Seeking Recommendations: Coordinate Measuring Machine

CarolX

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#1
Hello Gang,

We are in the market for a CMM and I am looking for opinions from the group. I have already narrowed my search to Mitutoyo, Starrett and Brown & Sharp. I would be really interested in hearing from anyone who has purchased one in the last 5-8 years.

Thanks folks,
CarolX
:thanx:
 
Elsmar Forum Sponsor

Courier

another day closer
#2
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

We have a Mitutoyo CMM and use GeoMeasure software for it. Mitutoyo don't support future releases of it anymore (GeoMeasure) but they do still sell it and give training on it. But the new owners ( Still in Family ) wants to run German vision scaning software used all over the world and cost alot more all over Europe. But the word I hear is its not as flexable as the GeoMeasure. Does anyone else have a preferance for us to hear? :)
 
J
#3
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

Haven't purchased in the last 5-8 years. Our Mitutoyo Manual machine is about 12 years old and going strong. We did upgrade the software in 1999 (y2k concerns). I have nothing but good things to say about it. The machine is robust and reliable. The software is flexable and easy to use.
If the newer Mitutoyo machines are as well built as the old B-231 I think you'd be happy.

I would suggest that a good source of info might be Calibration services that service CMM's.

James
 
B

Bill Ryan - 2007

#4
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

We've been very happy with Zeiss. Just purchased a new one, I believe the model is a "Calypso". Great support when things go awry.

Bill
 
G

Gallion

#5
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

My company uses a variety of machines, ranging in complexity from a manual Brown and Sharp to Zeiss. We're in the process of purchasing a Mitutoyo. I have a supplier who uses two Mitutoyo machines. I was unaware of the software issues mentioned by Courier, but my impression is that the supplier is very happy with GeoMeasure. On many occasions, the supplier has gained support from the people who sold them the machines in developing programs for some pretty tricky measurements.

On the other hand, our local metrology expert swears by the Zeiss system. If you want a system that seems to be more technically robust, but perhaps requires more operator and programmer training, I would probably recommend the Zeiss machine.

--Gallion
 
#6
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

Bill Ryan said:
We've been very happy with Zeiss.
I operated a Zeiss for quite a while in the late 80's and early 90's.

Mechanically, it was second to none, but from time to time we had big problems with the electronics. That, in turn revealed the fact that the support was a bit of a joke.

The software was another area of concern: After a while I realized that it miscalculated rather badly in some of the form and position evaluations, imo caused by oversimplified programming. True position tolerances were cases in point. The algorithm was plain wrong there. Most of this could be corrected by creating your own programs, however.

This may sound a bit more negative than intended. It was a very good piece of equipment, put to extensive use. I also want to point out that those experiences are from a few years back now.

/Claes
 

CarolX

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#7
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

Thanks all,

I am still evaluating the systems. Much of my decision will be ease of use in the "manual" mode. We don't intend to do any part programing, as it will be used exclusively for first article inspections. I have maybe 5 parts total out of 3500 that I would program for repeat use.

Again, thanks for your valuable input.

CarolX
 
#8
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

Carol, i forgot to mention this, and knowing you, I'm sure you'll do it anyway, but still...

When you get serious about a purchase: Make sure you bring well measured and documented samples from your production with you for a test run, and then compare the results with your records. As I pointed out, the software is likley to be the weak link if there is one.

And hey: Good luck :agree:

/Claes
 

Wes Bucey

Quite Involved in Discussions
#9
Re: Coordinate Measuring Machines

Claes Gefvenberg said:
Carol, i forgot to mention this, and knowing you, I'm sure you'll do it anyway, but still...

When you get serious about a purchase: Make sure you bring well measured and documented samples from your production with you for a test run, and then compare the results with your records. As I pointed out, the software is likley to be the weak link if there is one.

And hey: Good luck :agree:

/Claes
here's a link to an article you might use to firm up your "want/don't want" criteria:
http://www.qualitymag.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,6425,115520,00.html
 
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