Dimensional Inspection Services for Precision Manufacturing

Our Dimensional Inspection Capabilities

We support dimensional inspection needs across the full product lifecycle, from prototype validation to production support.

First Article & Part Validation

Dimensional inspection is essential when launching new parts or approving design changes.

• First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Prototype and pre-production inspection
• GD&T verification against engineering drawings
• Clear, audit-ready inspection reports

These services help confirm manufacturability before issues reach production.

Production & Contract Dimensional Inspection

When internal capacity is limited or demand spikes, our contract dimensional inspection services provide fast, reliable support.

• Ongoing production inspection
• Partial inspection of critical characteristics
• Overflow inspection to maintain delivery schedules
• Independent third-party verification

You get objective measurement data without slowing your operation.

Part Sorting & Containment

If nonconforming parts are suspected, dimensional inspection becomes a containment tool.

• Sorting conforming vs nonconforming parts
• Feature-specific inspection strategies
• Rapid turnaround to protect downstream operations

This minimizes risk to customers while root causes are addressed.

Why Manufacturers Choose Made to Measure

Accredited, Experienced Inspectors

Our team includes certified metrology professionals with deep experience in GD&T, machining, and manufacturing environments. Every dimensional inspection is performed with an understanding of how parts are made and used, not just how they are measured.

Advanced Inspection Equipment

We use high-accuracy CMMs and advanced inspection technology capable of handling simple components through complex, tight-tolerance parts. Measurements are repeatable, traceable, and aligned with industry standards.

Practical, Actionable Reporting

Inspection results are delivered in clear, usable reports that support:

• Part acceptance decisions
• Supplier communication
• Process improvement
• Compliance and audits

No ambiguity. No guesswork.

Industries We Support

Our dimensional inspection services support manufacturers across demanding industries, including:

• Aerospace and defense
• Automotive and EV manufacturing
• Medical devices
• Precision machining and CNC shops
• Tooling, mold, and die
• Industrial and contract manufacturing

Each industry brings different risks. Our job is to reduce them with accurate data.

Start Your Dimensional Inspection Project

If you need reliable dimensional inspection services to validate parts, support production, or resolve quality concerns, Made to Measure is ready to help.

Share your drawings, tolerances, and timelines. We will recommend the right inspection approach and deliver results you can act on.

CMM Measurement & Dimensional Inspection Services

Expert Coordinate Measuring Machine Measurement for Precision Manufacturing

Your Partner in Precision Manufacturing

In modern manufacturing, accurate CMM measurement is not optional. It is the foundation of product quality, process control, and risk reduction.

Made to Measure Metrology provides professional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) measurement and dimensional inspection services that help manufacturers validate parts, improve processes, and ship with confidence. With over 30 years of experience, we serve as a trusted extension of your quality team.

As an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited and ITAR-registered laboratory, our promise is simple:

We measure what you make so you can make it better.

Comprehensive CMM Measurement & Inspection Services

Managing multiple vendors for inspection, programming, and calibration slows production and introduces risk. Made to Measure consolidates everything under one accredited partner, supporting your product from first article to full production.

Dimensional Inspection & CMM Measurement

Our core service is high-accuracy CMM dimensional inspection for parts of all sizes and complexities.

• First Article Inspection (FAI) for new or revised parts
• Contract CMM inspection for production support
• Partial inspection of critical features and tolerances
• GD&T verification and reporting

You receive objective, traceable measurement data you can rely on for acceptance decisions and process improvement.

Reverse Engineering & 3D Scanning

When prints are missing or outdated, we convert physical parts into accurate digital models.

• 3D laser scanning
• CT scanning
• Color mapping and deviation analysis
• CAD model generation

These services support redesigns, legacy part reproduction, and competitive benchmarking.

CMM Programming Services

We help manufacturers maximize their internal inspection capacity with professional CMM programming.

Our team programs across major platforms including PC-DMIS, Calypso, CMM Manager, and Metrolog. Programs are built for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency so your team can deploy them immediately on your equipment.

Part Sorting & Inspection Reporting

When quality issues arise, speed matters.

