Patent ID: 7647706
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. A method for scanning a surface of a workpiece using a scanning probe mounted on a support on a coordinate measuring machine, said CMM containing a first set of actuators to move said support according to three linear axis, said support containing a second set of actuators for actuating the movement of said scanning probe relative to said support, said CMM further comprising a controller, arranged to drive both said sets of actuators, said method comprising the steps of: (i) determine a value for the scanning speed; (ii) operate said first and second set of actuators to position the probe tip in contact with said surface; (iii) operate said first set actuators to move the support along a determined trajectory; (iv) operate said second set of actuators to produce, simultaneously with the relative movement of the support with respect to the surface, movements of said scanning probe relative to the support; whereby said controller adjust the actuation of both said sets of actuators along a scanning path in order to maintain the scanning speed equal to said determined value on at least segments of said scanning path.