A Universal Measuring Machine (UMM) is a measuring device for objects where geometric relationships are the most critical element, where dimensions are specified by geometric positions (see GD&T) rather than absolute coordinates. [1] The original use of these machines was to inspect gages and parts

The coordinate measuring machine​ is a measuring system that detects the three-dimensional coordinates of the surface points of the workpiece through the relative movement of the probe system and the workpiece. By placing the measured object in the measurement space of the CMM, the coordinate position of each measuring point on the measured object is obtained by using a contact or non-contact detection system.