We provide fast, reliable CMM-based part sorting to separate conforming and non-conforming parts, helping you protect customers and meet delivery commitments. Clear inspection reports support compliance, audits, and root cause analysis.

Gage Calibration Services

Accurate measurement starts with calibrated tools.

We calibrate calipers, micrometers, and precision gages to traceable standards, ensuring your in-house measurements remain reliable and audit-ready.

Why Choose Made to Measure for CMM Measurement?

Choosing a CMM measurement provider is about trust, capability, and experience.

Accredited Expertise

• ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory
• ITAR registered
• ASME GDTP Senior and AUKOM certified engineers

Your parts are measured by professionals who understand GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturing realities.

Advanced CMM Technology

Our inspection capacity includes:

• High-volume bridge CMMs
• Large-format gantry CMMs
• Shop-floor inspection systems

Supported by industry-leading software including Metrolog X4, PolyWorks, Verisurf, CMM-Manager, PC-DMIS, and Modus.

A True Metrology Partner

We are not a transactional inspection house.

We work alongside your engineering and quality teams to define inspection strategies, solve problems, and prevent future issues. Our approach is built on real manufacturing experience, not theory.

Industries We Support with CMM Measurement

We provide CMM measurement and dimensional inspection services for demanding industries including:

• Aerospace and defense
• Automotive and EV manufacturing
• Medical device manufacturing
• Precision machining and CNC shops
• Tooling, mold, and die
• Heavy equipment and off-highway
• Robotics and automation
• Electronics and semiconductor components
• Energy and power generation
• Contract manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers

Each industry brings unique challenges. Our role is to meet them with accurate data and reliable execution.

Advanced Metrology Labs & Equipment

Our metrology laboratory near Chicago, IL is climate-controlled and equipped to handle everything from small precision components to large assemblies.

• New Coord3 bridge and gantry CMMs
• Certified pre-owned CMMs from leading OEMs
• Professional 3D laser scanning systems
• Software-agnostic workflows that integrate with your existing systems

This flexibility allows us to support virtually any CMM measurement requirement without forcing changes to your process.

Start Your CMM Measurement Project

Whether you need first article inspection, overflow production support, reverse engineering, or long-term quality partnership, Made to Measure is ready to help.

Talk to our team about your parts, tolerances, and timelines. We will recommend the right inspection strategy and execute it with speed and precision.

CMM Dimensional Inspection Services

For over 35 years, Made to Measure has performed Dimensional Inspection—originally as an in-house metrology lab—to ensure machined parts were within tolerance. Now, as an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited independent metrology lab, we offer CMM measurements to ensure integrity in quality control.

We take great care in comparing the actual condition of manufactured parts, components, tooling and dies to the nominal condition as expressed in 2D drawings, 3D Models—and even the master product or tooling. The precision measurement services are we offer are referred to by many names, and all of them fall under the category of dimensional inspection services, including:

Inspection and Measurements Methods & Approaches

Made to Measure Metrologists have provided dimensional inspection for companies in most industries including aerospace, medical, plastics, metal fabrication and automotive. Because all components are uniquely engineered and manufactured, Made to Measure employs many different methodologies and approaches to capture dimensional nuances of the design. Dimensional inspection services offered through our metrology lab include:

Highly Experienced & Educated Staff

At Made to Measure, we have a saying that the ruby ball is no better than the CMM it’s attached to. Furthermore, we know very well that the CMM—or any metrology equipment for that matter—is only as good as the metrologist operating it. That’s why all Made to Measure metrologists go through extensive training and certification to ensure that we provide superior measurements and reports that are based on objective and thorough dimensional data that our customers can depend on.

All Made to Measure Metrologists are ultimately trained and/or certified in several areas of Metrology including:

Our team is made of individuals from diverse manufacturing, quality, and engineering backgrounds. Metrologists, at Made to Measure, have extensive professional experience with mold making, tool making, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering. Plus, our team can speak a total of 6 different languages—including Spanish, German, Polish, Bosnian, Korean, and Hindi.

Independent 3rd-Party Metrology Lab Services at Made to Measure

The environmentally-controlled laboratory at Made to Measure is equipped with a wide array of equipment to handle nearly any dimensional inspection project. Whether your concern is tight tolerances, high volume, complex geometries, or extreme dimensions, we have the equipment you need to measure to the tolerances you require.

