Surface probing simulator for the evaluation of CMM probe radius correction software

Abstract

Scanning coordinate metrology is largely based on recording the position of a spherical tip which is maintained in contact with the surface to be measured. The coordinate measuring machine (CMM) software converts these tip coordinates into coordinates of points on the measured surface, a process called probe radius correction. In order to investigate the probe radius correction accuracy of specific CMM software in scanning measurements, a surface probing simulator is developed. It calculates the coordinates of probe tip center points (virtual indicated measured points) as raw measurement data by numerically probing a known virtual surface. An iterative solution based on geometric criteria is used to achieve the necessary tangential contact conditions. Various sculptured surface profiles, probe radii, and scanning increments can then be simulated. These raw data are then fed to the CMM software where the probe radius correction is performed. The CMM results are then compared with the known surface to evaluate the probe radius correction accuracy of the CMM built-in algorithm. The simulator allows a rapid CMM software capability check for a variety of situations and may pinpoint shortfalls that may be avoided through alternative measurement procedures. It may also be used to motivate the development of new probe radius correction techniques and assist in their evaluation. Tests were conducted on a Zeiss and a Mitutoyo CMM to demonstrate the usefulness of the simulator.