Coordinate metrology

Coordinate metrology refers to a part of production metrology. For this purpose, spatial coordinates of points on workpiece surfaces are recorded with a coordinate measuring machine, so-called measuring points. These are then further processed with the aid of a computer. In conventional length measuring technology, individual lengths are determined with various measuring devices that are specially adapted to the measuring task. In coordinate measuring technology, a coordinate system is mechanically reproduced. A probe detects the contours of the measured object and length measuring systems record the respective position so that the measured values determined can be processed further by computer. For example, 3D models of complex measurement objects can be created. The methods of coordinate measuring technology can be divided into tactile and optical methods. In tactile measurement, the coordinate measuring machine works contact-actively, i.e. the machine has direct contact with the measured object, for example through a probe head. With optical methods, on the other hand, the measuring process takes place without contact with the aid of optical sensors, so that sensitive measurement objects can be measured without risk. While non-contact methods with optical or electromagnetic sensors generate a large number of measuring points in a short time - a point cloud - tactile measurement is based on setting individual measuring points in a targeted manner. In this process, geometric features of an object are probed directly on the surface. A combination of both types is also useful for some measurement tasks.