CMM

CMM is an acronym with several meanings across different fields. The two most common references are Coordinate Measuring Machine and Capability Maturity Model. The context typically indicates which meaning is intended.

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) refers to a device used to measure the geometries of physical objects with high precision. A CMM employs probes that can contact surfaces or scan them with non-contact sensors, while a computer controls movements along the X, Y, and Z axes. The software compares measured coordinates to nominal CAD data or design specifications to assess tolerances and deviations. CMMs are available in various configurations, including fixed-floor, bridge, and portable systems, and may use tactile, scanning, or optical sensing. Accuracy is maintained through calibration against reference standards, and measurements are often traceable to national or international metrology standards. CMMs are used in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and other industries to verify part geometry, inspect assemblies, and support quality control.

Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a framework for improving organizational processes, originally developed for software engineering by the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University in the 1980s. It describes a staged path of maturity through five levels: Initial, Managed, Defined, Quantitatively Managed, and Optimizing. Each level represents increasing process discipline, measurement, and predictability. The model is used to assess processes, guide improvement efforts, and benchmark progress. It evolved into the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), which consolidates multiple process areas into an integrated framework applicable to software, systems engineering, and related fields.