2. Main components of a coordinate CMM

The function of the structure of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is to position a probing system relative to an object to be measured, and to locate the position of this probing system in a frame of reference associated with the CMM.

Five main components can be distinguished. Two physical components :

• a contact or optical probing system;

• a system for moving and determining the spatial coordinates of a probing system with or without thermal compensation.

Three software components :

• a compensation matrix for CMM geometric defects;

• ...