CMM
Glossary · Inspection & Quality
At a glance
- Category /
- Inspection & Quality
- Also called /
- coordinate measuring machine
- Related /
- 3 terms
- Source /
- Written in the shop
A CMM is a coordinate measuring machine — an instrument that touches a part at many points with a probe and calculates dimensions and geometric relationships from their coordinates.
Also called: coordinate measuring machine
In practice
Because it works in three dimensions from a set of measured points, it can evaluate the geometric relationships that hand tools cannot: true position, profile, squareness across features.
Why it matters
A CMM report is the practical way to prove GD&T requirements were met. Its results are only defensible while its calibration is current, which is why calibration expiry is tracked as hard as any customer deadline.
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