Professional Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Calibration Services
The accuracy of your manufacturing process depends entirely on the precision of your inspection equipment. At DRS Technologies, we provide expert CMM calibration services to ensure your Coordinate Measuring Machine maintains the highest levels of volumetric and geometric accuracy. Our technicians are trained to calibrate bridge, cantilever, and portable CMM arms, ensuring your quality control department operates with absolute confidence.
Why Periodic CMM Calibration is Essential for Quality Assurance
A CMM is a complex system of mechanical bearings, scales, and probing sensors. Over time, factors such as thermal expansion, mechanical wear, and structural settling can introduce errors in the X, Y, and Z axes. Regular calibration by DRS Technologies identifies these deviations early, preventing costly part rejections and ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards like AS9100 and ISO 9001.
Our Comprehensive CMM Calibration and Verification Process
DRS Technologies employs advanced metrology tools, including laser interferometers and high-precision ball bars, to perform a complete system evaluation:
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Environmental Assessment: We monitor temperature, vibration, and humidity levels to ensure the calibration environment meets required stability standards.
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Geometric Error Mapping: Our team checks for pitch, roll, yaw, and squareness across all axes to identify mechanical misalignments.
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Volumetric Accuracy Testing: Using NIST traceable artifacts, we verify the machine’s ability to measure lengths accurately within its entire work envelope.
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Probe and Sensor Characterization: We calibrate the probing system to ensure repeatability and to minimize 3D measuring uncertainty.
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Final Reporting and Certification: You receive a detailed performance report that includes error maps, uncertainty data, and a certificate of traceability.
Technical Expertise for Leading CMM Brands
Our calibration capabilities extend to a wide range of CMM manufacturers and software platforms. Whether you utilize a stationary bridge CMM in a climate-controlled lab or a portable articulated arm on the shop floor, DRS Technologies provides the technical expertise required to bring your equipment back to peak performance and manufacturer specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CMM Calibration
What is the standard for CMM calibration?
The primary international standard for CMM calibration is ISO 10360. This standard defines the procedures for verifying the length measurement error and the probing error of the machine, ensuring that the results are consistent and globally recognized.
How often should a CMM undergo calibration?
While most manufacturers suggest a twelve-month interval, the frequency should be based on machine usage and the criticality of the parts being measured. Machines located on a shop floor near heavy vibration may require more frequent verification than those in a dedicated metrology lab.
What is the difference between CMM verification and calibration?
Verification involves checking the machine against a standard to see if it is still within tolerance. Calibration at DRS Technologies goes further by identifying the specific geometric errors and, where possible, adjusting the software error map to bring the machine back into its optimal accuracy range.