Every day, our diverse team of seasoned metrologists have extensive experience with Coordinate Measure Machines, Vision Measurement Machines, Laser Scanners, Optical Comparators, Profilometers, Optical Comparators, CT Scanners, Manual Tools & Gages & more.

Quote Your Dimensional Inspection Service Today

Are you ready to get the precision measurements you need? We’ll be glad to teach you more about our CMM machines and our dimensional inspection services when you contact us online or give us a call.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards integrity in quality, upload your relevant files below. Our team will help you approach your concerns tactically to ensure a balance of accuracy, timeliness, and cost.

Accredited Quality Control Lab for First Article Inspections

First Article Inspections are required in many industries, and best practice in even more. Whether you call it prototype inspection, Full Dimensional Layout, Initial Sample Inspection Report (ISIR), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), AQQP, Annuals, or First Article Inspection Report (FAI/FAIR), dimensional verification is essential for all companies involved in manufacturing parts for the aerospace and defense industries. These First Article Inspection Reports often include complicated forms, such as the AS9102, which Made to Measure can complete for you as well.

Learn more about how Made to Measure can help you with your FAI and PPAP so you can manufacture components in complete confidence.

What is a First Article Inspection (FAI)?

While, as previously mentioned, First Article Inspections were originally developed for use in aerospace and defense industries, it’s been an adopted as a best practice by other industries as well. Any manufacturer that deals with small, complex parts with tight tolerances see First Article Inspections as a necessity.

But just what is a First Article Inspection (FAI)? A First Article Inspection validates whether or not a new or newly-modified manufacturing process will meet tolerances outlined by blueprints and manufacturing drawings. This testing is typically done by completing a thorough CMM dimensional inspection of the very first part off the production line. From there, the quality control lab will finish by producing required FAI report documents.

Why Perform Your First Article Inspection at Made to Measure?

Made to Measure can save you significant time and money by catching errors in the First Article Inspection process. We’ll be sure to point out any features that are outside of your specified tolerance, helping you create parts that pass your PPAP/AQQP—no matter how difficult they are to measure or to make.

Furthermore, we’re an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited and ITAR-registered 3rd-party quality control lab, and we’re known for our integrity in the world of metrology. You can trust us to perform your FAI Reports according to the most stringent regulations.

• Our ASME, GD&T, AUKOM Certified Metrologists will find the best solution to fit your project
• We work closely with our customers to ensure progress and communication with metrologists
• Our First Article Inspection Lab exclusively uses highly-accurate, ISO 10360-2:2009 calibrated CMMs
• Our metrologists rank among most highly educated and trained in the industry, required to attend a rigorous certification process
• We produce powerful, easy-to-read PPAP and FAI reports that can be customized to fit your reporting format

Our Certified Metrologists thoroughly review prints and models to determine the best measurement strategies and provide you with valuable feedback. Our team can include suggestions for enhancements, if discovered, like dimensional feasibility and datum structure.

We can also prepare for your First Article Inspection far in advance. By preprogramming your project offline, we can be ready as soon as your components arrive, providing you with FAI reports within days and maintaining your tight timelines.

Made to Measure Can Complete Your AS9102, AS9131, and ARP9137 First Article Inspection Reports

The Made to Measure Difference

Made to Measure has been performing dimensional inspection for over 35 years, and we’ve been in business since the very first modern CMMs were just coming on the market. Needless to say, we know a thing or two about performing a first article inspection. But what sets our quality control lab apart?

• Over 150 years of combined experience
• ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory for dimensional inspection and dimensional calibration
• ITAR Registered & adherent to all ITAR policies and protocols (including ITAR approved file sharing)
• 15 high-accuracy CMMs with measurement capabilities up to 200” x 110” x 75”, 
• 3 Vision Measurement Machines (VMM) with magnification up to 256x
• Portable and CMM-mounted 3D Laser Scanning
• CT Scanning capabilities

First Article Inspection Report: What Made to Measure Includes

After we’ve completed your First Article Inspection, we will complete the reports according to your organization’s standards. Take a look at what our standard First Article Inspection reports include and a few other items we also offer:

What You Need for a First Article Inspection Quote?

