In the age of smart manufacturing, precision is more than a quality indicator — it's a business advantage. Industries such as electronics, precision tooling, flat panel displays, and molded components increasingly rely on high-efficiency, high-accuracy inspection solutions. Among these, CNC Fully Automatic Video Measuring Systems (CNC VMM) stand out as a trusted workhorse for non-contact, high-resolution measurements.
In this article, we take a comprehensive look at a large-travel CNC video measuring system, analyzing its structural design, motion control, optical configuration, and extended capabilities — along with its applications in real-world scenarios.
Application Fields and Typical Use Cases
CNC video measuring systems are ideal for 2D geometric measurement, contour inspection, and dimensional verification across a wide range of materials and parts. Common use cases include:
PCB & CCL boards: Pad positioning, trace width, hole diameter, and board dimensions
Flat glass and LCD modules: Measuring outline, edge gaps, notches, and frame alignment
Die-cutting and stamping tools: Profile matching, angle precision, and repetitive checks
Insulation materials and thin film sheets: Rapid, repeatable inspection of cut shapes and tolerances
Example: A manufacturer of TFT display panels replaced manual sampling inspections with CNC VMMs, reducing measurement time from 20 minutes per panel to under 5 minutes. Integration with MES software enabled real-time pass/fail judgment and production release, significantly boosting throughput and quality traceability.
Gantry-Type Structural Design: Stability Drives Precision
This machine features a gantry-style (bridge-type) structure — a crucial element for precision and repeatability, especially with large measurement ranges (e.g., 600×500 mm or larger):
Superior mechanical rigidity minimizes structural deformation during motion
Symmetrical load distribution enhances running smoothness and accuracy
Natural granite base ensures thermal stability, vibration resistance, and long-term accuracy retention
Compared with cantilever-type setups, the bridge-style layout is much more suitable for large, heavy workpieces such as glass panels or complete PCB arrays.
Servo Motion and Dual Closed-Loop Control: Accuracy at Every Move
All three axes (X, Y, Z) are driven by high-precision servo motors and feature dual closed-loop control:
Motor-side encoder provides real-time feedback for position control
Imported open-type linear glass scales serve as the final feedback layer for actual displacement
This architecture ensures exceptional repeatability, especially during rapid positioning and continuous scanning, making it ideal for batch inspection.
Example: In die-cut mold measurement, the system can scan dozens of parts in sequence, maintaining positioning accuracy within ±2μm at high speed.
Optical System: Auto Focus + Motorized Zoom
Traditional manual focus systems have been rendered obsolete. This machine includes:
Motorized Z-axis autofocus, maintaining optimal focal plane automatically
Automatic zoom lens, enabling scale switching without manual adjustment
High-resolution CCD industrial camera for sharp imaging and accurate edge detection
Use case: For FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) inspection, the system first scans the whole board at low magnification, then automatically zooms in to check fine-pitch areas, striking a balance between speed and detail.
Optional Modules: Tactile Probing and Laser Profiling
To expand its functionality, the system offers high-end sensor integrations:
1. Renishaw Contact Probe (UK)
Measures Z-height, planarity, hole depth, and step features
Ø1mm and Ø2mm stylus included for fine-feature measurement
Fully integrated with QuickMeasuring software for auto path generation
Use case: In ceramic substrates, the probe checks depth variations and planarity across densely packed vias.
2. Keyence (Japan) / Optimet (Israel) Laser Displacement Sensors
Enables flatness, bow, and warpage measurement at sub-micron resolution
Works well on reflective or transparent surfaces (e.g., glass, metal)
Supports 3D mapping and color-coded deviation displays
Use case: For light guide plates or backlight frames, laser scanning detects warpage that’s invisible to the naked eye.
Software + Safety: Smart, Friendly, and Reliable
Beyond hardware, the system is built for ease of use and long-term safety:
Crash protection and soft limits built into the axis movement
Multilingual UI (Chinese/English) and guided workflows
Auto-generated inspection reports, CAD import, and SPC support
MES/ERP system integration available upon request
Training time for new operators is typically less than 3 days. Data export options include Excel, PDF, and DXF — allowing seamless integration into quality systems.
Beyond Measurement: Data-Driven Quality in Smart Manufacturing
A modern CNC video measuring machine is more than a measurement device. It’s a smart data acquisition node — delivering high-accuracy, real-time quality data to help manufacturers make faster, more informed decisions.
As factories move toward Industry 4.0 and digital traceability, tools like this are no longer optional — they’re strategic assets.
Conclusion
Whether you're working in PCB manufacturing, optical components, high-precision die cutting, or LCD assembly, a well-designed CNC video measuring machine is your best partner in ensuring precision, efficiency, and consistency.
Interested in seeing this system in action? Feel free to contact us for live demos, technical documentation, or custom measurement solutions tailored to your industry.