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CNC WEST August/September 2020
Achieving Smart Machining With On-Machine Metrology
Capturing metrology data on machine tools where parts are made creates a singular opportunity for using that data to identify machine-based changes as they occur and adjust them in real time.
It has become a generalized belief that good metrol- ogy measurements must be achieved in a clean and static quality department on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The production equipment and environment is just too noisy and dirty.
This is not the case. Capturing metrology data on ma- chine tools where parts are made creates a singular oppor- tunity for using that data to identify machine-based chang- es as they occur and adjust them in real time. The results are more good parts per shift, longer-lasting machines and tools, and the ability to share data throughout the factory -- all significant production advantages on equipment you already own. This is the definition of Smart Machining.
From CMM to CNC
Manufacturing companies measure parts for three straightforward reasons:
• To avoid releasing any bad parts to customers
• To maintain quality control procedures that pro- duce good parts
• To create SPC (statistical process control) process- es that maintain and improve the manufacture of good parts
External CMMs have become faster and more accurate over time, but necessitate removing a part from production equipment, fixturing it in a CMM, and, when necessary, re- turning the part to production equipment for further work. These steps take time and introduce new opportunities for human or automation equipment error to creep in. This re- mains true even though some CMMs themselves have be-