How many years can a CMM last? How can you choose a coordinate measuring machine with high accuracy, stable performance, and a long service life? These are important questions businesses should consider before investing in a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) system.
Today, businesses have many options when selecting industrial equipment. Similar to choosing a consumer product, companies should not focus only on the initial purchase price. They should also evaluate the overall cost of ownership, maintenance costs, upgradeability, and equipment lifespan.
For a precision measurement system such as a CMM, a good investment is not simply a machine with impressive specifications at the time of purchase. It should also be a system that can maintain its accuracy, receive long-term technical support, and continue operating efficiently for many years.
How Long Does a CMM Last?
According to WENZEL, a well-designed CMM should have a service life of at least approximately 25 years when it is operated, maintained, and calibrated correctly.
This is an important factor when businesses calculate the TCO – Total Cost of Ownership of a coordinate measuring system.
A CMM with a low initial purchase price may quickly become obsolete, difficult to repair due to limited spare parts, or unsupported by software. As a result, its total cost of ownership may become significantly higher in the long term.
In contrast, a CMM system with a durable mechanical structure, stable accuracy, long-term spare-part availability, and upgradeable software and electronics can deliver better investment value throughout its service life.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a CMM
When selecting a coordinate measuring machine, businesses should evaluate multiple factors instead of comparing only the purchase price or technical specifications.
1. Reliable Technical Support
A reputable CMM manufacturer should be able to provide technical support throughout the machine’s entire service life.
In addition to on-site support, remote support is becoming increasingly important. It allows technicians to quickly inspect and resolve certain issues without waiting for a specialist to arrive on-site.
2. A Robust Machine Structure for Long-Term Operation
CMM accuracy does not come only from software or electronic systems. It must first be based on the mechanical accuracy of the entire machine structure.
A system with a stable structure, suitable materials, and a design intended for continuous operation offers significant advantages in terms of durability and its ability to maintain accuracy over time.
3. Long-Term Spare-Part Availability
Before purchasing a CMM, businesses should ask:
“Will the manufacturer still provide spare parts for this machine after 10, 15, or 20 years?”
A long-term spare-parts policy is one of the key factors determining the actual service life of a CMM.
A measurement system may have a very long mechanical lifespan, but if replacement or upgrade components are no longer available, its practical value will be limited.
4. Avoid Dependence on a Single Control System or Software Platform
A manufacturer with an open approach gives businesses more choices regarding CMM measurement software, controllers, and electronic systems.
This helps reduce dependence on a single supplier for services, software, or spare parts.
In the long term, the ability to upgrade or replace the control system and software allows the CMM to continue meeting the changing requirements of modern manufacturing.
5. A Manufacturer with a Strong Brand and Global Network
When investing in a high-value CMM system, a business is not only purchasing a machine. It is also investing in support throughout the product’s entire service life.
Therefore, businesses should prioritize manufacturers with:
- A long history of development.
- An internationally recognized brand.
- A broad service network.
- Long-term spare-part and software availability.
- In-house research and development capabilities.
Why Can WENZEL CMMs Operate for Several Decades?
One notable feature of WENZEL is its approach to developing CMMs based on mechanical accuracy and high-quality machine construction.
According to WENZEL, up to 99.8% of the machines it has produced are still operating in the market.
This is a significant indicator when evaluating the durability and service life of a CMM system.
Accuracy Based on Granite Guideways
A notable feature of many WENZEL CMM systems is the use of granite for the guideways on the machine axes.
Granite offers high stability and is well suited to the requirements of precision measurement systems.
WENZEL uses Impala granite sourced from South Africa. The granite blocks are transported more than 14,000 km to Germany, where they are processed and manufactured into components for CMM systems.
This choice of material and manufacturing process reflects WENZEL’s philosophy: CMM accuracy must be built on the machine’s mechanical foundation.
WENZEL – Maintaining Usability Even After More Than 20 Years
Another important factor that contributes to the extended service life of WENZEL CMMs is its policy of continuing to supply components for machines manufactured many years ago.
With this approach, a WENZEL machine does not necessarily become obsolete simply because it has been in operation for a long time.
Businesses can continue to access:
- Replacement parts.
- Software upgrades.
- Electronic system upgrades.
- Maintenance and repair services.
- CMM calibration services.
This helps extend the equipment’s operating life and optimize the long-term investment cost of a CMM system.
WENZEL CMM – An Open Design with Flexible Software and Controllers
Another advantage of WENZEL is its relatively open approach to measurement software and CMM control systems.
Businesses can choose software and control solutions that suit their operational requirements instead of being completely dependent on a single proprietary system.
In particular, system accuracy does not rely solely on a specific electronic mapping model. Instead, it is built on mechanical accuracy, combining a lightweight, robust, and high-performance machine structure.
This is an important factor for businesses looking to invest in a CMM system that can be used for many years and upgraded as technology continues to develop.
Choosing the Right CMM for Your Measurement Requirements
Not every business needs the same type of CMM.
Depending on the size of the parts, required accuracy, production type, and quality inspection process, businesses may require different CMM configurations.
WENZEL offers a wide range of products and measurement solutions, helping businesses select a system that matches their inspection requirements and practical applications.
Therefore, when preparing a comparison table for a new coordinate measuring system, businesses should not compare only:
Purchase price → machine size → accuracy.
Instead, they should conduct a comprehensive evaluation based on:
Accuracy + mechanical structure + service life + maintenance + spare parts + software + upgradeability + technical support + total cost of ownership.
GERA Hi-Tech Vietnam – CMM Technical Service Solutions
GERA Hi-Tech Vietnam provides technical service solutions for coordinate measuring machines, including calibration, maintenance, and technical support. These services help businesses maintain equipment performance and accuracy throughout its operating life.
For businesses planning to invest in a new CMM, equipment selection should be evaluated from the perspective of the equipment lifecycle and total cost of ownership, rather than being based solely on the initial purchase price.
Do Not Ask Only, “How Much Does a CMM Cost?”
Businesses should also ask more important questions:
How long can the machine operate accurately?
Will spare parts still be available after 10–20 years?
Can the software and electronic systems be upgraded?
Will long-term technical support be available?
What will the maintenance and calibration costs be throughout the machine’s service life?
Most importantly, how much investment value will the system retain after many years of operation?
For these reasons, WENZEL is a brand that businesses should include in their comparison when selecting a new coordinate measuring system.
Contact GERA Hi-Tech Vietnam for consultation on CMM solutions, CMM calibration, and measurement engineering services tailored to your business requirements.
