Coordinate measurement machines (CMM) use touch probing methodology to digitize coordinate location on a work piece.

Coordinate measurement machines CMM's are electromechanical machines designed to measure the coordinates of surface elements on a work piece. Coordinate measurement machines are typically used in dimensional and tolerance verification measurement. CMM dimensional measurement capabilities include, position, perpendicularity, parallelism, angularity, profile of a surface, profile of a line, straightness, flatness, circularity ( roundness ), cylindricity, symmetry, concentricity, total / circular runnout, and datum qualification.

Modern CMM's are equipped with advanced features such as crash or impact detection systems, which protect delicate measurement probes and hardware. Other features include manual controls, CAD generated model import / export, programmable and automated measurement capabilities, digitizing, and imaging.

There are newer models that have probes that drag along the surface of the part taking points at specified intervals.  This method of CMM inspection is more accurate than the conventional touch-probe method and most times faster as well. The next generation of scanning, known as laser scanning, is advancing very quickly. This method uses laser beams that are projected against the surface of the part. Many thousands of points can then be taken and used to not only check size and position, but to create a 3D image of the part as well. This "point-cloud data" can then be transferred to CAD software to create a working 3D model of the part. The laser scanner is often used to facilitate the "reverse engineering" process. This is the process of taking an existing part, measuring it to determine its size, and creating engineering drawings from these measurements. This is most often necessary in cases where engineering drawings may no longer exist or are unavailable for the particular part that needs replacement.

Coordinate measuring machines CMM's are available in a wide range of sizes, configurations, and measurement accuracy.  CMM's use touch probing methodology to digitize coordinate location on a work piece. A wide range on probe configurations and shapes are available to access complex geometries.  CMM probe velocity may also vary from manufacturer and can have an effect on accuracy.

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