Looking for dynamic way to load/offload the CMM's with heavy fixtures and other ideas

Don't know what your budget is, but how about an automated pallet system? Similar to a pallet system on a machining center cell.

I use a gantry crane for loading/unloading my CMM.

The coolest setup I've ever seen was at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis Indiana. Their setup was totally automated, including CMM feedback to machining centers. Parts were shuttled into enclosed CMM’s at various locations inside the plant via robotic transports straight from the machining centers. The transports would approach the CMM enclosure, a door would automatically open, a scanner would read which part/phase in machining process, automatically call up the correct program, then load the CMM using a palletized system.

Once everything was in place, the CMM would automatically begin the inspection process. It was fascinating to watch. I was a member of the Sheffield User’s group back in the early 90’s and Allison would host the meetings, so I saw this more than once. Keep in mind, this was all happening back in the early 1990’s. Who knows what kind of setup they’ve got now ? That was a multi-million dollar investment.

Don't know what your budget is, but how about an automated pallet system? Similar to a pallet system on a machining center cell.

I use a gantry crane for loading/unloading my CMM.

The coolest setup I've ever seen was at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis Indiana. Their setup was totally automated, including CMM feedback to machining centers. Parts were shuttled into enclosed CMM’s at various locations inside the plant via robotic transports straight from the machining centers. The transports would approach the CMM enclosure, a door would automatically open, a scanner would read which part/phase in machining process, automatically call up the correct program, then load the CMM using a palletized system.

Once everything was in place, the CMM would automatically begin the inspection process. It was fascinating to watch. I was a member of the Sheffield User’s group back in the early 90’s and Allison would host the meetings, so I saw this more than once. Keep in mind, this was all happening back in the early 1990’s. Who knows what kind of setup they’ve got now ? That was a multi-million dollar investment.