CMM Base Plate

I am working at a start-up company and we are thinking about making a CMM base plate to save a couple of bucks. Planning on going with m6 screw holes, the reason being it seems like a common size to buy fixture components. I'm not sure about spacing I have seen a bunch that are 25mm apart so I will probably do that.

Anyways I was wondering what you guys would do if you were making your own plate. If there is something you would want to be added into the plate or if a rectangle full of threaded holes is the best? Or different dimensions that you like?
I think I will probably engrave my name and the date just for fun

kingsld1 over 4 years ago

1/4-20 is an extremely common thread size in the CMM world. Usually with 1/2" spacing. If you stick with m6 threads I would think about tighter spacing unless all you are doing is really big parts. I've often thought some kind of visual aid to assist in placing components would be useful. Engrave a line every five rows and five columns to help keep you on track.
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RandomJerk over 4 years ago in reply to kingsld1

I don't think tighter spacing would be necessary for a .014'' difference in thread size...
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kingsld1 over 4 years ago in reply to kingsld1

Spacing has very little to do with thread size. Spacing is about flexibility in component placement. 12.5 mm spacing is going to be more flexible than 25 mm spacing. Clamp placement is easier. You are not as likely to need slide bases to put tension clamps on. Granted you will probably never use most of those holes, but I'd rather have and not need then need and not have.
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dwade over 4 years ago

I've had plates made for many CMMs and they work as well as anything made commercially. I do prefer hard anodizing but it is not necessary. You can use 1/2" thick aluminum plate and that works pretty good but have seen that warp enough over time that you cannot lay a flat part on it without getting any rocking of the part.
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A-machine-insp over 4 years ago

I have a plate made by R&R Fixtures. It has M8x1.25 threads spaced 15MM (.591") apart. It is also hard anodized. It is on a B&S 9-12-8 and has 5516 holes. I can do any setup I want on it. The number of holes makes it very versatile. The more holes the better in my mind.
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Schlag over 4 years ago

We use a " LARGE "homemade plate and then use smaller Sub plates ( purchased rayco stuff ) on most parts. Send me a PM with your email and I can send some pictures.
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DAN_M over 4 years ago

My CMM is a SF7107. Has a 1/2" thick aluminum plate. 1/4-20 holes 0.5" spacing. We bought it for like $1000 and then added our own holes on the Y+ end to bolt it down to my CMM's table.
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ogcharliebrown over 4 years ago

I'm using a Rayco plate. It just makes life easy!
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gibsonridge over 4 years ago

i just use 1/2 inch mic-6 aluminum for our plates
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