Coordinate measuring machines (CMM) are acknowledged as a kind of high precision measuring equipment. Proper and timely maintenance of CMM is absolutely necessary, for not only it helps to keep the machine in good order but also provides a basis for a trouble-free long service life and a high degree of measurement accuracy. Therefore, a high sense of responsibility is required of CMM operators. In order to let users know How and What to do with the machine, we would here strongly recommend a daily maintenance procedure as follows:

1. Requirements for CMM and External Devices
1.1 Power supply for CMM must be properly grounded.
1.2 Uninterrupted power supply (UPS:1.5KW) is a must for CMM, that helps to remove  high-frequency pulse from power supply network and provide a protection against short-circuit and any possible loss of measurement data when a PC is powered off abnormally.
1.3 Air pipe-line should be equipped with pressure regulator and filtering system so as to remove oil/water moisture or any other foreign matters.

2. Preparations before running a CMM
2.1 Every time when the machine is to be used, clean working table and guide-ways with a piece of silk dipped with water-free alcohol. Beam of Y-axis should also be cleaned to prevent air bearings and guide-ways from being damaged by scratching.
2.2 Checking air supply is a daily routine procedure to have oil and water released from the pipe-line. Filter, oil-water separator and air storage tank should be checked at fixed intervals. 
2.3 Make certain that power supply and air pressure are both in normal condition.
2.4 No attempt should be made to use any kind of grease for cleaning of guide-ways.
2.5 Don’t forget to shut off power and air supply if the machine is not to be used for a long time. Attention should also be paid to protection of the machine from dust and humidity. However, before the machine resumes to work users should make sure that air and power supply and other working conditions are normal.

3. Process steps to run a CMM
3.1 Process order: Turn on PC and Controller to enter first into UCC Server communication system, and then the measurement software. Be care that the Emergency button should never be pressed during this process.
3.2 Click icon “Home” at the right upper side of the window. Measurement can only be started after CMM goes “Home”.
3.3 Clean the part to remove burrs and residual detergent that may have adverse effect on measurement accuracy.
3.4 Prior to measurement, the part should be kept in air-conditioned room for a period of time. That’s helpful to a high degree of measurement accuracy.
3.5 Handle the part with care and place, if necessary, a piece of rubber sheet on working table to prevent scratching the part and/or the table.
3.6 When the probe needs to be rotated in a measuring process, keep it away from the part being measured to avoid any collision – especially in use of an extension bar.

4. Process steps after operation
4.1 If a rotating probe is used, rest it at a position of A90?, B0? and move all axes to as near as possible “Home” of the machine. That is the way to protect probe, and also be convenient for “Homing” when CMM is turned on for next measurement.
4.2 Process steps to turn off a CMM machine:
Let measuring software exit first followed by UCC Serve, then cut off the controller and PC power.
4.3 Clean table of the machine and the working site, if necessary.
4.4 Shut off power and air source of the machine.

5. Important notes:
5.1 No acceptance for those who have nothing to do with the machine.
5.2 Efforts should be made to keep CMM away from dust and water moisture. General cleaning of the working site may also need to be done periodically.
5.3 Take adequate measures to protect against computer virus.
5.4 Clean filter and air-water separator at fixed internals and this routine inspection should also include air compressor and air storage tank.
5.5 No articles should be placed on guide-ways and dust covers.
5.6 While in a measuring process, the operator should let the probe away from the part and press down the emergency button when he needs to leave for a moment.

           QINGDAO METRO-3D TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.