Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine, or Portable ‘CMM,’ takes the efficacy, reliability, and unerring accuracy of conventional fixed CMMs and makes them portable. This means you can transport, set up, and utilize PCMMs in any environment or setting.

Portability is one of the most common challenges in gauging the exact measurements and dimensions of complex parts, equipment, tooling, and components, especially where the cost of transporting materials or machinery is prohibitive. This might impact workflows, reduce productivity, and contribute to greater overall costs when deploying cranes or specialist transport logistics for high-value items.

The standout benefit of a Portable CMM is that these innovative, advanced high-precision measuring tools are engineered to be straightforward to use. Their functionality enables you to use a handheld, fully portable device to create flawless dimensional analytics quickly and efficiently without limitations when working in tight areas.

Digitize Designs stocks varied Portable CMM models from the world’s most trusted brands, and can, of course, provide insights to ensure you select the optimal solution, from Portable CMMs with articulated arms, wireless 3D scanning systems, and high specificity probing devices that are operational even in challenging conditions and over extended distances.

We often speak with clients who are unsure whether to invest in an optical 3D scanner or a CMM. The right decisions will always depend on your specific applications, parameters, and specifications.

CMMs are well-established as an efficient way to capture surfaces, geometries, and precision measurements within stringent tolerances, with options to capture full field data and use non-contact measuring solutions to collate even hundreds of data points. 3D scanners can offer enhancements in some aspects of versatility and speed. However, they aren’t considered a replacement or viable alternative to CMMs in all scenarios.

Our advice is always to contact our specialist consultants if you require more tailored advice, but the role of CMMs in applications where faultless accuracy over larger areas is essential is irreplaceable. We suggest you consider your priorities in terms of rapid data acquisition, software compatibility, precision, and the complexity of the surfaces being analyzed before making a judgment call. 

Digitize Designs can offer independent guidance and information, such as recommendations for clients operating in environments with floor vibrations, where the features within their PCMM will directly affect its suitability.

A Coordinate Measuring Machine unit is a standalone equipment asset that uses an advanced probing system and sensors to detect, record, and capture data points across the surface of an object. It is used widely in manufacturing and assembly, engineering, 3D modelling, and reverse engineering.

The big contrast between a standard CMM and a portable alternative is that the latter cuts down on time wastage, provides immediacy, and ensures workforces can deploy their CMM on-demand, with the same metrology-grade accuracy, and numerous features designed for efficiency.

If you need to measure dimensions automatically, verify that manufactured components comply with specific geometries, or rely on CMMs within your quality control applications, a Portable CMM may be the solution you are looking for.