Monthly Archives: September 2016

A CMM is a coordinate measuring device. It measures the geometry of a physical object through the use of a probe to sense discrete points on its surface. It is commonly used during manufacturing and assembly processes to test a part of an assembly before committing to the implementation phase, which is always a wise idea. Point clouds are developed and analyzed using regression algorithms for the construction of the features. Should there be a lack of an operator, DCC or direct computer control comes into play. Potentially the best thing about a DCC CMM is that it can be programmed to keep measuring identical parts, making it a sort of an automated industrial robot. The main downside about DCC CMMs is that they are usually benchtops, limiting the freedom of movement in the workplace.

When it comes to the zCAT, no mounting is needed as it is portable, unlike its benchtop counterparts. It does not have a heavy cast iron structure. It is made of stainless steel and only