Portable 3D measuring devices have revolutionized the world of metrology since their invention some 30 years ago. They have brought the world of inspection right down to the production line, allowing measurements to be done much quicker and easier.

However, some devices, including portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMMs) and laser trackers, bring their own set of challenges. For instance, changes in humidity and temperature on the production floor, or operator’s experience and skill, can negatively affect measurement accuracy.

A common problem for portable CMMs is vibration on the production floor coming from a variety of sources, including production machinery, forklifts, or a nearby railway. These vibrations can transfer to the part needing to be controlled or measured, as well as to the measurement device itself, resulting in a possible loss of accuracy.

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