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Q-Mark Probe Styli: Orders Placed by Noon PT Ship Out Same-Day* | Ultra-Fast Service | Always Guaranteed | Proudly USA Made
Q-Mark Probe Styli: Orders Placed by Noon PT Ship Out Same-Day* | Ultra-Fast Service | Always Guaranteed | Proudly USA Made
Are You Calibrating Your CMM Correctly?

Are You Calibrating Your CMM Correctly?

Pictured above: Q-Mark brand calibration bases with calibration spheres. Left is CAL-DKMB-DE, a dual calibration sphere base, 45 degree. 85.0 mm diameter base x 112.0 mm high post. Right is CAL-DKMB, Stainless steel base for calibration spheres, 45 degrees. 85.0 mm diameter base x 112.0 mm high post. Both bases accept all Q-mark brand calibration spheres. Spheres sold separately.

Achieve Accuracy: Your Calibration Sphere Masterclass

      Maximizing the performance and reliability of your coordinate measuring machine (CMM) starts with one critical step: precise calibration. Calibration spheres are the foundation for your measurement accuracy—but only when used correctly. An improperly calibrated stylus can lead to phantom errors, costly rework, and unnecessary scrap.
 
We're committed to helping you maintain the highest level of precision, so we've created a simple guide to ensure you're following the best practices every time.

Q-Mark's Quick Guide:

Four Steps to Precise Calibration

Before you begin, ensure your sphere and its environment are thermally stable.
  1. Preparation & Cleanliness: Use a lint-free cloth and appropriate solvent to gently clean both the sphere's surface and the stylus tip. Contaminants are the #1 cause of calibration errors.
  2. Secure the Sphere: Mount the calibration sphere firmly. Ensure it's accessible to the full range of angles you intend to use for your measurement program.
  3. Define the Tool: In your CMM software, follow the procedure for defining the stylus tip size and material. Determine the number of touch points on the sphere.
  4. Execute & Verify: Run the calibration sequence. The software will calculate the stylus diameter. Always verify the standard deviation is within tolerance before saving the result.
A precise calibration sets the stage for reliable measurements.

Selecting the Right Sphere

Q-Mark Calibration Spheres are manufactured with certified, near-perfect sphericity, but selecting the correct diameter is essential for matching your application. The ideal sphere diameter depends directly on the size of the stylus ball you are qualifying.

We offer spheres in diameters including 5.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 12.0 mm, 15.0 mm, 20.0 mm, 25.0 mm, and 30.0 mm to suit your specific need, available in ceramic and ruby material.

The Q-Mark Advantage
Using a Q-Mark Calibration Sphere—manufactured for superior accuracy—correctly ensures your CMM is performing at its peak potential, providing the most reliable results possible.
VIEW OUR CALIBRATION SPHERES

 

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