Abstract: A multi-axis system (30) for positioning a workpiece measuring sensor (54) on a metrology machine. Preferably, each sensor is positionable via a system comprising movement along and/or about at least linear directions/axes (X, Z, A, B) so as to control linear and/or rotational movement of a sensor automatically to a predetermined position without operator intervention. The multi-axis positioning system allows faster setup times when a workpiece or tooling on a machine is changed.

Abstract: A probe calibration method and calibration artifact (30, 70) whereby calibration can be performed without the use of machine axes capable of three dimensional positioning of a probe relative to a calibration sphere (40). The method includes a plurality of calibration spheres fixed in relation to one another via a rigid structure comprising a calibration artifact body (30, 70). The spheres are mounted such that each will be sensed by the probe at some position of a machine axis (W, N). In other words, the spheres lie in the region swept out by the sensor field of view (8, 78) over the movement of the machine axis. The calibration spheres are located at known positions (A, B, C) and the calibration artifact body is designed such that it may be mounted in a known location in place of a work piece.

Abstract: A probe calibration method and calibration artifact (30, 70) whereby calibration can be performed without the use of machine axes capable of three dimensional positioning of a probe relative to a calibration sphere (40). The method includes a plurality of calibration spheres fixed in relation to one another via a rigid structure comprising a calibration artifact body (30, 70). The spheres are mounted such that each will be sensed by the probe at some position of a machine axis (W, N). In other words, the spheres lie in the region swept out by the sensor field of view (8, 78) over the movement of the machine axis. The calibration spheres are located at known positions (A, B, C) and the calibration artifact body is designed such that it may be mounted in a known location in place of a work piece.

Abstract: A method and machine comprising at least one non-contact sensor (52) on a functional testing platform (50) for workpiece inspection and/or measurement. The inclusion of at least one non-contact sensor on the functional testing platform results in the combination of two machine platforms into a single machine and provides the user with measurement characteristics of both methods, functional and analytical, saving significant cycle time and significant space.

Abstract: A method and machine whereby utilizing both tactile (46) and non-contact (50) sensors or probes for workpiece (56) inspection and/or measurement results in significant cycle time savings while accuracy is maintained.

Abstract: A method and machine comprising at least one non-contact sensor (52) on a functional testing platform (50) for workpiece inspection and/or measurement. The inclusion of at least one non-contact sensor on the functional testing platform results in the combination of two machine platforms into a single machine and provides the user with measurement characteristics of both methods, functional and analytical, saving significant cycle time and significant space.

Abstract: A method and machine whereby utilizing both tactile (46) and non-contact (50) sensors or probes for workpiece (56) inspection and/or measurement results in significant cycle time savings while accuracy is maintained.