Methods are described for measuring series of nominally identical production workpieces on a dimensional measuring apparatus such as a coordinate measuring machine. One master workpiece of the series is calibrated, to provide correction values which are used to build an error map of the measuring apparatus. This map is used to correct measurements not only of subsequent nominally identical workpieces of the same series, but also of multiple different subsequent series of different workpieces. Each subsequent series also has a master workpiece which is calibrated and used to further build the error map. As this process is repeated over time, the error map becomes more and more densely populated. In due course, it becomes possible to dispense with the use of a calibrated master workpiece, because measurements can be corrected using error values which already exist in the error map.

A coordinate measuring system for determining 3D coordinates of an object, comprising a coordinate measuring device comprising an arrangement of sensors configured to generate measurement data from which 3D coordinates of measurement points on the object are derivable, and a computing device configured to determine, based on the measurement data, 3D coordinates of the measurement points, and for storing nominal data of the object in a data storage, the nominal data comprising nominal dimension data of the object for a pre-defined temperature, wherein the nominal data comprises one or more expansion coefficients of the object, the coordinate measuring system comprises at least one temperature sensor that is configured to determine actual temperature values of the object, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to generate temperature data; and the computing device is configured to determine tempered coordinates of the object.

A coordinate measuring system for determining 3D coordinates of an object, comprising a coordinate measuring device comprising an arrangement of sensors configured to generate measurement data from which 3D coordinates of measurement points on the object are derivable, and a computing device configured to determine, based on the measurement data, 3D coordinates of the measurement points, and for storing nominal data of the object in a data storage, the nominal data comprising nominal dimension data of the object for a pre-defined temperature, wherein the nominal data comprises one or more expansion coefficients of the object, the coordinate measuring system comprises at least one temperature sensor that is configured to determine actual temperature values of the object, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to generate temperature data; and the computing device is configured to determine tempered coordinates of the object.

A scanning probe for a coordinate measurement machine includes a stylus suspension module, a stylus position detection module, a disruptor configuration, and a signal processing and control circuitry module. The stylus position detection module includes a sensor configuration, which comprises various coils, and a shield configuration that is located around the sensor configuration and comprises electrically conductive material for shielding the sensor configuration. The stylus position detection module is mounted to the stylus suspension module utilizing a module mounting configuration, which enables the relative position of the sensor configuration to be adjusted for alignment during the assembly of the scanning probe.

A scanning probe for a coordinate measurement machine includes a stylus suspension module, a stylus position detection module, a disruptor configuration, and a signal processing and control circuitry module. The stylus position detection module includes a sensor configuration, which comprises various coils, and a shield configuration that is located around the sensor configuration and comprises electrically conductive material for shielding the sensor configuration. The stylus position detection module is mounted to the stylus suspension module utilizing a module mounting configuration, which enables the relative position of the sensor configuration to be adjusted for alignment during the assembly of the scanning probe.

A modular configuration for a scanning probe for a coordinate measuring machine include a stylus suspension module, a stylus position detection module, and a signal processing and control circuitry module. The stylus position detection module is configured to be assembled separately from the stylus suspension module before mounting to the stylus suspension module. The signal processing and control circuitry module is configured to be assembled separately from the stylus position detection module and the stylus suspension module before rigidly coupling to the stylus position detection module as part of assembling the scanning probe.

Provided is a three-dimensional measurement device applicable to a machining machine. A sensor head contains a body and a collet chuck. A light emitting window and a light receiving window are provided on the front end of the body. A non-contact sensor is incorporated in the body. Laser light emitted by the non-contact sensor is radiated onto a workpiece through the light emitting window. Laser light reflected from the surface of the workpiece is received by the light receiving window. A collet chuck is attached to the rear end of the body. The collet chuck has the same shape as a collet chuck provided by each tool housed in a tool magazine of a machining center.

A touch probe for a coordinate measuring machine with a processor which is programmed to generate a trigger signal signalling a contact between a stylus of the probe and a workpiece, whenever one of a plurality displacement signals exceeds a corresponding threshold. In addition, or in alternative, a delayed trigger is generated based on a processing a plurality of samples of displacement signals that are stored in a buffer. The processor is programmed to minimize anisotropy of the probe response. Furthermore, the thresholds can be modified during operations based on commands received from the CMM controller.

A touch probe for a coordinate measuring machine with a processor which is programmed to generate a trigger signal signalling a contact between a stylus of the probe and a workpiece, whenever one of a plurality displacement signals exceeds a corresponding threshold. In addition, or in alternative, a delayed trigger is generated based on a processing a plurality of samples of displacement signals that are stored in a buffer. The processor is programmed to minimize anisotropy of the probe response. Furthermore, the thresholds can be modified during operations based on commands received from the CMM controller.

The invention relates to a probing means for coordinate measuring machines, with a probe tip having a recess and a shaft penetrating with a shoulder into the recess. According to the invention, the recess tapers towards the interior of the probe tip and the shaft has a construction complementary thereto.