We have selected reliable CMMs of the gate-type, arm-type, and handheld-type from six different manufacturers*, based on reviews and results published on their respective manufacturer's official websites.
We have categorized the selected CMMs into three groups: "Machines with Excellent Measurement Accuracy and Stability," "Machines with high User-Friendliness and Versatility," and "Machines Compatible with Smart Factory Solutions." On this case, you can find out more about how each CMM differs from the others and what challenges it can address.
(*)Selected the top-ranking manufacturers by searching "CMM" on Google (as of November 30, 2023).
Source: KEYENCE Website（https://www.keyence.com/products/measure-sys/cmm/xm/index_pr.jsp）
This CMM has a caliper-like feel, enabling even beginners to perform high-precision measurements. It can be carried without the need for temperature control, allowing for immediate measurements at any desired location and time. As it doesn't require a large installation space, it's a CMM with a low entry barrier.
Source: Carl Zeiss Website（https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/products/systems/cmm.html）
Utilizing linear drive on all axes, this CMM boasts high precision with a maximum permissible length measurement error of 0.3+L/1000μm, repeatability of ±0.2μm, and resolution of 0.001μm. The reduced occurrence of errors allows for a decrease in the need for remeasurement.
Source: Mitutoyo Website（https://www.mitutoyo.com/products/coordinate-measuring-machines/）
A CNC CMM that was first developed in 1976.
It features applications that respond to the demand for "Smart Factories" by allowing monitoring of operational status and maintenance management of the machine through the network.
Reasons for Selection
Source: KEYENCE Website（https://www.keyence.com/products/measure-sys/cmm/xm/index_pr.jsp）
This CMM allows measurements from any posture or angle with a user-friendly, caliper-like feel. No specialized operators or dedicated measurement rooms are required. The XM Series can be used as a replacement for a vernier caliper, in environments where bridge-type machines are difficult to operate, and to reduce wait time between measurements. Applicable in metalworking environments such as the automotic or aerospace industry, among others.
The XM Series is easy to introduce as it does not require specific installation locations or specialized personnel, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can also easily be used alongside pre-existing CMMs. With a maximum measurement range of 2m, it can handle large workpieces with ease.
Prior to implementation, we used to transport parts to a dedicated measurement room with a large CMM for inspection. Now, most parts can be measured on-site, resulting in a significant reduction in measurement man-hours. Due to this, we have been able to save up to one full day of work.
Previously, as we had to outsource measurements, the acceptance process for parts was not completed on-site. This is now possible. Thanks to this, processes from part ordering to delivery and scheduling of mold assembly work can be more accurately and efficiently managed, leading to the shortening of processes in the entire "Mold Chart and Parts Management System."
Source: iPROS Manufacturing(https://www.ipros.jp/catalog/detail/477092)
Source: Carl Zeiss Website（https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/products/systems/cmm.html）
Equipped with the "VAST gold sensor" that ensures high accuracy and reproducibility. With its high resolution, the XENOS is capable of detecting even the slightest deviations. Utilizing linear drives on all axes enables high speeds, rapid acceleration, precise positioning, and drive without shear force. Recommended for environments facing challenges like frequent measurement rework, or for companies aiming to improve productivity.
To quickly obtain results and surpass competitors in terms of quality assurance, we decided to purchase ZEISS XENOS. The length measurement error in a range of 1 cubic meter is only 0.3 micrometers. This high level of precision allows us to identify errors in the work. Due to this, we have been able to troubleshoot quickly, leading to an overall optimization of the process.
Source: Mitutoyo Website（https://www.mitutoyo.com/products/coordinate-measuring-machines/）
To answer the increasing demand for monitoring operational status and maintenance management of equipment via networks in smart factories, this CMM is equipped with new technology for online monitoring of precision measuring instruments.
Operational status, cumulative history of key parts, etc. can be monitored online. The CRYSTA-Apex addresses the needs of companies that want to advance their factory automation infrastructure to boost productivity through the implementation of IoT and production line integration.
At Toray Carbon Magic, Mitutoyo's CNC CMM "CRYSTA Apex S" was introduced to meet precision requirements for manufacturing components of medical devices. Until now, shape measurement with a 3-axis control probe had been challenging for us, but the introduction of "CRYSTA Apex S," featuring a 5-axis control scanning head, enabled measurement of complex and difficult shapes, contributing to the improvement of our quality assurance.
