Measured, not assumed. AIM builds dimensional inspection into the manufacturing process on a CNC coordinate measuring machine, verifying critical features against the drawing — first-off, in-process and final — and documenting the results for full component traceability.
CMM Inspection
CNC Coordinate Measuring
A CNC coordinate measuring machine with a motorised indexing touch probe measures diameters, positions, forms and geometric relationships repeatably and to a fine resolution — the same programme re-run gives the same result across a batch.
Precision linear scales and a motorised indexing probe head (720 positions in 7.5° steps) under full CNC control, with inspection programmes stored and re-run for repeat work.
Measurement
What We Measure
Subject to component access and probe configuration, inspection includes dimensional and geometric characteristics referenced to the drawing datums:
- Diameters and bores
- Hole positions
- Distances between features
- Planes and surfaces
- Angular relationships
- Parallelism
- Perpendicularity
- Flatness
- Position
- Concentricity
- Cylindrical features
- Datum-based inspection
- Repeat inspection programmes
Process
Inspection Stages
Inspection is applied at the points where it protects the most value, from the first part off to final release:
01
First-Off Inspection
The first completed component or operation is inspected before the remaining batch proceeds.
02
In-Process Inspection
Critical features are verified during manufacture, before further value is added.
03
Final Inspection
Completed components are checked against the agreed inspection plan before release.
04
Repeat-Batch Inspection
Controlled inspection routines support consistency across repeat orders.
Documentation
First Article Inspection & Reporting
AIM prepares First Article Inspection documentation for applicable parts, and can supply inspection and quality records that trace a component from material to final release. Typical outputs include:
- Ballooned drawings
- Dimensional inspection reports
- CMM reports
- First Article Inspection (FAI) reports
- Material certificates
- Process references
- Certificates of conformity
- Batch and component traceability
- Approved concession records
FAQ
Inspection & CMM — Frequently Asked Questions
What can AIM measure on its CMM?
On a CNC coordinate measuring machine, AIM measures diameters and bores, hole positions, distances between features, planes and surfaces, angular relationships, and geometric tolerances such as flatness, position, parallelism, perpendicularity and concentricity, referenced to the drawing’s datums.
How large a component can AIM inspect on the CMM?
The CMM has a measuring volume of approximately 1,000 × 1,500 × 700 mm. Larger components can often be inspected in stages or by alternative methods; the measurement approach, fixturing and access are confirmed against the drawing and datum scheme before inspection.
Does AIM provide First Article Inspection (FAI) reports?
Yes. AIM prepares First Article Inspection documentation for applicable parts, typically including a ballooned drawing, part number and revision, dimensional results, material certification, process references, CMM results and a certificate of conformity.
At what stages does AIM inspect components?
Critical features are verified first-off before a batch proceeds, in-process during manufacture, and at final inspection before release. Repeat-batch routines support consistency across repeat orders, and inspection requirements are agreed before machining begins.
Is AIM’s inspection traceable?
Yes. A component can be traced through its material batch, drawing revision, manufacturing order, production route and inspection records to its final release documentation.
Is AIM’s inspection carried out to a quality standard?
Inspection is carried out to documented, drawing-led procedures with full traceability. AIM is developing its quality-management system in alignment with AS9100D and is working towards certification; it does not currently represent itself as AS9100D certified.