Novel 3D Coordinate Measuring Machine with Single Displacement Sensor

South Africa's manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and electronics, requires high-precision measurement tools. The proposed Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) addresses this need by offering enhanced accuracy and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional multi-sensor systems.

The CMM prototype employs a single displacement sensor rather than the conventional multi-sensor approach. This sensor design minimizes the potential for errors that are often associated with multi-sensor systems. In traditional CMMs, multiple sensors can introduce alignment issues and discrepancies due to variations in calibration and performance. By relying on one sensor, the prototype eliminates these inconsistencies, ensuring a more stable and reliable measurement process.

This prototype leverages the Abbes principle, offering improved accuracy over traditional systems while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs and human error.

Key Benefits
• Greater accuracy and speed in three-dimensional measurements due to the elimination of human error, resulting in lowered production costs and time
• Higher quality of production in manufactured parts
• Design method eliminates some of the components used in traditional CMM’s resulting in lowered manufacturing cost
• Provides greater access for the South African market, as there are no import costs due to localisation of technology