Tips for Getting Full Value from Your CMM Machine

The coordinate measuring machine (CMM machine) swooped in to rescue North American manufacturing at a time when the industry was facing real competition from factories overseas with fewer regulations and cheaper labour. CMM machines were a key piece of equipment in the ushering in of automation for production lines.

CMM machines can be run by computers to scan objects or parts to detect flaws in them, which is what makes them so perfectly suited to perform quality control. CMM machines can bring your business real results for your bottom line, but there are steps you can take to make them run more efficiently and maximize their value.

Repairs by Real Experts Only

CMM machines are complex and sophisticated machines. If your company does not have their own in-house metrology specialist, you need to find a real metrology expert to do repairs.

Real CMM experts can calibrate your machine and give you insider tips on how to find replacement parts when needed. Don’t trust your CMM repairs to anyone who isn’t ISO 9000 and ISO 17025 accredited. You can read up for more info about other services the best metrology experts provide, to keep your equipment running in tip-top shape.

Install Properly and Keep Maintaining

CMM machines are sensitive, sophisticated machines that are counted on to give reliable, dependable results; you can’t just plug them into the power outlet and begin to use them. They need to be installed by a professional metrologist.

Even variables such as the room’s temperature can affect how these machines work, so they need to be adjusted for when they’re installed.

All machines need to be inspected and maintained over their lifetime, and a CMM machine is no different. When your CMM machine needs maintenance, consult an authorized CMM machine dealer.

In addition to selling these machines and software, they often have decades of experience in the industry providing upgrades and retrofits, CMM calibration, machine relocation, portable arm calibration, and preventative maintenance. Unlike authorized dealers, independent repairmen don’t have the specialized knowledge or years of experience required to keep these machines in mint condition.

Update Your Employee’s Knowledge

Understandably, CMM machines are associated with automation, but actually, there are many times when a CMM machine still requires people to operate them. Making sure that their knowledge is up to date is another way to get the most from this equipment.

Many authorized CMM dealers offer training courses. You can select from in-person training sessions that allow students to get hands-on experience with the equipment or online E-Learning modules that can be conveniently taken at your own pace, wherever there is internet access.

Reshoring is Resurging

With the rise of wages in Asia and other emergent markets, the advantages offshore manufacturing once had is dwindling. Also, North American energy costs and corporate tax rates are more globally competitive now.

CMM machines played a huge role in helping North America’s manufacturing sector to survive and even become competitive again in a global marketplace. Make sure you keep these tips in mind, so you can get the most value and best performance possible from your CMM machine.

But the practice of reshoring manufacturing work back to North America is having a limited impact on the job market as automation is affecting manufacturing on every continent.