Rayco CMM Fixturing

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are a popular means of measuring parts accurately and quickly. Some CMMs can cost more than $75,000 and may remain idle because of no productive or repeatable way for part holding. Dedicated fixtures are the two most costly words in industry. Manufacturers spend millions every year on dedicated fixtures for holding parts on CMMs. Most of these fixtures never pass gage RR and end up as scrap or stored as though they will improve with age. Implemented correctly, a CMM can be one of the best decisions a company can make. The payback on a CMM can be very quick, by providing fast and accurate data in order to make timely decisions for continuous improvement. The selected method of holding parts on a CMM can determine the success of the CMM and the company.

Fortunately, a company that specializes in CMM flexible fixturing is Rayco Manufacturing Inc. Sterling Heights, Michigan 48310. The patented fixtures are manufactured by Rayco Manufacturing Inc. The Rayco CMM Fixture is a modular flexible fixture system based on a precision-drilled platform using interchangeable components for part holding. These components consist of: stand-offs, special patented vacuum cups, magnets, and clamps.

Components are simple to set up and can be quickly re-arranged in configurations limited only by the user's imagination. Part setups play an important part in making the CMM more utilized. There is no need for cumbersome, unrepeatable traditional fixturing such as glue, tape, clay and other methods.

The Rayco CMM Fixture System is covered by U.S. Patent No. 4,805,887 and 5,135,120