Evaluation of AACMM Using the Virtual Circles Method

Articulated Arm Coordinate Measuring Machines (AACMMs) require a fast and reliable evaluation methodology and gauge at reduced cost. In this work, a gauge with virtual circles is presented and a study of its reliability is carried out. The studied parameters include the center error and the standard deviation of the center, diameter and distance. Two metrological laboratories have participated in the work and evaluation tests were performed independently with their own AACMMs but using the same methodology and equivalent gauges. The two AACMMs have a similar kinematic model and range but different accuracy according to manufacturer specifications. In a complementary test, two distances, 500 and 920 mm approximately, have been measured and analyzed in order to determine their suitability. Results have proved such gauge as a way for AACMM evaluation and distance is not a clear significance except for work volume evaluated.