---
title: Using SMR Nests to Simplify Object Measurements
description: ECM and Brunson worked together to develop a targeting scheme using ½ inch, threaded SMR nests that could be placed on the X-Ray fixture to allow direct measurement and the use of a software watch window that allowed a laser tracker technician to measure at least 3 points to set the fixture within tolerance relative to a nominal value.
---

[Brunson Blog: A Blog for Metrology Enthusiasts](https://blog.brunson.us/blog)

# [Using SMR Nests to Simplify Object Measurements](https://blog.brunson.us/blog/using-smr-nests-to-simplify-object-measurements)

 Written by [Ray Ryan](https://blog.brunson.us/blog/author/ray-ryan) | May 7, 2014 3:03:00 PM

***Contributing Editor:** Ray Ryan, Vice President of Sales, East Coast Metrology*

East Coast Metrology (ECM) has a client who requires a special rectangular X-Ray fixture to be placed at the center of their imaging room to calibrate the position of the X-Rays relative to the treatment beam. Originally, each time the client wanted the X-Ray system checked for alignment, the fixture would need to be measured and moved accordingly until it was centered accurately. This required the measurement of 3 planes, construction of intersecting geometry, building a reference frame from the geometry and finally computing the corrections.  The process was iterative and very time consuming since the positioning tolerance was very tight (+/- 0.1 mm).

ECM and Brunson worked together to develop a targeting scheme using ½ inch, threaded **[SMR nests](http://www.brunson.us/product-category/all-products/3-d-measurement-products/metrology-targeting-target-holders-kits-scales-bars-stands-mounts/metrology-smr-target-holders-adapters-kits-scale-bars/)** that could be placed on the X-Ray fixture to allow direct measurement and the use of a software watch window that allowed a laser tracker technician to measure at least 3 points to set the fixture within tolerance relative to a nominal value. Using this approach greatly simplified the process and reduced the time to position the fixture by 80%. Additionally, the fixture geometric features were not made to exacting standards, so the legacy process wasn’t completely repeatable. Using the SMR nests proved to be highly repeatable and thus improved X-Ray alignment results.

[View full post](https://blog.brunson.us/blog/using-smr-nests-to-simplify-object-measurements)

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