than 3 m in X. 6 m in Y. And 3 m in Z. Around or above that size gantry machine would be recommended.
Modern coordinate measuring machines can be constructed of aluminum or ceramic and are generally manufactured with a granite base. Aluminum is extremely light, and its coefficient of expansion is extremely predictable, which is of great benefit to the CMM manufacturer. It allows high, dynamic speed and reaches thermal equilibrium quickly. Utilizing software temperature compensation, it produces an extremely accurate machine.
Ceramic is also a light material but has the bonus of being virtually inert to temperature changes. The cost to build a machine with ceramic components is generally more than an all-aluminum structure.
In short, yes! It is wise to put the machine in an environment where the temperature is 20 degrees C and does not vary more than 2 to 5°C over a 24-hour period. Additionally, components to be measured should be allowed to normalize in the same environment.
If this is not possible, then it would be wise to consider a machine specifically built for use on the shop floor, as these machines have inbuilt real-time temperature compensation that optimizes the accuracy of the machine in that environment.
If it is purchased from a reputable company that specializes in coordinate measuring machines, then the answer is yes. The actual structure of a bridge-style coordinate measure machine has not altered much in the last 25 years, if at all. Things that should be considered are software probing and the controller.
These items, particularly bridge CMM software, become obsolete within two or three years.
Air bearings systems are the first choice for the lab or clean room. The bearings are situated along the x-axis (bridge) and are generally captive in that every bearing creates pressure in one direction. Another bearing is applying force in the opposite direction. Brown and Sharpe and DEA machines have triangular bridges that easily facilitate this approach in that three precision surfaces are utilized.
On the y-axis (long axis), most new CMMs will have a drive side usually equipped with captive bearings and a slave side. This slave side is the non-driven leg that supports the structure and generally has air-bearing support. The z-axis also contains captive bearings and is generally balanced by either a pneumatic or counterbalance (weight) system.
Hard-bearing or roller-bearing systems are also available in bridge designs. These are particularly suitable for the shop floor CMMs, as the bearing surfaces are generally located under protected guideways where air contamination is non-existent.
The cost of a bridge-type CMM will often vary depending on a variety of factors, including whether you’re purchasing a new or used CMM.
At CMMXYZ, we offer the largest selection of bridge CMMs in North America. We help manufacturers and shop floor leaders streamline their production lines with the equipment they can count on at prices they can trust. Our specialists will guide you through our product selection and provide a comprehensive cost breakdown.
We offer leading machines at fair and competitive prices and are ready to help you find the right type of CMM for your operations.
At CMMXYZ, we’re proud to be a leader in metrology solutions in North America. Among our selection of high-quality measuring equipment, we carry the broadest range of bridge-style CMMs from brands you know and trust.
We believe in offering coordinate measuring technology at prices our clients can trust. With our metrology specialists available for on and off-site consultations, you can rest assured your machine is always running at its optimal level — never sacrificing quality, efficiency, or accuracy.
Our comprehensive and convenient CMM measurement services guarantee a personalized experience from start to finish. Whether you’re working in the automotive industry or the healthcare space, we can help you understand the full range of benefits you’ll only find with a bridge-style CMM from CMMXYZ.
If you’re looking to streamline your production process and improve quality control and accuracy on the shop floor, CMMXYZ is ready to help you find the suitable machine for your needs.
We offer the best new and used bridge CMM machines in North America, in a wide range of name brands and at prices you can trust.
Simply fill out our contact form, and one of our specialists will get in touch in a timely manner. A CMMXYZ member will discuss your metrology needs and work within your price point to find the right equipment for your business.
