2025 Buyer’s Guide: Measurement & Inspection Product Releases
New developments and approaches speed up the measurement and inspection process, accurately and precisely. The post 2025 Buyer’s Guide: Measurement & Inspection Product Releases appeared first on Fabricating & Metalworking.
Measuring Systems Improve Speed and Accuracy in Machining Automation
Blum-Novotest, Inc. (Erlanger, KY), a leading supplier of innovative and high-quality measuring and testing technology, offers the FormControl X measuring and automation software with integrated approach and alignment functions.
The FormControl X software is an efficient solution for operations using machine-integrated quality control of workpieces in series production. The software enables automated monitoring of machining processes in line with the principle of statistical process control. The process is managed based on the recorded measured values and previously defined warning and control limits. To make sure that this also works perfectly in unmanned operation and in cooperation with robot solutions, FormControl X offers an integrated approach with its alignment function. This feature detects the current workpiece position and alignment right after clamping and automatically adjusts the reference points of the machining program to the actual position of the workpiece. This also makes reliable automated machining of parts with small allowances possible. FormControl X also prepares the recorded data in graphic form. It can then be visualized and evaluated by the user using the web browsers of any end devices. FormControl X accelerates manufacturing processes and makes them more transparent, and the quality and manufacturing costs of the finished workpieces are optimized.
Digital Microscope Simplifies Failure Analysis Inspection Workflows
Evident Scientific (Waltham, MA) offers the DSX2000 fully motorized digital microscope designed to simplify operations and boost productivity in material analysis and inspection workflows. An automated and integrated system for imaging, measurement, analysis and reporting, the advanced microscope can be easily operated by users of all skill levels for fast, precise results and high-quality macro to micro imaging at resolutions beyond 4K.
An all-in-one microscopy solution, the DSX2000 system streamlines work for researchers, failure analysis engineers and QC lab professionals. Objectives can be switched automatically via the motorized zoom head and revolving nosepiece. Seven different observation methods are available at the click of a button, enabling users to quickly find optimal viewing conditions. Simplifying operations further, the best image function identifies the best imaging mode for revealing sample details with one click. Users can also take advantage of the powerful new shaded relief method, which reveals ultra-fine, hard-to-see defects in real time. Observation conditions for captured images are automatically saved for easy recall, enabling consistency and repeatability across samples.
Tasks are made even simpler when the system is paired with Evident’s intuitive PRECiV
image analysis software. The software speeds up inspections with smart tools such as EZ mode and Live AI. In EZ mode, supervisors can create custom workflows for operators and limit available buttons for ease of use. Any operator can start working with minimal training while reducing the potential for errors. The Live AI can be trained in a short time to instantly reveal hidden details and highlight key features on live images with no need for additional processing. This facilitates AI-assisted decision-making, freeing experts from the need to double-check images. The AI automates repetitive tasks, such as live measurements and feature detection, to improve productivity and minimize operator variability.
The DSX2000 digital microscope’s wide magnification range of 26X to 7,300X using optical zoom makes it easy to capture precise macro and micro images with one system to simplify inspections. It supports unlimited* image size with seamless stitching that quickly creates large macro images, enabling the analysis of large samples in less time.
New Versatile Handheld Scanner for Greater 3D Metrology Insights
FARO Technologies, Inc. (Lake Mary, FL) has entered a new category of handheld scanning with the launch of FARO Leap ST®. The new handheld solution expands the company’s product portfolio, making FARO one of the few companies offering customers a complete range of portable 3D metrology devices. It strengthens FARO’s presence across the manufacturing sector, where speed, accuracy, and throughput are key. FARO paired this launch with an update to its FARO CAM2® Software, for a simple and effective way to scan parts.
Leap ST features five powerful operating modes: ultra-fast scanning, hyperfine scanning, deep hole scanning, large area scanning, and photogrammetry. As a metrology-grade tool, it excels in measuring and verifying a variety of surfaces and parts. The design is compact, portable, and suitable for multiple industries and applications.
Additionally, FARO enhanced its 3D metrology software offerings with the update of CAM2. The software now includes five tailored versions that address specific manufacturing measurement requirements. CAM2 now offers options for scanning devices and probing devices, as well as a hybrid approach that integrates probing and scanning for solutions such as the FaroArm with laser line probes.
RFK Racing, an existing FARO customer and eight-time NASCAR champion, praised Leap ST. “The new handheld scanner will seamlessly integrate into our processes, further boosting our manufacturing efficiency,” said Kevin Kidd, director of software and analytics. “The unification of FARO data in CAM2, a software we’ve already adopted, will allow us to streamline information into one cohesive and connected system.”
