In any sort of manufacturing operation part specification and measurements are a critical factor
. If a manufactured part does not meet the proper specs it could mean that a large part of the manufacturing process chain may need to be reworked and re-engineered. This why it is important to measure fault tolerances as early as possible. This is especially true for prototypes but also applies to parts off of a standard assembly line.
Nowadays, most automated parts measurement is done by CMMs (Coordinated Measurement Machines). These machines are able to measure the dimensions and geometrical specifications of any part. The CMMs operate in three dimensions and interface with a computer system to not only record measurements but to also compare the part dimensions against a preexisting map. This map is an set of specifications custom encoded for that particular part. If the specs dont match then that usually means that something has gone wrong during the manufacturing process.
There are two main kinds of CMMs. The first is the bridge kind. These are larger, fixed CMMs, that require specially allocated space for them to function in. The other kind of CMM is the portable CMM. These are usually arms that are relatively light weight and, in certain situations, are more attractive to use due to their greater mobility. A popular manufacturer of these portable CMMs is Faro.
Faro portable CMM arms are some of the most common CMMs in the manufacturing industry. One can usually find a Faro arm for sale either directly from a manufacturer, from a dealer, or from CMM repair and maintenance companies. The latter are a great source if youre looking for a used Faro arm for saleIf your parts measuring requirements call for a new Faro arm for sale, however, you may want to seek out a licensed Faro supplier.
These portable CMM arms tend to be less expensive than bridge CMMs and they are now becoming more popular in all sorts of manufacturing environments. When considering purchasing a CMM it is recommended that one consult with a local service facility that can aid in both recommending a reliable CMM and also helping you pick what type of CMM you may need.