Our Metrologists and estimators prefer to have a thorough understanding of the project prior to inspection. While we can give you a quote with only a drawing, we always benefit from 3D drawings, physical parts, and an identified datum structure.

• 2D Drawing
• 3D Model (if available)
• Quantity of components to be measured
• Measurement requirements

Roundness Testing & Form Tracing

Roundness Testing

Does your company make rotating parts or round components that need roundness testing? Look no further! Performed with a roundness tester (aka form tracer or Talyround), we can measure very accurately to .00004” or .001 mm in, roundness, straightness, concentricity, runout, and cylindricity. In addition, Made to Measure can give traces and overlay to nominal or overlay part to part to visually show deviations and comparisons. We can verify your part specifications have been met or give a deviation analysis of the parts.

Call us to discuss your inspections right now!
(847) 851-1160

Roundness and size play a significant role in how certain parts fit together during assembly. Roundness is evaluated independently of size and must be measured according to a reference point. When we measure your part with a roundness tester, it is placed on a circular base and rotated on a highly accurate spindle. The spindle is made with extreme precision, as its axis of rotation acts as the central datum point. The detector measures points relative to this axis to determine roundness, symmetry, and more.

Typical components we measure with a roundness tester include:

• Precision bearings
• Engine Components
• Ball Joints
• Hydraulic Cylinders
• Cylindrical Shafts
• Spindles

Form Tracing

We can measure form very accurately & efficiently than ever before with our Contracer! With high-precision surface inspection, you are able to get more insight on your parts to help you get to the root of issues you may be facing. Works very well with sensitive parts, such as rubbers & thin plastics, that could be altered by human touch. When held in a secure, but gentle fixture in the Contracer, we can get the most accurate dimensions without distorting the part. Request a quote today!

Large Scale Inspections

Are you manufacturing large parts, too big and heavy for your own CMMs to handle? Big parts require big inspections — With our large-scale precision measuring equipment, including our Gantry CMM and 3D Scanners, we can accurately measure your sizeable parts effectively and efficiently. We closely collaborate with you to understand your objectives and deliver the data you need in our easy-to-read inspection reports. From First Article Inspections to CMM Programming, we’re your go-to full service metrology lab.

Large CMM Measurements

Gantry CMMs are designed specifically to measure large-sized precision components with speed and accuracy. Our Large Scale Gantry CMM can measure large parts, up to 524 cubic feet. The gantry coordinate measuring machine is mounted into it’s own unique foundation, allowing for the most precise measurements, isolating the surface from any outside vibrations. Our metrologists are highly-experienced with large parts inspections and customize solutions to fit your needs.

Capacity

• Travel XYZ: 78″ x 197″ x 59” (2000mm x 5000mm x 1500mm)
• Max Part Size: 110” x 250” x 65”
• Weight Capacity: up to 20,000 lbs; 10,000 lbs internal crane & forklift capacity.
  (Riggers are required for parts over 10,000 lbs)

Our Large Scale CMM services are ideal for large aerospace castings, wind turbines, machined parts, and more. Our Metrologists have a vast array of experience in many different industries with over-size parts and assemblies. When you need a reliable solution for inspecting your large parts manufactured, rely on Made to Measure!

Large Scale CMM Services Include:

• First Article Inspections
• Partial Inspections
• Reverse Engineering
• Checking Fixtures

3D Scanning for Large Parts

3D Laser Scanning for measurement processes are firmly established in the metrology world. These technologies offer the ability to collect a large amount of data in a relatively short period of time. Our team is ready to scan your parts with our CMM-based Nikon laser scanning system or the Scanology TrackSCAN laser measurement system. With these high-data, high-accuracy laser scanning devices, we can quickly and reliably collect the data you need for your next inspection. From CAD-Deviation Analysis to Reverse Engineering, we’ve got you covered.

