Contact ALIC: alic@allegheny.edu
- A Branch Campus of Allegheny College:
- Bessemer Commerce Park, 764 Bessemer St., Meadville, PA 16335
$625.00
This course introduces the fundamentals of coordinate measuring machines (CMM) used in precision manufacturing inspection. Students will learn basic CMM operation, programming concepts, probe types, and how to perform simple part measurements to verify dimensional accuracy. Emphasis is on safe use, data collection, and interpretation of measurement reports.
Dates: November 2nd – November 26th, 2025 (Monday/Wednesday, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
Fundamentals of CMM Operation
Understanding the purpose and capabilities of CMMs
Identifying key components: probe systems, axes, granite table, control interface
Measurement Principles and Accuracy
Applying concepts of precision, accuracy, and repeatability
Understanding coordinate systems and datum structures
Basics of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) relevant to CMM use
Setup and Calibration Procedures
Setting up parts on the CMM table securely and repeatably
Performing machine warm-up and axis referencing
Calibrating probes and verifying measurement accuracy
Manual and Automated Measurement Techniques
Taking manual point measurements using joystick control
Running pre-programmed inspection routines
Probing key features: planes, circles, lines, cylinders, and datums
Using CMM Software
Navigating the software interface for basic inspection tasks
Importing CAD models and aligning part coordinate systems
Creating and editing simple inspection programs
Data Collection and Reporting
Recording and exporting measurement data
Creating basic inspection reports and pass/fail evaluations
Interpreting CMM results in comparison to part tolerances
Safety and Best Practices
Following proper handling techniques to avoid probe or part damage
Maintaining a clean and controlled measurement environment
Understanding the impact of temperature and vibration on accuracy
