Laser Bridge Coordinate Measuring Machine

Abstract

A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a device for measuring the physical geometrical characteristics of an object.It poses significant importance in technology, especially when precise geometric modeling is required. Measuring complicated, high precision objects is crucial for today’s manufacturing industries, and much technology has been developed for these operations. This technology enables the manufacturer a fast easy way to measure and model wanted areas for faster production processes and negligible lost time. The proper use of these machines can result in high resolution modeling and cost reducing methodology. Measurements are defined by a probe attached to the third moving axis of a bridge machine. Probes may be mechanical, optical, laser, or white light, amongst others. The sensor that we want to implement in our project is a laser triangulation sensor. This sensor provides accurate measurements up to one micrometer resolution and is easy to use due to its non-contact nature. The bridgemachineis actuated bythree motors(in general), and three sensors for coordinate feedback. The three motors are used to control the movement of the laser triangulation sensorin the x, y, and z directions. Feedback is provided by the optical encoders in the x and y axes provided with the reading of the laser triangulation sensor (z-axis) for a point cloud demonstration. In addition to that, a potentiometer in the z axis provides feedback to its respective motor. The movement of the motors is restricted to a specific range determined by the sensors' feedback.