Capacity

• Max Part Size: up to 10m
• Measurement Accuracy: 0.0017” + 0.00018”/ft
• Weight Capacity: up to 20,000 lbs; 10,000 lbs internal crane & forklift capacity.
  (Riggers are required for parts over 10,000 lbs)

3D Laser Scanning Services for Large Parts Include:

• First Article Inspection
• Partial Inspections
• Reverse Engineering
• Part to CAD Comparisons
• Part to Part Comparisons
• Repairing Large Machinery
• Data Archiving of Legacy Parts
• Rapid Prototyping

Call us to discuss your next project today! 847-851-1160

Just Some of the large scale parts we’ve measured:

Contact us today to discuss your next large scale measurement project!

Large CMM Measurements

Our large scale gantry CMM, the first of its kind in the Midwest, has established Made to Measure as the leader in dimensional inspection services in the greater Chicagoland area. Our equipment can measure absolutely anything and everything you bring us (see capacity) with terrific accuracy, speed, and affordability—large part measurement is no problem at all! Check out the services we offer and give us a call.

Capacity

• Max Part Size: 78″ x 197″ x 59″
• Measurement Accuracy: MPE 5 + L/200
• Weight Capacity: 20,000lb

Gantry CMM services offer superior measuring volume and is ideal for large castings, wind turbines, and machined parts. You need a solution for inspecting large parts manufactured in automotive, aerospace, transportation, and many more industries, and that’s why we’re here! Our Metrologists have a vast array of experience in many different industries!

Touch Probe Scanning

Touch Probe Provides Accuracy and Repeatability

Touch Probe Scanning provides a continuous deflection output that can be combined with the machine position to derive the location of the surface. When scanning, the probe stylus tip is brought into contact with the feature and then moved along the surface, gathering data as it moves. In some instances, this form of technology can be more accurate and offer increased repeatability in a controlled environment.

Scanning provides a fast way to capture form and profile data from prismatic or complex components. This method of measuring is especially useful with partly transparent or reflective materials as the probe and styli travel all around and inside the object being inspected, gathering data from every angle through direct contact with the product.

Touch Probe vs. Laser Scanning

Laser and camera systems have made huge strides in the last decade, and are certainly the future of measuring. However, touch probe scanning has several distinct benefits and the two should be considered complementary technologies.

• Ten times more precise- to within .0001”.
• Ability to export raw CAD data in dxf, igs, and stp files.
• Eliminates the risk of data overload.
• Read more about touch probe vs. laser scanning!

Vision System Measurement

Vision system measurements, also often referred to as VMM, is a non-contact method of measuring. When a client needs to inspect large production runs on small parts, this is the best technology available. Visual measurement systems are capable of measuring a wide variety of parts for many industries. This form of technology is capable of measuring a large quantity of parts or features very quickly. As production volumes increase, the benefits of vision system measurements increase as well. It has the ability to measure surface detail quickly and precisely with very sharp images in excess of 200X. Typically small, light weight parts/components that demand high accuracy are the best applications for VMM.

Vision system measurement is a type of non-contact measuring, meaning the part does not have to be touched to be inspected. This is good for small, malleable & easy to manipulate by touch parts and pieces. These systems allow our trained metrologists to accurately measure very small parts, think along the lines of a tiny watch gear. With the zoom optics, utilizing multiple sensors, we get a clear image result to use to inspect, measure, and evaluate your manufactured parts for verification or error detection.

Sample Reports & Downloads

Sample Inspection Report by Made to Measure

This is an actual report prepared for a client of Made to Measure.

The names and sensitive data have been masked for privacy.
The balloon drawing has also been omitted, as it contains proprietary information.

Open Report

Download a Sample Inspection Report

Please provide some basic information about yourself, then click the Download Report button. Then you can choose where to save the Sample Inspection Report on your device.

We may follow up with you via email to see if you have any questions, but will never sell or share your name.

Sample Chromatic Map Report

Please provide some basic information about yourself, then click the Download Report button. Then you can choose where to save the Sample Chromatic Map Report on your device.

We may follow up with you via email to see if you have any questions, but will never sell or share your name.

Open Report

Download a Sample Chromatic Map Report by Made to Measure

Please provide some basic information about yourself, then click the Download Report button. Then you can choose where to save the Sample Chromatic Map Report on your device.

We may follow up with you via email to see if you have any questions, but will never sell or share your name.