Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMMs) are indispensable tools in the realm of dimensional metrology. Typically, these systems operate on three or seven axes, respectively, allowing for the measurement of an object’s physical geometrical characteristics in three-dimensional space. However, the integration of rotary tables as an additional axis—effectively the fourth (and potentially fifth) for CMMs and the eighth for PCMMs—has emerged as a game-changer, offering significant benefits in performance. This article explores the transformative impact of incorporating rotary stages into coordinate measuring systems, enhancing their capabilities and the efficiency of the measurement process.

A coordinate measuring system, whether a CMM or a PCMM, measures the geometry of physical objects by sensing discrete points on their surfaces with a probe, and in some cases using an additional sensor for 3D measurement. These systems can be manually controlled or operate via computer control, with measurements taken along the X, Y, and Z axes. The accuracy and reliability of CMMs and PCMMs are foundational to quality control in manufacturing and engineering.