INSPECTING LARGE PARTS ON THE SHOP FLOOR ISN’T AS HARD AS YOU THINK IT IS
Part 4 of our Countdown to IMTS 2026 Series 
AIMS pioneered the only mobile shop floor 5-axis CMM when the company introduced its HB series. A unique roll-around stand and locking casters allow operators to move the CMM to different production cells or position it on a manufacturing line. Today the HB, fitted with a 5-axis PH20 probe, has become an industry standard. It also exposed a need in the market for automated high-volume inspection of large, heavy, complex parts on the shop floor. In response to customer demand, AIMS designed and built the Summit 10.10.10 to support a 5-axis REVO-2 dynamic scanning probe and 1-meter cubed capacity. It can also be automated with a robot load/unload system or conveyor.
POSITIONAL CONTROL AND ACCURACY BEGIN WITH A SOLID BASE
To support the REVO-2 probe system, AIMS’ engineering team started from the ground up. A strong, thermally stable base was developed along with the capability to dampen vibrations. AIMS designed and built a new monolithic polymer composite base. Traditional materials like iron or steel were unable to effectively manage shop floor interference. The composite base naturally absorbs and dampens harmonic vibrations caused by surrounding equipment and floor traffic. Polymer composite material has low thermal conductivity which prevents rapid expansion and contraction and helps to preserve tight measurement. The dense, monolithic mold also supports the weight of a REVO-2 scanning system and large parts without structural deflection over time.
AND INSIDE LOOK AT LINEAR MOTOR TECHNOLOGY
AIMS’ research and development led it to create direct-drive linear motors for its Revolution LM series instead of relying on a traditional belt, pulley and band drive system. The OEM integrated these drivers into the Summit. Removal of mechanical couplings allow the linear motors to provide submicron-level positioning accuracy and repeatable 5-axis scanning. Linear motor drives significantly reduce overall maintenance and machine downtime while increasing throughput. Use of the advanced linear motor drive system included dual drives for the CMM’s Y-axis. A unique bridge supports the Z-axis from both sides of the X-carriage, a feature that carries the load of the quill and probe in a center support versus the conventional front offset support typically used.
WHAT THE SUMMIT HAS THAT OTHER CMMS DON’T HAVE
The Summit gives customers a large volume, robust platform for inspection of large parts with the flexibility to run different Renishaw probe systems depending on the application. These can include 5-axis or conventional PH10MQ with tactile or laser scanning. The machine’s design makes it ideal for automation and allows parts to pass through it to create an in-line inspection platform.
At IMTS 2026, the Summit 10.10.10 will anchor AIMS’ demonstrations by showing visitors firsthand how it works with the REVO 5 multisensor probe system. Make sure you don’t miss it. You can see us in Chicago September 14-19 at Booth 134242.
