Product Category
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
Bridge, gantry, and horizontal-arm CMMs from 150+ manufacturers, available New, Refurbished, Absolute Certified, or Surplus. Manual and CNC/DCC systems with touch-trigger and scanning probes for automotive, aerospace, mold & die, and general precision manufacturing worldwide.
What is a Coordinate Measuring Machine?
A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) determines the physical geometrical characteristics of an object by sensing discrete points on its surface with a probe. Precision linear scales on each of the machine's three (or more) orthogonal axes translate probe position into X, Y, and Z coordinates, which measurement software then compares against nominal CAD data or GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) callouts to report dimensions, form, and position error. CMMs are the workhorse of first-article inspection, in-process quality control, and reverse engineering in precision manufacturing.
CMM Types We Supply
By Structural Configuration
- Bridge-type (moving bridge): The most common configuration — a bridge structure travels along the Y-axis over a fixed granite or steel table. Excellent balance of accuracy, stiffness, and cost across small to mid-size measuring volumes.
- Gantry: A fixed overhead bridge spans a stationary table or pit-mounted part, used for very large workpieces (vehicle bodies, aerospace tooling, large castings) where the part itself cannot move.
- Horizontal-arm: A horizontal quill cantilevered from a vertical column, commonly used in automotive body-in-white and sheet metal inspection where large, low, flat parts need side access.
- Cantilever: A compact, open-access design for smaller parts, offering easy loading from three sides — popular in tool rooms and smaller QC labs.
By Control & Probing
- Manual CMM: Operator-guided via a joystick or hand-wheels; lower cost, suited to low-volume or prototype inspection.
- DCC / CNC CMM: Direct computer control runs pre-programmed measurement routines automatically — essential for repeatable, high-throughput production QC.
- Touch-trigger probing: The probe records a discrete point the instant it contacts the surface — fast and simple for prismatic geometry.
- Scanning / analog probing: The probe stays in continuous contact with the surface, capturing dense point clouds essential for freeform surfaces, complex profiles, and full GD&T form analysis (e.g. Renishaw SP25, Zeiss VAST).
- Multisensor CMM: Combines tactile probing with optical/vision and laser sensors on one platform — see our Optical & Vision Measuring category for dedicated vision systems.
Looking for a hand-carried alternative to a fixed CMM? See our Laser Trackers & Portable Metrology category for articulated arms and laser trackers used for large-volume or in-situ measurement.
Accuracy & Specification Considerations
CMM accuracy is expressed as Maximum Permissible Error (MPE) per ISO 10360-2, typically stated as a formula such as MPEE = ±(A + L/K) µm, where L is the measured length in mm — meaning accuracy varies with the size of the feature being measured. Key specification factors include measuring volume (X×Y×Z travel), probe type (touch-trigger vs. scanning materially affects both speed and achievable point density), resolution and repeatability of the scale system, and the environmental conditions the machine is qualified for (temperature-controlled metrology rooms typically enable tighter MPE than shop-floor installations). We help match the right accuracy class and volume to your actual tolerance requirements — over-specifying drives up cost unnecessarily, while under-specifying risks measurement uncertainty exceeding your tolerance band.
CMM Brands We Supply
| Brand | Parent / Origin | Key Products | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zeiss | Carl Zeiss AG, Germany | Contura, Prismo, O-Inspect (multisensor) | Automotive, aerospace, tool & die |
| Hexagon MI (DEA / Leitz) | Hexagon AB, Sweden | Global, Leitz PMM | High-accuracy automotive/aerospace labs |
| Wenzel | Hexagon AB (Wenzel Group), Germany | LH series, XOrbit | Large-volume automotive & aerospace |
| Mitutoyo | Mitutoyo Corporation, Japan | Crysta-Apex, Strato-Apex | General manufacturing, mold & die |
| Werth Messtechnik | Werth GmbH, Germany | VideoCheck, ScopeCheck (multisensor) | Micro-parts, medical, electronics |
| Renishaw | Renishaw plc, UK | REVO, SP25 probing & scanning heads | Probe/software retrofits across CMM brands |
Condition Tiers for CMMs
Factory New
Direct from the manufacturer or authorized channel, with full installation, commissioning, operator training, and OEM warranty.
Refurbished
Scales and ways inspected, air bearings serviced, cabling and wear parts replaced, repainted where needed, and function-tested against factory specification.
Absolute Certified
Full geometric requalification per ISO 10360-2 using traceable reference artefacts (step gauge, ball bar), with probe recalibration and a calibration certificate issued at handover.
Surplus / As-Is
Decommissioned machines sold as-is, mechanically functional but not requalified — ideal for spares, retrofits, or non-critical in-house use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accuracy can I expect from a refurbished CMM?
It depends on the specific machine and its wear history, which is why we distinguish Refurbished from Absolute Certified. A Refurbished CMM has had its mechanical systems serviced and been function-tested, but its geometric accuracy has not been formally requalified against traceable standards. If you need a documented guarantee that the machine meets its original (or a stated) MPE specification, choose our Absolute Certified tier, which includes full ISO 10360-2 requalification and a calibration certificate.
Can you retrofit an older manual CMM with a CNC controller?
Yes. Many older bridge and horizontal-arm CMMs with sound mechanical structures can be retrofitted with a modern DCC controller, updated scale readheads, and current measurement software (PC-DMIS, Calypso, or similar), extending their useful life at a fraction of new-machine cost. Ask about this under our retrofit and reconditioning services.
Do you handle installation, commissioning, and training?
Yes, as an optional add-on service for any condition tier. This typically covers a site survey (foundation, compressed air supply, temperature stability), rigging and installation, geometric requalification on-site, and operator training on the measurement software of your choice.