Consolidated Metrology Services, Inc.

Machine Tool Calibration and Repair

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About US

Corporate Structure

CMSI is a locally owned business operated by Cecil W. Dickson who has over eighteen years of experience in the machine tool measurement and repair field. Cecil’s expertise in the field of machine tool metrology is known worldwide. Having worked for Caterpillar in their Technical Services Division, he provided several business units and suppliers with machine metrology services. Cecil has traveled across the globe giving seminars, and presentations on the benefits of machine tool calibration. The focus of this effort has been and continues to be utilizing the ANSI/ASME B5.54 and B5.57 standard.

Experience

Cecil has the ability to provide superior measurement services, and due to his mechanical background he is able to provide solutions to your problem as well. This can range from suggestions that your maintenance department can perform to having CMSI do the repairs for you. There are companies that provide measurement services and some that provide repair services. CMSI offers both, thus eliminating the need for additional service providers.

Efficiency

The tool that Cecil uses (API 5D Laser) allows him to accomplish a complete machine profile much faster than using more conventional laser systems. For example, in 1999 Cecil performed laser measurements on two Makino A99 Machining Centers. These measurements were part of an acceptance test plan for new machine tools. Each axis was measured with a 50mm increment and a six second dwell at each position. A total of three runs (bi-directional) per axis was performed. The axis travels were as follows   X (1300mm), Y(800mm), Z(1100mm).   The first machine was completed in one hour and forty minutes. The second machine was completed in one hour and forty five minutes. This included laser setup and program writing, debug and installation. This story was told to an engineer at API and he claimed at that time, that Cecil is the fastest person on the planet at machine tool measurement.

Accuracy  

In addition to the overall efficiency of this approach you will receive reliable, accurate data as well. I have conducted side by side studies of the API 5D Laser System and the Hewlett Packard Laser System. The results were quite impressive, the angularity for example had a mere .3 arc seconds difference while the straightness and linear results were within a few microns. This test was conducted on a Gantry Style Portal Machine which has forty feet of X-axis travel.  

Price

CMSI can save you thousands of dollars in two very distinctive ways. First of all our prices are less than half of what some of our competition charges. For example, some of my competitors tend to charge by the hour while CMSI charges by the machine. Naturally, this would force them to use tools that require longer setup and measurement time, thus justifying their high prices. Next, the measurement time itself is drastically reduced when you choose CMSI. This allows more uptime on your machine and provides tremendous savings. The amount of savings in downtime alone could actually cover the cost of this service.

I have developed a spreadsheet which compares machine measurements using the API 5D Laser System to other more conventional laser systems. I would be happy to forward this to anyone who contacts me via email or telephone. This proves without a doubt that the API 5D is the most efficient laser in the world when used by skilled personnel.

Staff

CMSI employs only experienced individuals with extensive knowledge and background in machine tool maintenance.

Send mail to cmsi@machtoolcal.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: July 31, 2006

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