Measurement of large cylinders with conventional devices would involve transport, which may be impossible due to their large size and mass.

That is why industries where such elements are produced or employed expect measurements to be performed in situ.

In situ measurements of external cylindrical surfaces may be performed by: V-block methods, multi-probe methods and Articulated Arm Coordinate Measuring Machines (AACMMs).

This paper describes advantages and disadvantages of all the three groups of methods applied to the measurements of external cylindrical surfaces.

Suggestions for which methods best meet the requirements of modern manufacturing processes and which are the most prospective are given.