Discussion of Statistical Issues in Geometric Feature Inspection Using Coordinate Measuring Machines

Published

February 1, 1997

Author(s)

Steven D. Phillips, K Eberhardt

Abstract

A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a computer controlled device that uses a probe to obtain measurements on a manufactured part''s surface, usually one point at a time. Probe movements may be programmed or determined manually by operation of a joystick. CMMs have gained tremendous popularity over hard gauges for dimensional measurement due to their flexibility, accuracy, and ease of automation. Problems arise in their use, however, because tolerancing standards require knowledge of the entire surface while a CMM measures only a small number of points on the surface. This paper describes current practices for assessing geometric feature conformance to tolerance using CMM data. Existing work from a number of engineering fields is reviewed and pertinent statistical literature is identified. Statistical problems involved in the inspection process are discussed, including issues relevant to model fitting and evaluation, sampling design, and sources of measurement error.

Citation

Technometrics

Volume

39

Issue

1

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

algorithm, CMM, tolerancing

Citation

Phillips, S. and Eberhardt, K. (1997), Discussion of Statistical Issues in Geometric Feature Inspection Using Coordinate Measuring Machines, Technometrics (Accessed October 20, 2025)