Automated noncontact sensor positioning

A gear metrology machine comprising,

• a multi-directional positioning system for positioning a workpiece measuring and/or inspection non-contact sensor on the metrology machine,
• said sensor being positionable via an automatic system comprising movement in at least one linear direction and at least one rotary direction so as to control linear and/or rotational movement of said sensor automatically to a predetermined position without operator intervention to measure a desired surface on a toothed workpiece.

A method of measuring and/or inspecting a toothed article with at least one non-contact sensor wherein the at least one sensor and the toothed article are positioned relative to one another prior to measuring and/or inspecting wherein the method comprises:

• positioning said at least one sensor via an automatic system comprising moving the at least one sensor in at least one linear direction and at least one rotary direction so as to control linear and/or rotational movement of said at least one sensor automatically to achieve a predetermined position without operator intervention,
• measuring and/or inspecting at least one surface of said toothed article.