| Product name (Manufacturer) |
shape | Measurement Method |
Operation Method |
Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
[PR]XM Series (KEYENCE)
Source: KEYENCE Website（https://www.keyence.com/products/measure-sys/cmm/xm/index_pr.jsp） |
Handheld-type | Contact | Manual | Handheld CMM with a caliper-like feel. Allows even beginners to perform high-precision measurements. Easy to introduce with low installation hurdles, suitable for quick and easy use. A measurement range of up to 2m allows for measurements of large workpieces. |
|
[PR]WM Series (KEYENCE)
Source: KEYENCE Website（https://www.keyence.com/zxm_ka001） |
Handheld-type | Contact | Manual | It is a portable type that can be carried anywhere in a dedicated suitcase. With a maximum measurement range of 15m, it can be used for measuring equipment stands, assembly jigs, inspection tools, and for preliminary sketching during overhauls. |
|
ZEISS XENOS (Carl Zeiss)
Source: Carl Zeiss Website（https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/products/systems/cmm.html） |
Bridge-type | Contact | CNC | An essential machine for fields requiring high precision, such as research, aerospace, and optical equipment. Achieves extremely high repeatability through various innovations and technologies in materials and structure. |
|
ZEISS PRISMO (Carl Zeiss)
Source: Carl Zeiss Website（https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/products/systems/cmm/bridge-type-cmms/prismo.html） |
Bridge-type | Contact | CNC | Equipped with various sensors for both contact and non-contact measurements. Guarantees high accuracy with a maximum permissible length measurement error of E0, MPE = 0.9+L/350 μm over a wide temperature range of 15 to 30℃. |
|
ZEISS DuraMax (Carl Zeiss)
Source: Carl Zeiss Website（https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/products/systems/cmm/production-cmms/duramax.html） |
Cantilever-type | Contact | Manual | A compact scanning probe allows precise measurement of complex shapes. Capable of evaluating geometric tolerances and deviations, such as circularity and flatness, using the versatile measurement program Calypso. |
|
CRYSTA-Apex Series (Mitutoyo)
Source: Mitutoyo Website（https://www.mitutoyo.com/products/coordinate-measuring-machines/） |
Bridge-type | Contact | CNC | Known for high precision, ensuring a maximum permissible length measurement error of 1.7+3L/1000μm in a temperature range of 16 to 26℃. Capable of specifying 3D measurement paths for flexible measurements of complex shapes. |
|
FALCIO APEX Series (Mitutoyo)
Source: Mitutoyo Website（https://www2.mitutoyo.co.jp/eng/new/news/2002/02_03.html） |
Gantry-type | Contact | CNC | Developed for inspecting large and heavy parts, featuring an original structure (gantry movement/foundation installation type). Utilizes high-precision linear encoders (produced in-house) for highly accurate measurements. |
|
MiSTAR 555 (Mitutoyo)
Source: Mitutoyo Website（https://shop.mitutoyo.eu/web/mitutoyo/en/mitutoyo/MiStAR555/MiSTAR%20555/index.xhtml） |
Cantilever-type | Contact | CNC | Developed as a "measurement machine suitable for a wide variety of installation environments," ideal for shop floor use. Resistant to dirt, it can be used comfortably even in environments where oil mist scatters. Its temperature range is 10 to 40℃. |
|
CRYSTA-Plus (Mitutoyo)
Source: Mitutoyo Website（https://www2.mitutoyo.co.jp/eng/new/news/2002/02_14.html） |
Bridge-type | Contact | Manual | A manual CMM that combines Mitutoyo's technology with user demands, emphasizing ease of use. Equipped with a temperature correction function, ensuring advanced measurements in a wide temperature range. |
|
LEGEX Series (Mitutoyo)
Source: Mitutoyo Website（https://shop.mitutoyo.eu/web/mitutoyo/en/mitutoyo/LEGEX%20Series%20322%252F574/LEGEX%20Series/index.xhtml） |
Bridge-type | Contact | CNC | Eliminates factors causing measurement errors through various technologies, such as a sealed structure, structural design of the drive unit, and vibration countermeasures. Also features temperature correction, ensuring accuracy in a wide temperature range. |
|
GLOBAL Series (Hexagon Metrology)
Source: Hexagon Metrology Website（https://hexagon.com/products/global-touch） |
Bridge-type | Contact | CNC | CMM series of Hexagon Metrology, a global leader in measurement machines. Includes models like "GLOBAL S" and "GLOBAL Touch+" that provide excellent performance and productivity. |
|
Leitz Infinity (Hexagon Metrology)
Source: Hexagon Metrology Website（https://hexagon.com/products/leitz-infinity） |
Bridge-type | Contact | Manual | A CMM that achieves unparalleled accuracy, especially suitable for measuring complex parts with strict tolerances, such as angular parts, cylindrical gears, and globoid worm gears. |
|
ALPHA (Hexagon Metrology)
Source: Hexagon Metrology Website（https://hexagon.com/products/alpha-2-0） |
Gantry-type | Contact | - | A gantry-type CMM for accurately inspecting large parts in production sites, production cells, and measurement rooms. Available in two versions: ALPHA Classic and ALPHA Performance. |
|
TIGO SF (Hexagon Metrology)
Source:Hexagon Metrology Website（https://hexagon.com/products/tigo-sf） |
Cantilever-type | Contact | CNC | A compact CMM that can be used comfortably in harsh manufacturing environments due to its robust structure and different types of covers preventing dust and dirt entry. Offers wireless operation through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. |
|
MCAx S (Nikon)
Source: Nikon Website（https://industry.nikon.com/en-us/products/3d-laser-scanners/manual-3d-scanning/mcaxs/） |
Arm-type | Contact | CNC | A 7-axis portable articulated coordinate measuring arm for easily measuring around and inside large parts. Compatible with tripods and other bases, allowing versatile placement for measurements in various locations. |
|
Gage Max FARO ARM (FARO)
Source:FARO Website（https://www.faro.com/ja-JP/Products/Hardware/Gage-FaroArm） |
Arm-type | Contact | CNC | An arm-type measuring machine that can be used in various locations. Compact and reasonably priced, with a track record of numerous successful introductions at different sites. Supports wireless inspection by connecting to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. |