Air bearings are often preferred because they can be very repeatable, and they allow a machine design that is more economical to build because any hard, flat surface is suited as a bearing waypath. However, because they actually float, they are more sensitive to variations in motion and require more settling time for precision. For this reason many higher speed and more rugged plant floor CMMs are air bearingless.

Air bearings also require clean, dry compressed air, and most industrial compressors manage to let oils and water accumulate, causing severe and expensive damage to the bearings, and requiring multistage filtration in-line to protect against oils, water, and particulates that might reach the bearings.

Air bearingless CMMs, i.e. mechanical bearing designs, are capable of greater acceleration, and are favored for production demands. They are also better suited for manual CMMs because they are non-floating so the moving CMM structure maintains its geometric rigidity and integrity even when manually handled during measurements.

When utilizing offline CMM programming one can prepare the measurement programs before the part exists having the measurement routine ready for inspection rightaway.

The offline CMM programming software is in essence a virtual coordinate measuring machine simulating the CMM operator sitting in front of a real CMM.

CMM specifications and probes can  be animated  graphically with offline CMM programming.

These mechanical accuracy errors include perpendicularity, squareness and parallelism of the CMM structure.

Some CMM machine factors and errors can be compensated with error mapping software but shouldn't exceed a factor of 2 or 3. It is very advisable to request both error compensated accuracy and uncompensated accuracy statements before purchasing a CMM.

The universal Geomet CMM software features a 2-way connection with CAD databases. All Geomet part programs are transferable between DCC and manual CMMs as well as all systems and levels.

DCC Renault CMM retrofits require factory installation.

One should be aware of the potential maintenance and calibration expenses when purchasing a used CMM also.

Another option is to consider introductory specials for new CMMs like the Phoenix RB which is probably the first DCC CMM in America under $20,000.

Reduction in downtime, delays and training costs are additional benefits you can expect from multiple Portage CMM retrofit installations.

DCC Portage CMM retrofits require factory installation.

The PHOENIX RB is a self-contained moving bridge design with a full granite table on a sturdy stand that houses the electronics and computer. Hardened and precision ground ways with high accuracy mechanical bearings provide long term reliability. Steel scales mounted on steel structures assure uniform thermal response. Intrinsic mechanical accuracy is manufactured in, and is independent of volumetric software error correction, considerably reducing calibration and maintenance cost over time.

The motorized system includes a controller, joystick, Renishaw probe, computer system, and Helmel’s proprietary, time proven and easy-to-learn “GEOMET” Software. It is believed to be the first DCC CMM in the USA priced below $20,000 ready to go. The Phoenix RB is rugged, fast, and an excellent CMM value ideally suited to production, lab, and reverse engineering needs.

“At a point in time when US manufacturers need every single competitive, cost-reducing advantage, no matter how small,” comments Art Whistler, VP of Sales & Marketing, “who else but Helmel would do this? The price is absurd for a machine of this quality, but we have learned our lessons, honed our skills, and invested in efficiencies over the last 35 years, perhaps for this moment. RB? It stands for either ReBorn, or Recession Buster. You be the judge.”