The MMZ B Plus system has a measuring range of 5 by 16 by 2.5 meters. Valued at more than $5 million, the order from Lockheed Martin’s aerospace division encompasses the measuring machine, plans for the vibration-stabilized foundation, the climate-controlled lab and the integration of a pallet feed system. At a length of 16 meters, the MMZ B Plus can measure aerodynamic tools, wind canal models, 1:1 modules, aircraft wings and elements of the airframe.
“The challenge was to develop a CMM large enough to fit the oversized, structural parts while maintaining highest accuracy during the inspection process,” says Walter Pettigrew, vice president of sales at Carl Zeiss IMT Corp.