*This post is part of a much larger pillar post.
CMM rooms are critical for industries that require precise measurements of products, components, and assemblies.
A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is used to measure objects’ geometry, and its accuracy is paramount in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.
CMM rooms are designed to provide a stable environment for the CMM machines, ensuring precise measurements.
In this blog post, we will discuss the five must-have components of a CMM room to ensure accurate measurements.
If you want quick answers to your CMM room questions, scroll down to the FAQ section of this blog post.
Let’s dive into the first crucial component of CMM rooms, temperature and humidity control.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Temperature and humidity control are crucial components of a CMM room (and every type of controlled environment), as fluctuations in either can affect CMM measurements.
According to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), temperature fluctuations of just 0.1°C can cause CMM errors of up to 3 µm. NIST guidelines state that normal temperature and pressure for a CMM room is 68 degrees fahrenheit and 1 atm of pressure. This provides a baseline for measurement uniformity at different locations.
The temperature and humidity control systems for CMM rooms are of two types: centralized and localized.
Centralized systems control the entire facility’s temperature and humidity levels, while localized systems control only the CMM room.
Both systems use sensors to monitor temperature and humidity levels, and the control systems adjust the environment accordingly.
To maintain temperature and humidity control systems, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and calibration.
Regular maintenance and calibration ensure that the sensors are accurate, and the control systems are functioning correctly.
Now, let’s talk about the next important component, proper lighting.
CMM Room Lighting
Lighting is also very important for a CMM room, as poor lighting conditions can lead to measurement errors of up to 20%, according to a white paper by Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology.
Lighting should be uniform, and glare, reflections, and shadows should be minimized.
There are different types of lighting for CMM rooms, including fluorescent, LED, and halogen. Typically, LED lighting is the industry standard for CMM rooms due to its lumen/watt efficiency.
The choice of lighting depends on the application and the type of CMM machine used.
For example, mechanical probe style CMMs should have approximately 90 footcandles at the work surface, while mixed sensor (optical and laser) CMMs may benefit from a higher lighting level.
Although it’s commonly overlooked, color temperature and intensity are also important.
Similar to dry rooms and cleanrooms, CMM rooms also need high-quality air filtration.
CMM Room Air Filtration
Airborne contaminants such as dust and particulates can affect the accuracy of CMM measurements.
According to a study by NIST, dust accumulation on the measuring machine and workpiece can cause errors of up to 10 µm. Therefore, it’s important to install air filtration systems in the CMM room to ensure clean air.
The types of air filtration systems for CMM rooms include HEPA filters, carbon filters, and electrostatic filters.
HEPA filters are the most common and effective air filtration systems, as they can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Check out our blog on everything you need to know about HEPA filters.
To maintain air filtration systems, it’s essential to replace filters regularly and perform regular maintenance.
Just like other key components, air filters require regular maintenance to make sure the air filtration system is functioning correctly, and the filters are capturing particles efficiently.
CMM Machine and Components
Before we get into this section, we need to note that we’re not experts on CMM machines themselves, just the rooms they require.
It’s important to refer to the individual CMM manufacturer recommendations to ensure your controlled environment contractor can tailor the room specifications to your individual needs.
With that out of the way, let’s continue.
The CMM machine is the heart of any CMM room, and its accuracy, repeatability, and speed are crucial for obtaining precise measurements.
CMM machines come in various types, including bridge, gantry, and horizontal arm machines, and they use different probing systems (physical probe, optical, and laser) and software to perform measurements.
CMM machines can also be automated, allowing for faster and more efficient measurements.
To ensure the accuracy and repeatability of CMM machines, regular calibration procedures must be followed.
Calibration involves checking and adjusting the machine’s accuracy and probing system to ensure that it meets industry standards.
CMM machine calibration should be performed by trained technicians who follow established procedures and use calibrated equipment.
Regular maintenance, just like other components, is also essential for keeping CMM machines in top condition.
Maintenance procedures should include regular cleaning of the machine and its components, checking and adjusting the machine’s alignment and software, and replacing worn or damaged parts.
Troubleshooting procedures should also be in place to address any issues that may arise with the machine.
Now, let’s talk about arguably the most important component of your CMM room, it’s design.
CMM Room Layout and Design
Cleanroom, dry room, and CMM room design is our bread and butter.
The layout and design has an extremely significant impact on the accuracy of measurements.
The room should be designed to minimize vibrations and thermal gradients that can affect measurements.
The room should also be large enough to accommodate the CMM machine and allow for easy access to the machine and its components.
Best practices for designing a CMM room layout include making sure the CMM machine is isolated to minimize vibrations, using vibration-dampening materials on the floor, such as isolators or floor mats and walls, and installing soundproofing materials to reduce noise.
When choosing a CMM room design, our team considers factors like the size and type of CMM machine, the number of operators, the size of the parts being measured, and the workflow of the measurement process.
The room should also be designed to allow for future upgrades and expansions.
If you need design help, we’re here to assist you with whatever unique situation you have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a CMM room is a specialized environment designed to ensure accurate and precise measurements of complex parts and components.
The five must-have components of a CMM room are temperature and humidity control, lighting, air filtration, CMM machine and components, and room layout and design.
Overall, the importance of maintaining all components of a CMM room cannot be overstated, as even small errors in measurement can have significant consequences in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.
By following best practices and industry standards for CMM room components, manufacturers can ensure that they are producing high-quality, accurate parts and components that meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
Need help building an accurate, high-quality CMM room? Contact us.
FAQ
What is a CMM Room and Why is it Important for Precision Measurement
A CMM Room is a controlled environment specifically designed for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). It is essential for precision measurement because it provides the necessary conditions, such as controlled temperature, humidity, lighting, and air filtration, for accurate measurements.
What are the 5 Must-Have Components to Ensure Precise Measurement
The 5 must-have components for precise measurements are temperature and humidity control, lighting, air filtration, CMM machine and components, and CMM room layout and design.
How Does Temperature and Humidity Affect CMM Measurement Accuracy?
Temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause thermal expansion or contraction of the materials being measured, affecting the accuracy of CMM measurements. Maintaining a stable temperature and humidity within the room helps reduce measurement errors.
What Types of Lighting are Suitable for CMM Rooms?
Lighting in CMM Rooms should be uniform, glare-free, and bright enough to provide clear visibility of the measurement area. Common types of lighting used in CMM Rooms include LED, fluorescent, and halogen lights.
Why is Air Filtration Important?
Airborne contaminants such as dust, particulates, and volatile organic compounds can affect the accuracy of CMM measurements. Air filtration systems help remove these contaminants and ensure a clean measuring environment.
How Do I Choose the Right CMM Machine and Components?
When choosing a CMM machine and components, consider factors such as measurement accuracy, speed, probing system, software, and size. It’s also essential to ensure that the machine and components are calibrated regularly.
What Factors Should I Consider When Designing a CMM Room Layout?
When designing a CMM Room layout, consider factors such as the size and shape of the room, the location of the CMM machine, the placement of temperature and humidity control systems, lighting, and air filtration systems. It’s also essential to ensure that the layout allows for easy access to the machine for maintenance and calibration.
How Often Should I Maintain and Calibrate My Components?
The frequency of maintenance and calibration depends on the specific components and usage of the CMM Room. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and perform regular checks to ensure that the components are functioning correctly.
Additional Resources
Key Factors that Impact Your HEPA Filter Lifespan