VYRCO

Before programming the CMM: define what you will verify

Prepare a reviewable measurement plan before programming or running a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Use one worksheet per characteristic and plan revision.

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Who it is for and what is included

Intermediate · Metrology, mold component manufacturing and verification

Level: Intermediate. Includes instructions, recording fields, a fictional example and reference sources.

How to use it

  1. 1. Define the question: Identify the part, characteristic, drawing, and revision. Copy the requirement and unit from the controlled source. Separate the design requirement from the result you intend to report. Record missing references before programming.
  2. 2. Make the strategy explicit: Document fixturing, alignment, and drawing references. Describe the surface to be measured and any exclusions, with justification awaiting review. NPL covers sampling, alignment, cleanliness, temperature, surface finish, and geometry in CMM strategy. [NPL-41]
  3. 3. Separate proposals from evidence: Record the proposed sensor configuration, point or scanning strategy, and software evaluation. Identify where each setting will be defined. This worksheet specifies no speeds, forces, point counts, filters, or algorithms. A completed field does not establish that the strategy is suitable.
  4. 4. Plan the method review: State the evidence needed to justify the method for this characteristic and who will review it. NIST explains that traceability alone does not guarantee fitness for purpose; uncertainty must suit the measurement need. [NIST-TRACE] A calibration label is not approval of the plan.
  5. 5. Link the program and report: Assign an ID and revision to the program and report. Record units, characteristic, evaluation method, and the source of any applicable decision rule. Retain original data and authorized changes; do not overwrite evidence to obtain a favorable result.
  6. 6. Close open questions: Classify each item as documented, pending, or not applicable with a reason. Assign an owner and expected evidence. Plan review, authorization to run, and part acceptance are separate decisions; this document grants none automatically.

Fictional example

FICTIONAL EXAMPLE — PLAN-DEMO-CMM, component INSERT-DEMO. A characteristic identified as F-DEMO is to be reviewed. The drawing is stated as revision B, while the received model is revision A. Alignment is labeled “automatic,” without a document reference. No dimensions or tolerances are supplied. Review outcome: plan pending; confirm the drawing/model pair and document alignment with the responsible reviewer. No program, run, or part is approved. All names, revisions, and events are invented.

Scope and limitations

Does not define a valid strategy for every geometry. Does not authorize machine motion, guarding changes, setup, measurement, or release. Specifies no tolerances, calibration intervals, settings, or regulatory compliance. Technical decisions require the authorized owner and applicable documentation.

Sources consulted

Editorial review: 2026-10-28 · Original forms and general guidance. Always apply the drawing, manual and authorized procedure for your case.

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