Performance Verification of Articulated

Arm CMMs (including laser scanners)

NPL provides a unique, fast turnaround, high
accuracy UK-based service for performance
verification of Articulated Arm CMMs,
including their laser scanners, delivered using
our custom-built verification facility.

ASME B89.4.22
NPL considers ASME B89.4.22 to be the best
verification standard for determining the
performance of an Articulated Arm and our
ISO 17025 (UKAS) accredited procedures are fully
compliant with this internationally recognised
standard. Verifications performed by Articulated
Arm manufacturers are based on ASME B89.4.22.

Why choose NPL?

Other UK based establishments offering services
are working to verification standards other
than ASME B89.4.22 which are less rigorous and
comprehensive. Only NPL provides verifications
against ASME B89.4.22 which exercises the full
range of movement of the arm.

Portable articulated arm co-ordinate

measurement machines are used extensively in
manufacturing industries for the inspection of
components, assembled products and fixtures.
These measuring systems combine portability
and versatility with good measurement accuracy.
However, as with all measurement equipment,
achieving good performance and demonstrating
compliance with specification standards requires
regular verification checks. Such checks help
demonstrate conformance to quality systems.
NPL offers a fast turnaround and highly accurate
ISO 17025 (UKAS) accredited verification service
for Articulated Arm CMMs. Our procedures are
fully compliant with the internationally recognised
standard ASME B89.4.22 that exercises the full
range of movement of the arm. This standard is
the basis of verification tests used by Articulated
Arm CMM manufacturers.
All verifications are carried out using a specifically
designed, unique, highly stable granite frame
housing low expansion carbon fibre artefacts.
The verification system is housed in a stable,
temperature controlled laboratory to provide
maximum accuracy and repeatability. Precision
spherical targets are used which enable probing to
be carried out in a way that realistically simulates
use of the arm.
Features of the basic service
Pre-check
XX to assess suitability and basic performance.
Performance
XX verification of all makes of Articulated
Arm CMMs to the recognised ASME B89 standard.
Determination
XX of single point articulation (SPAT)
and volumetric performance.
Low
XX measurement uncertainty, high level
of measurement confidence.
Verification
XX against manufacturer’s specifications.
Arrangement
XX of service and repairs with OEMs
should this be needed.
Target
XX turnaround of 3 working days from
delivery to return.
Measurement
XX arms up to 2.4 m (12 ft) can
be verified using our routine service.
ISO
XX 17025 (UKAS) accredited service.
The
XX performance of larger arms can be verified
in accordance with the spirit of ASME B89.

Features of the extended

laser scanner service
Volumetric
XX performance test (based on ASME B89).
Comparison
XX against NPL FreeForm reference standard.

Related Services
Calibration
XX of reference artefacts, jigs and components.
Verification
XX of Laser Trackers.
Measurement
XX of Freeform surfaces by contact
and non-contact instruments.
Training
XX on dimensional measurement.
Consultancy
XX on measurement good practice.
Evaluations
XX of measurement systems.
Supply
XX of FreeForm reference standards.
© Queen’s Printer and Controller of HMSO, 2013. 10289/1113/REP60

Contact details Further information

National Physical Laboratory For further information contact dimensional_enquiries@npl.co.uk
Hampton Road
Teddington
Middlesex
United Kingdom
TW11 0LW

Switchboard: 020 8977 3222

Website: www.npl.co.uk
The National Physical Laboratory is operated on behalf of the National Measurement Office by NPL Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Serco Group plc