Modern coordinate measuring machines can be constructed of aluminum or ceramic and are generally manufactured with a granite base. Aluminum is extremely light, and its coefficient of expansion is extremely predictable, which is of great benefit to the CMM manufacturer. It allows high, dynamic speed and reaches thermal equilibrium quickly. Utilizing software temperature compensation, it produces an extremely accurate machine.
Ceramic is also a light material but has the bonus of being virtually inert to temperature changes. The cost to build a machine with ceramic components is generally more than an all-aluminum structure.