Hexagon Adds Inspection and 3D Modelling Software Capabilities from 3D Systems
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (North Kingstown, RI) has acquired 3D Systems’ Geomagic suite of interoperable software packages, which are used to create high quality 3D models from multiple sources, including laser scanning.
The Geomagic suite, which includes products such as Design X, Control X, Freeform and Wrap, is capable of automating the processing of 3D scan data to build digital models from physical objects, which can then be used to generate history based parametric CAD models for use in product manufacturing. The Geomagic software tools can also be used to undertake initial free-form design, modify existing CAD models and to accurately measure and inspect parts for quality control purposes when finished. The acquired capabilities will strengthen the existing software portfolio of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and combine with its leadership in portable metrology sensors to deliver a sophisticated suite of solutions across the full range of manufacturing applications.
“The combination of Geomagic and our existing solutions will further strengthen our market leadership in 3D metrology and reengineering, demonstrating our commitment to deliver increasingly user friendly tools capable of executing complex tasks, so our customers can bring innovative, high quality products to the market at speed and with confidence,” said Norbert Hanke, interim president and CEO, Hexagon.
Company Extends Eco-friendliness of its CMMs
A new innovation, EcoAir, is available from coordinate measuring machines (CMM) manufacturer LK Metrology (Hudson Heights, MI), which lowers the carbon footprint of its products. The technology is optionally incorporated into new machines built at the firm’s factory in Derbyshire, UK, or may be retrofitted to CMMs already carrying out measurement and inspection duties in factories, quality control rooms and metrology bureaus. Any make of CMM may be upgraded, provided that it is fitted with an LK NMC300 controller, which is also available from the manufacturer as a retrofit.
Connected to the machine’s air filter set, the EcoAir automatic shut-off unit interrupts the supply of compressed air to the CMM’s air bearings when the machine is idle, reducing consumption by up to 95% and leading to substantial energy and cost savings. The period of inactivity that triggers shutdown can be adjusted to as little as one minute. The CMM remains ready for action, however, and when it is next used in either manual or CNC mode the flow of compressed air resumes automatically.
Such power saving devices help manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements for energy efficiency and support corporate social responsibility initiatives, while reaping the financial benefits of reduced consumption of electricity. Other ecological measures introduced over the years by LK include a reduced thickness of the air bearing film needed to maintain smooth, accurate movement of the machine elements over their guideways. This not only cuts air consumption when the CMM is in use but also offers three and a half times higher stiffness than standard air bearings due to their wrap-around design. The major benefit is improved accuracy of measurement due to higher resistance to dynamic forces, particularly when tactile scanning or using long probes.
Likewise, LK has for many years incorporated advanced motor control and intelligent power management into its CMMs. The drive motors are programmed to power down automatically when they are not actuating axis motions.
New Small Length Measuring Bench for Precision Parts Measurement
Mahr Inc. (Providence, RI), a leading provider of dimensional metrology solutions, has expanded its Precimar® SM 60 length measurement product line with the introduction of the Precimar SM 60-V small length measuring bench. This new version of the SM-60 has the ability to use Mahr’s standard contact inserts with 3.3 mm mounting. These inserts enable the SM-60 to be individually adapted to a wide range of measuring tasks. For example, it can measure recesses, external gears, the pitch diameter of external threads, and perform many other measuring tasks. It is also ideally suited for precise measurements at the point of manufacture or in a measurement center.
The Precimar SM 60 family features a measuring range of 60 mm, with a 25 mm sensitive contact and a fixed reference jaw with a 35 mm adjustment to obtain the total 60 mm measurement capacity. Equipped with a 5 N measuring force, the Precimar SM 60-V includes a robust construction for use in the production environment, designed to meet the demand for high-performance gauging at the point of manufacture. It also offers a simple setup for fast adaptation to new workpieces.
The Precimar SM 60-V is highly flexible and is configurable with various Mahr readouts to provide a system tailored to the performance level required for the specific measurement application. Interchangeable measuring inserts provide hardened steel or carbide surfaces in a wide variety of shapes, along with numerous thread measuring options. An adjustable support table is positioned up or down to ensure proper part location and then locked into place. Retraction of the sensitive contact is accomplished with a simple lever that is easy to use by right- or left-handed operators.
