Essential Measuring Tools For CNC Machine Shops

Essential Measuring Tools For CNC Machine Shops When considering the measuring tools used in a CNC machine shop, three categories come to mind: measuring tools, testing systems, and inspection equipment. Of the three, measuring tools find their way into nearly every shop and on nearly every workstation. Every CNC machining center (and just about every other type of manufacturing machine) uses some type of measuring device to ensure it is operating within a set tolerance.

Let’s assume some of the primary measurement tools used in CNC machine shops.

Surface Plate A surface plate is a reference point used to make measurements with a precision tool. It's the flat, level surface you'll use to measure the flatness of a workpiece. While this may seem obvious, it's worth mentioning that a precision surface plate is only accurate if it's properly calibrated and maintained.

Go/No-Go Gauge Go/no-go gauges are most commonly used to check the inner diameter, or ID, of holes. A go gauge can be thought of as a ring that is slightly smaller than the ID of the hole it’s checking. A no-go gauge is larger than the ID of the hole it’s checking.

Calipers Calipers range broadly in shape, size, and sophistication. Regardless of type, calipers all measure using the same principle: by allowing two opposing tips to rest at the beginning and

end of a distance being measured. The common protractor, used to measure degrees, is also a type of caliper.

Vernier calipers: first perfected in the 1600s, vernier calipers consist of a flat bar along which two opposing tips slide. The distance between the tips is measured using an accurately graded scale.

Digital calipers are more accurate than vernier calipers and dial calipers, but less accurate than beam or optical comparators which we'll cover in a little bit. Most engineers rely on digital calipers with an accuracy rating between 0.0039 inches and 0.00787 inches. That's about what you'll find in a typical toolkit (dials have a slightly higher inaccuracy rating).

Micrometers use a calibrated screw, connected to a scale that moves as the screw is turned clockwise or counterclockwise. Many micrometers look and function similarly to calipers, but they can come in a variety of shapes.

Air gages Air gages are used to measure the dimensions of parts in a variety of industries, including the automotive industry. Vehicle manufacturers use them to ensure that their new vehicles meet the appropriate safety standards when they roll off the assembly line. They also help engineers determine whether or not a design is feasible, so they can avoid wasting time and money on prototypes that won't meet their quality standards.

Coordinate Measuring Machine CMM stands for Coordinate Measuring Machine. It's used to automate various aspects of measurement, though it can also be used as a tool for inspection as well. Basically, it's a mechanical device designed to assist in the process of measurement.

Laser scanning arms Laser scanning arms can be used to measure features as small as a fraction of a millimeter.

They work by projecting thousands of laser lines onto an object and measuring the distance that each line travels. The data collected is processed by a computer to create a 3D map of the object. This is different from traditional CMM technology, which uses probes to scan objects in 2D and then reconstructs the data into a 3D representation.

You do not need to purchase all of them, and you most certainly will not need them all for your starting CNC machine shop, but they are included because they are common, used tools in various aspects of the field and maybe useful at one time or another in your work. Get all these kinds of measurement tools from your nearest CNC Machine tools Shop Near you.