Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are provided for prioritizing the measurements made on manufactured parts while maintaining specified part quality standards. According to the method, system and apparatus, the process used by the CMM is modified so that the number of measurements made is reduced in accordance with the results of the analysis provided herein. A CMM apparatus is modified in accordance with the analysis results. A method for part measurement prioritization in a measuring system and method includes describing a set of features to be measured on a plurality of substantially identical parts, separating the set of features into sensitive features and non-sensitive features, dividing the non-sensitive features into a plurality of groups, and prioritizing the part measurements to measure the sensitive features and provide alternating measurements of the non-sensitive features.

Abstract: A toolholder for a cutting tool is disclosed for use with a machine tool having a main shaft or spindle with a flared or tapered end socket. The toolholder has a tool-holding end for a cutting tool and a tapered shank end for placement in the tapered socket of the machine tool spindle. The toolholder also has an annular flange near its tapered shank, the flange or collar generally being used for location and gripping by a tool exchange mechanism. An elastic spacer ring is used and compressed between said flange and the face of said machine tool shaft in machining operations for dampening vibrations and flexing of the toolholder and cutting tool.