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Introduction: Why Do Coordinate Measuring Machines Need Air Cylinders?
In modern precision manufacturing, Coordinate Measuring Machines?(CMMs) are key equipment for ensuring dimensional accuracy and quality consistency of products. In order to ensure stable movement and safe control of the probe during the measurement process, pneumatic components – especially air cylinders – play an indispensable role.
Compared with the traditional electric drive method, air cylinders have the advantages of compact structure, fast response, high repeatability, etc. They are very suitable for Z-axis lifting and lowering control, probe up and down protection, measurement displacement buffer and other scenarios in the CMM. At the same time, the cylinder has good durability and low energy consumption, which helps to improve the efficiency of the whole machine and extend the life of the equipment.
Application Scenarios: The Key Roles of Air Cylinders in CMMs
Within a coordinate measuring machine, air cylinders are used in several essential applications, including:
- Z-Axis Balancing and Anti-Drop Protection
To prevent the probe from falling in case of power loss or air supply failure, CMMs are often equipped with compact air cylinders as a counterbalance system. By continuously providing upward air pressure, the cylinders help offset part of the probe’s weight, ensuring smoother vertical motion and offering protective buffering during emergency stops. - Probe Up-Down Control
Some CMM systems use air cylinders to drive the probe or stylus for fast vertical switching. Combined with solenoid valves, this setup enables accurate positioning, helping to improve measurement efficiency and reduce probe wear. - Automatic Clamping and Auxiliary Movements
In certain automated CMM setups, air cylinders are also used to operate workpiece clamping devices, platform positioning systems, or probe-changing mechanisms. These auxiliary movements help streamline the measurement process and enhance automation.
Technical Highlights: How Air Cylinders Affect Accuracy and Efficiency
In CMM, although the cylinder is only an actuator, its performance directly affects the overall accuracy and efficiency of the equipment. Here are a few key technical points:
1. Repeat Positioning Accuracy
High-precision measurement requires the probe to reach the same position every time when moving up and down. High-quality cylinder adopts precision machining process, with high sensitivity magnetic sensor, to ensure that the deviation of repeated movements is controlled within ± 0.01mm, to guarantee the reliability of data from the source.
2. Action response and speed control
During the measurement process, the probe moves frequently, which requires the cylinder to have a fast response without violent impact. Cylinder with buffer function (such as rubber buffer, air buffer) can effectively absorb kinetic energy in high-speed operation, preventing the probe from “shaking” or “overshooting”, improve the measurement efficiency and protect the precision components at the same time.
3. Stable operation and low noise
Compared with electric drive, there is no gear transmission and friction sound during the cylinder operation, which is better in clean room or silent demand occasions, and more suitable for precision laboratories and high cleanliness workshop.
In addition, the cylinder structure is simple and easy to maintain, which also provides a solid guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the CMM.
Future Trends: Intelligent Measurement Drives Integrated Upgrades
With the rise of smart manufacturing, CMMs are evolving toward “high-precision + automation + intelligence”:
Growing Demand for Automation Accessories:
Systems such as automatic probe changers or workpiece clamping mechanisms require auxiliary cylinders with higher precision and reliability.
Modular and Digital Integration:
Control systems now demand faster responses and traceability from all modules—including air cylinders—driving the need for sensor feedback and deeper integration.
Closer Human-Machine Collaboration:
Future CMMs will work more closely with collaborative robots and automatic material handling systems, pushing actuators toward miniaturization and intelligent control.
PMT?continues to track the latest system upgrades in precision measurement, refining our in-house coordinate measuring machines, metrology software, and high-accuracy encoders to offer advanced solutions for manufacturing enterprises.
Conclusion: Focus on Precision, Drive Efficiency — Choose PMT
In precision measurement, even the smallest auxiliary movement can impact overall efficiency and measurement accuracy. PMT, as a specialist in high-end measurement technology, focuses on core products such as coordinate measuring machines, software, and high-accuracy encoders. We are committed to helping customers enhance automation in their measurement workflows and improve overall system stability.