Mini Gauge for Pre-, In- and Post-Processing Measurement
Marposs Corp.’s (Auburn Hills, MI) Protomar Mini measuring gauge is capable of pre-, in- and post-inspection specifically designed to address the growing trend toward smaller and more flexible machine tools. Measuring only 60.2 mm-x-258 mm-x-319 mm, the Protomar Mini’s compact design addresses the challenges introduced by machines with limited space. It can fit into smaller grinders without compromising performance, ensuring every inch of valuable workspace is optimized for maximum efficiency. The versatility of the Protomar Mini is proven through its application in multi-diameter machines, such as grinders for broaches or turbine blades. What sets it apart from conventional measurement systems is its ability to eliminate the setup and zeroing procedure on a master workpiece for the various diameters across its measuring range. Protomar Mini provides absolute measurements across its 100 mm measuring range, eliminating the need or retooling when changing diameters. Operators can achieve exceptional measurement performance with 2.5µm repeatability, ensuring uninterrupted productivity and significant reductions in setup time. Additionally, Protomar Mini is fully integrated into the Marposs BLÚ system — an advanced one-cable control network. This system connects all monitoring sensors within a machine, using a single bus cable, bringing unparalleled efficiency and simplicity to the overall setup and maintenance. With these advantages, Protomar Mini is an ideal choice for machine makers and rebuilders seeking unparalleled accuracy performances.
New High-accuracy Height Gauge
Mitutoyo America Corp. (Aurora, IL), a leading manufacturer of precision metrology instruments and solutions, offers the Mitutoyo LH600F/FG Linear High Measurement System. The LH600F is the latest model in the Mitutoyo Linear Height Gauge line with several added features and benefits along with best-in-class accuracy using a high-accuracy scale unit and high-accuracy guiding mechanism manufactured in our own Japanese facilities.
The LH-600F now features a touch screen interface that allows for easy and intuitive operation, allowing users to measure with the press of a button or through touch screen icons. The rotatable and adjustable display of the LH-600F also allows for use from both front and rear orientations as well. There are new output options including a Digimatic output that allows data to be sent directly to Excel or SPC software, wired or wirelessly, while maintaining USB and RS232C output capabilities.
Other new features include:
- A new self-check feature can detect dirt or oil on the encoder, ensuring the instrument is clean and able to provide accurate measurements.
- Instant changes to units, resolution and delta measurement from the previous reading can now be made.
- An air bearing system makes it easy to move the height gauge around; a semi-float mode allows it to slide more easily while taking measurements, even with heavy parts.
- Motorized capabilities provide better repeatability and reproducibility along with improved 2D mode to measure angles, bolt hole circles and more.
- A new optional footswitch is available for hands-free repeat measuring of volume parts
- Multiple probe options (optional) and probe position are switchable for better perpendicularity and straightness measurements.
- Excellent accuracy of (1.1+0.6L/600)μm with 0.1μm/0.5μm resolution/repeatability.
Industrial Housing Ensures Accurate Measurements in Harsh Environments
of approximately 2000 mm, a width of 750 mm, and a depth of about 950 mm.
Bruker Alicona (Graz, Austria) has introduced the FocusX Shopfloor Enclosure for the FocusX to further facilitate quality assurance in production. The Shopfloor Enclosure is meticulously engineered to protect the FocusX from environmental factors such as airborne particles, dust, and spray water or oil. This robust enclosure ensures that the FocusX operates at peak performance even in demanding conditions.
The Shopfloor Enclosure features an integrated workstation equipped with two monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse holder, providing a complete setup for operators. The enclosure’s main switch controls the entire power supply, allowing the system to be easily turned on or off with a single switch. This feature simplifies the operation and ensures that the FocusX is always ready for use.
Thermal management is a critical aspect of the Shopfloor Enclosure. It features two separate chambers that thermally isolate the system from the control server. Each chamber is equipped with two fans, ensuring optimal air flow and preventing overheating. The Shopfloor Enclosure is also rated IP 53.
The FocusX is a groundbreaking device transforming quality assurance with its Advanced Focus-Variation technology in a smart package. This technology enables precise measurement of micro-geometries and surface roughness on smooth and reflective surfaces using a single sensor. The FocusX is designed to be compact and versatile, making it ideal for on-site use in production environments. Its adaptability is further enhanced by the Real3DUnitX, which provides five-axis capability, ensuring every surface of your component is accessible and measurable. The Real3DUnitX enables the FocusX to perform 360° measurements, allowing for thorough inspections using CAD files for comparison.
The Shopfloor Enclosure’s mobility allows for easy relocation of the FocusX within the facility. Simply turn off the main switch, unplug the power cable, and use a forklift or pallet jack to transport the system.
“In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environments, precision and reliability are paramount,” said Marco Fürpass, project manager of the Shopfloor Enclosure at the Bruker Alicona R&D department. “The Shopfloor Enclosure addresses these needs by providing robust protection and ensuring that the FocusX can deliver accurate measurements even in the roughest conditions.”
The post 2025 Buyer’s Guide: Measurement & Inspection Product Releases appeared first on Fabricating & Metalworking.
