Nominals & Tolerances |
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A Semi-Annual Newsletter From |
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Midwest CMM Services |
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Dedicated to supplying our customers with the latest news and information... |
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Quality Alert! Over the past few years an increasing number of CMMs have been damaged or destroyed during attempts at installing retrofits of new digital readouts and computer systems. Many of these disasters have been perpetuated by representatives of some of the biggest names in the CMM and metrology industry. For your protection, below is a short list of questions which you should ask anyone who is proposing a retrofit for your CMM. The answers you get may surprise you!
When the retrofit is complete, will the system measure my parts accurately? Was the accuracy verified after the software or hardware retrofit was installed. The fine print on many proposals assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or repeatability of the CMM. This means that the accuracy of the entire system is questionable. If your CMM was not calibrated and certified after any software or hardware retrofit, please call us. We will perform a complete calibration and certification of your machine.
Are you aware of any safety features on my machine? Will these safety features continue in proper operation after your retrofit? We have seen machines with important safety equipment bypassed or disabled because the retrofit package did not support the safety device or the person performing the work did not understand its operation. This includes "Z" axis failsafe systems that keep your expensive probe systems from crashing. If you suspect that any safety system was not replaced after your retrofit, please call us. We can help you insure that all safety systems are reinstalled and working properly.
Will you be able to support my machine for the useful life of the retrofit? You would be surprised how many companies disappear into thin air when you call them to service the retrofit they installed.
One of the most dangerous experiences in the life of your CMM is a move to a new location - across the Q.C. room, across town or across the country. Many people will tell you that moving a CMM is no more difficult than moving any other piece of machinery. WRONG!
Unfortunately, the damage caused by moving an improperly prepared Coordinate Measuring Machine typically runs five to ten times the cost of a proper preparation service. Sometimes the machine is damaged beyond repair and the owner of the machine is usually caught between the people who prepared the machine and the people who moved it. Usually both parties refuse responsibility by blaming the other and the owner is the one who pays the repair bill. Please, before you relocate your CMM, check the qualifications of the person preparing the machine for the move. Verify that the correct shipping brackets and hardware are installed and that all of the factory recommended procedures are followed.
If you are planning to relocate your CMM, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
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