Ordliste
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) — definition
A machine that measures geometry in three axes and documents deviation from the drawing numerically.
A coordinate measuring machine is the difference between believing the part is right and being able to document it. It is used for first article inspection, for periodic checks through the series, and to document that tool wear has not moved dimensions out of tolerance.
The alternatives — callipers, micrometers, height gauges, fixed gauges — are perfectly usable for individual dimensions, but do not give position and form tolerances in three dimensions, and do not produce a report the customer can file.
For a buyer, the question what measuring equipment do you have and is it calibrated is often more decisive than the question of ISO certification.