Lacking of specific experimental equipment that can be observed and manipulated, modern distance network education has disadvantages on some special knowledge points (Mechanical structure and working principle of parts and equipment) which are three‐dimensional and have stronger operability. This problem restricts the development of the modern distance network education. In order to solve this problem, this paper introduces an interactive simulation platform based on virtual reality technology, taking three coordinate measuring machine as a typical example. The three coordinate measuring machine with strong operability is widely used in many fields. This paper introduces the structure and principle of the three coordinate measuring machine simulation platform and explains the motion control mechanism of the components of three coordinate measuring machine by taking the measuring contactor as an example. Three coordinate measuring machine interactive simulation platform adopts technologies such as browser‐based structure, Java3D, virtual reality, and Java Applet to develop a Web3D virtual reality learning environment to accomplish virtual measurement experiments. Students can not only view the mechanical structure of the three coordinate measuring machine from any visual angle, but also accomplish the virtual measurement simulation of machinery parts and manually learn the procedure of measuring complex parts by the three coordinate measuring machine simulation platform. The simulation platform, which has advantages of good interactivity, strong sense of reality, easy updating, and low investment, can meet the needs of numerous students learning online simultaneously, which has significant values in distance education for mechanical students and professional technical workers.