Comparison of similar injection moulded parts by a coordinate measuring machine

Abstract

One of the biggest issues in measuring injection moulded parts by touch-probe coordinate measuring machine is the deformation of parts being measured. Even though the contact force rarely exceeds 200 mN, it can deform the part, or influence the fixture, thus introducing measurement error. In order to provide the most appropriate measurement method for the inspection of injection moulded part geometry, this paper combines two research topics: one is the comparison of measurement objects similar in shape—expensive brand name products with cheap no-name products, and another is the deformation analysis of the contact between the CMM touch-probe and flexible polymer parts which tend to deform when this type of measurement is used.