What would you call this?

[MrRage]

A machine where you put a part into it, it precision scans the part then out puts an accurate 3D model to a control operator that will then work with the part in a CAD program, then render all the changes to the part into G-Code and start milling?

Might be a good tool for reconditioning parts, as well as inspecting them.

[cbass]

A 3-d scanner?

[stan_nj]

a digitizer?

[MrRage]

Well... maybe its a two in one machine, but something scanned the part in, and while the part was still bolted down switch over to end mills and start milling the part after the operator has made some modifications to the part.

Where it eliminates the step of positioning and centering the headstock because the mill already knows where the piece is in relation to its self.

[jhwatts]

reverse engineering

[ViperTX]

Well it's a CMM (corodinate measuring machine....or something like that), CMM's also have a digitizing accessory which you can use to give the shape/profile of an object.

That data you'll have to feed into a CAD for drawing, and a CAM ....etc.

[cnc2k]

i called it CNC-3D-Duplicator

[MIKE JEFFERS]

cool stuff
http://www.faro.com/products/scanarm.asp
we use one of these to check machining & reverse engineer stuff
scan the part do a fit to the model then it highlights the inacuricies