Patent ID: 7712224

Claim:
A method for validating an error map of a coordinate measuring machine using a calibrated probe, the probe capable of rotation about at least one axis, the method comprising the steps of: placing a calibration artifact at a first artifact position on a table of the coordinate measuring machine, the table having an upper surface in an XY plane; positioning a Z-rain of the coordinate measuring machine in a first calibration position and a second calibration position with respect to the artifact such that the probe contacts the artifact, wherein the probe moves relative to the Z-ram such that the calibration artifact remains stationary while the Z-ram is positioned in the first calibration position and the second calibration position; calculating a first measured value representing the measured length between the first and second calibration positions of the Z-ram; calculating a first nominal value based on the length of the probe; comparing the first nominal value to the first measured value; and updating the error map of the coordinate measuring machine if the measured value differs from the nominal value by more than a predetermined value.