Coordinate Measuring Machines that manufacture their own parts

Manufacturers use Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to inspect parts and components and verify that they meet their design specifications before they reach production.

These highly sophisticated machines rely on high-precision components like fixtures that have traditionally been outsourced to external suppliers. When those parts are delayed, or need rework due to dimensional deviations, manufacturers face longer lead times, and higher costs.

The M4ESTRO project is exploring a different approach.

Within TRIMEK's use case, additive manufacturing capabilities are being integrated directly into a CMM, allowing critical components to be produced in-house. Instead of waiting for replacement parts to arrive from external suppliers, manufacturers will be able to manufacture them on demand and with zero-defect quality while they are built into the process from day one.

Now, the project has successfully reached two important technical milestones:

• A functional print-head prototype has been successfully mounted on the CMM scanner, with software integration and G-code execution progressing toward fully automated operation.

• A Digital Twin of the Spark CMM has been developed using the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) standard and connected through OPC UA, for live data connectivity

Together, these developments point toward a broader shift in advanced manufacturing.The result is a more resilient production environment one that reduces dependence on external supply chains, shortens response times and brings greater flexibility to manufacturing operations.

Hear more on the TRIMEK use-case by our expert Andrea Gómez, R&D Manager at TRIMEK.