Chotest Earth Series Fixed Bridge Coordinate Measuring Machine
| Brand | Chotest |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | Earth Series |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Chotest Earth Series Fixed Bridge Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is an engineered metrology platform designed for high-accuracy dimensional, geometric, and positional verification of industrial components. Based on the proven fixed-bridge architecture, it employs a rigid granite frame with a moving table configuration—minimizing thermal drift and structural deformation under ambient fluctuations. Its kinematic design adheres to Abbe principle-compliant geometry, ensuring traceable measurement uncertainty in accordance with ISO 10360 and VDI/VDE 2617 standards. The system supports three primary probing modalities: tactile triggering (via mechanical or kinematic probes), continuous scanning (with analog or digital scanning heads), and non-contact optical measurement (using integrated vision modules or structured light sensors). This multimodal capability enables reliable inspection of both rigid machined parts and deformable soft materials—including elastomers, molded plastics, and thin-walled assemblies—without inducing measurement artifacts from probe contact force.
Key Features
- Monolithic granite base and bridge structure with thermally stable closed-frame architecture—reducing sensitivity to ambient temperature gradients and delivering long-term repeatability per ISO 10360-2.
- High-dynamic XY motion system: servo-driven precision ball screws with preloaded linear guides ensure sub-micron positioning accuracy and acceleration stability up to 1.2 m/s².
- Frictionless Y-axis motion enabled by preloaded air bearings and centrally located direct-drive motor—eliminating stick-slip, torque-induced yaw, and mechanical hysteresis.
- Reinforced燕尾 (dovetail) guideway on Y-axis provides superior rigidity (>250 N/µm lateral stiffness) and wear-free operation over extended service life.
- Multi-V-belt synchronous drive system for X- and Y-axes—enhancing torsional rigidity and suppressing resonance modes above 80 Hz.
- Heidenhain LC 481 or LB 382 high-resolution linear encoders (up to 0.1 µm interpolation resolution) with incremental and reference mark functionality for absolute position recovery.
- Fail-safe pneumatic safety circuit with real-time Z-axis pressure monitoring—automatically locking the vertical axis during air supply interruption to prevent uncontrolled descent and protect probe systems.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Earth Series accommodates workpieces ranging from 300 × 200 × 200 mm to 2000 × 1500 × 1000 mm (depending on model variant), with maximum load capacities up to 1500 kg. It interfaces seamlessly with interchangeable probe systems—including Renishaw PH10M/MQ indexing heads, TP20/TP200 trigger modules, SP25 scanning probes, and optional telecentric vision lenses (5×–50× magnification). All hardware and firmware comply with CE marking requirements, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU), and low-voltage directive (2014/35/EU). Software execution environments support audit-trail-enabled operation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated Power DMIS or Rational DMIS configurations under GLP/GMP workflows.
Software & Data Management
The Earth CMM integrates natively with Chotest Power DMIS (ISO 10360-certified), Rational DMIS (ASME B89.4.10 compliant), and ARCO CAD-based offline programming suites. All supported controllers—including Chotest Alpha series, Pantec PicoMotion, and Renishaw UCC platforms—feature real-time path optimization, dynamic compensation for probe bending and thermal expansion, and full GD&T evaluation per ASME Y14.5–2018 and ISO 1101. Measurement data export conforms to standard formats: DMIS 4.3, STEP AP242, QIF (Quality Information Framework), and CSV with traceable metadata (operator ID, timestamp, calibration certificate ID, environmental logs). Optional cloud-sync modules enable secure SFTP-based report distribution and centralized fleet diagnostics via encrypted TLS 1.3 channels.
Applications
This CMM serves as a primary inspection asset across regulated and high-precision manufacturing sectors. In automotive powertrain production, it validates cylinder head port geometry, crankshaft journal roundness, and gear tooth profile deviations. Within aerospace, it verifies turbine blade airfoil contours, composite layup alignment, and structural bracket positional tolerances per NAS970. For medical device manufacturers, it certifies orthopedic implant surface finish (Ra < 0.4 µm), bore concentricity (≤ 2 µm), and multi-material assembly stack-up compliance. Additional deployment domains include injection-molded consumer electronics housings (±3 µm form tolerance), precision die-cast housings for EV battery modules, and micro-machined RF waveguide components requiring angular deviation control within ±5 arcseconds.
FAQ
What probing technologies are supported on the Earth Series CMM?
Tactile triggering (single-point and kinematic), analog/digital scanning (including high-speed continuous path acquisition), and non-contact optical measurement using calibrated vision systems or fringe projection modules.
Is the system compatible with international calibration standards?
Yes—the Earth Series is validated against ISO 10360-2 (length measurement error), ISO 10360-4 (scanning performance), and VDI/VDE 2617-2.1 for volumetric accuracy assessment using laser interferometry and step-gauge traceable to NIM (China) or PTB (Germany) references.
Can the CMM be integrated into automated production lines?
Absolutely—optional PLC interface modules (PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP) enable synchronized operation with robotic part loading/unloading stations and MES-level quality data feedback loops.
Does the controller support real-time thermal compensation?
Yes—integrated environmental sensor suite (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure) feeds into dynamic compensation algorithms that adjust for material expansion coefficients and encoder scale drift in real time.
What level of software validation support is provided for regulated industries?
Chotest offers IQ/OQ documentation packages, 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signature workflows, and audit trail configuration templates aligned with ISO 13485 and IATF 16949 quality management system requirements.
