WHAT MAKES A GOOD ENTRY-LEVEL CMM FOR A SMALL TO MEDIUM SHOP
Part 2 of our Countdown to IMTS 2026 Series
Customers often ask us, “What makes a good entry-level CMM?” The answer isn’t necessarily a new machine. A CMM is considered the gold standard for inspection of critical machined parts. But the cost of new equipment can be prohibitive for small shops. AIMS’ rebuild and refurbishment program offers robust alternatives. The program is built on a decades-long reputation for fast and accessible service and support and the ability to service a wide range of third-party CMMs like the Sheffield line. These machines once dominated the U.S. CMM market. Thousands of Sheffield’s are still in operation today. When a manufacturer is ready to upgrade its equipment or increase capacity AIMS is able to take these legacy machines and upgrade, rebuild and retrofit them to serve companies that are looking for cost-effective inspection solutions.
WHY ARE SHEFFIELD CMMS A GOOD CHOICE FOR JOB SHOPS AND CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS?
The Sheffield Discovery pioneered the shop floor CMM in the mid-1990’s. Known for its rugged build and shop-floor survivability, the Discovery became a staple for machine shops transitioning from manual gauges to automated inspection. These systems featured advancements in CMM technology that set the bar for performance on the production floor:
- Elevated Bridge Design: This architecture kept the guideways high and protected them from the harsh conditions on the manufacturing floor.
- Thermal Resistance: Built from a unique polymer composite material that provided both thermal and vibration resistance required in a factory environment.
- Linear Rail Bearings: These hard bearing systems were necessary to resist the dirt and coolants that are abundant in a machining cell.
There were three generations of the Discovery: Series I built until 2000; the Series II produced from 2000 to 2008, followed by the last model made—the Series III.
HOW DOES AIMS TURN LEGACY SHEFFIELDS INTO A COST EFFECTIVE FIRST CMM FOR SHOPS THAT NEED PART INSPECTION?
The team at AIMS, including our MSI (Measurement Specialties) division, have worked with Sheffield CMMs since they were introduced to the market in the 1990s. These machines are still robust workhorses and make a great first CMM or an affordable system for customers that need to expand capacity. In addition to our ability to rebuild and retrofit these CMMS, we are able to manufacture replacement parts to continue to provide customers with reliable service. A company can save significant costs with a rebuilt or refurbished CMM compared to a new machine. Here are just a few of the options AIMS provides:
- Refurbished Level I – These are systems that are in good working order when AIMS acquired them. Our experts conduct a thorough inspection, clean and correct them to factory specifications before running a test cycle. Our technicians then install a new PC and CMM-Manager software before packing and shipping the machine with its original PH10 / TP20 probe systems and rack. These systems come with a basic warranty.
- Hybrid Level II – These systems are inspected and updated with new Renishaw controllers and scales to modernize the controls and expand software options. To help with costs this level uses the existing PH10 / TP 20 probe systems. These are fully laser mapped like our new machines. These hybrid machines are also equipped with new PCs and software options that include CMM-Manager, MODUS, and PolyWorks. These hybrids carry a longer warranty.
- Rebuilt Level III – These systems go through AIMS’ complete rebuild process. That includes all new Renishaw controllers, scales, and probing [typically PH20 5-Axis probe systems]. They are fully laser-mapped, available with your choice of software and include a more comprehensive warranty. The cost for a fully rebuilt system includes installation, calibration and training.
ARE THERE HIDDEN COSTS WITH THE PURCHASE OF A REBUILT CMM?
The cost of properly transporting a pre-owned CMM is often overlooked. As a precision metrology instrument, these CMMs need to be treated with care, packed correctly and shipped on an air ride transport. While you can find lower-cost machines at online storefronts like eBay, there are no guarantees that the machine will arrive in one piece and/or be functional. Also, some CMM software packages are not transferable, and you may end up with a system that has no software. The cost of adding software will likely cost more than the equipment itself. AIMS rebuilt and retrofitted machines come fully tested, packed correctly, and equipped with new PC and software licenses.
At IMTS 2026 AIMS will have a rebuilt Discovery on display for you to stop by and see firsthand the level of detail we put into a pre-owned system. AIMS is committed to supporting the manufacturing industry. By providing a proven CMM solution at a more affordable cost, we allow more facilities to have the proper equipment for parts inspection. This allows shops to quote more jobs that require a CMM inspection report. We are looking forward to this year’s show in Chicago. We hope to see you in September at booth 134242.
