Development orientations of coordinate measuring techniques

Historical position of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and problems needed to be solved are expounded. The working principle and key techniques of intelligent CMMs are discussed. The specific features of the non-orthogonal coordinate measuring systems including cylindrical CMMs, spherical CMMs, articulated arm CMMs, light pen CMMs, triangulation measuring systems and multi-lateration coordinate measuring systems are analyzed. The prospect of non-contact probes, in particular that of confocal probes, in coordinate metrology is demonstrated. The status of researches on nano-CMMs at home and abroad is introduced.