CNC-experts prefer this measuring method for their automated manufacturing process (POLL)

Which measuring method do CNC experts prefer?

In-machine probing is the preferred measuring method. This was decided by our panel in our third poll on LinkedIn. In-machine probing, or measuring in the CNC machine, won with 55% of the votes. Second place goes to a robot-loaded measuring station (28%), and in last place is the measuring room with 17% of the votes.

In-machine probing (55%)

It shouldn't be a surprise that in-machine probing received the most votes from our panel of CNC experts. After all, it is by far the most autonomous measuring method.

The probing can be done directly in the CNC machine, 24 hours a day. This means that operators can immediately be informed when an inaccuracy appears in the batch. Isn't it fascinating how this technology can always be on standby?

Finally, this measuring equipment is affordable, and communication is via both infrared and radio frequency to avoid mixed signals or miscommunication.

You may be wondering what more you could ask from a measuring method, but 28% of our panel know the answer to that. Here's what:

Robot-loaded measuring station (28%)

If you have to make a workpiece a hundred times, you want each one to be within tolerance, regardless of the batch size. You don't want to find out afterwards that the cutting tool was worn, resulting in a certain cut-out suddenly being only 9 mm instead of 11 mm.

Not to mention chips contaminating the machine. Accuracy starts with a clean working environment, and the respondents to our poll certainly know this.

28% prefer a robot-loaded measuring station. This way, the workpiece can be measured in a clean and acclimatised environment, which is the foundation of reliable measurements.

Separate measuring room (17%)

Only a small part of our respondents (17%) chose the separate measuring room as their preferred measuring method. This third option has undeniable advantages, with ultra-high accuracy probably carrying the most weight.

In addition, there is an increasing demand to provide detailed measurement results on paper, which is less evident when measuring in a CNC machine. And a measuring room built on top of half a metre of rubber to absorb shocks: what CNC expert doesn't dream of that?

But in practice, we see that most machine shops barely have room for a new CNC machine, let alone a separate measuring room. And the price tag isn't small either.

Lastly, the measuring room is physically far away from your CNC machine, so the CNC process is already over once you start measuring. This leaves no room for optimisation during the process. That means you've only got two options: success, or the scrap bin.

Which measuring strategy works best for automated CNC production?

Our experience shows that you get the best results by choosing a measuring strategy that is a continuous interplay between the CNC process and measurement. Once you find that balance, you won't want to live without it. Good luck with the search!

Want to know how measuring fits into an automated RoboJob cell? Answer a few questions and we'll help you choose the right solution.

Previously published in this series

This is the third blog in the series Go to the Polls.

• Blog 1: The most important difference between a robot and a cobot
• Blog 2: This is the favourite event type of CNC experts
• Blog 3: CNC experts prefer this measuring method for their automated manufacturing process