Technical Articles

Saving time and money with a measuring arm that has a repeatable probe mounting

One of the most significant evolutions to portable metrology systems in recent years has been the introduction of the repeatable mounting for touch probes and 3D scanners. The Absolute Arm product range from Hexagon uses a kinematic joint that enables probes and scanners to be mounted on the arm quickly and (most importantly) without compromising measurement accuracy. 

Driving autonomy and efficiency with smarter, collaborative CMM technology

A Deloitte study found that smart factory initiatives have given companies 12% labour productivity gains in the past three years. This could 'grow at a compound annual rate of 2.3% during 2025-2030'. 

Examining the metrology-grade application of Wave Form Digitiser technology in the development of the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600 direct scanning laser tracker

In early 2019 a ground-breaking new system came to market: the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600. For the first time, a laser tracker that could not only track a spherical mounted reflector but was also uniquely able to scan surfaces directly with no handheld device or part preparation required.

Fast electronic volumetric compensation of machine tools with metrology hardware and specialised alignment software

For measuring machines and machine tools, geometrical  accuracy is a key performance criterion. While numerical compensation is well established for CMMs, it is increasingly used on machine tools in addition to mechanical compensation. Why  produce  defective parts if production machines can be tested and improved at the beginning of the process? Find out how to reduce scrap, improve quality and increase productivity with dedicated fast electronic volumetric compensation using a specialised laser tracker and software solution.

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3D Scanning Meets 3D Metal Printing

3D metal printing is a rapidly expanding manufacturing technology with unique strengths that open up more possibilities for flexible product development, enhanced performance, and shorter lead times. The big challenge: Relatively high costs combined with extra support structure. There is widespread lack of knowledge among potential customers on how to use this innovative technology to realize its potential. 

6 Reasons to Reevaluate Optical Comparators

As beneficial as a simple solution such as an optical comparator can be for users, there are a few things to consider. Wolfram Fröhlich, Business Unit Director PL sCMM (Vision Unit) from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence explores six reasons why optical comparators may not be the best choice and how an all-in-one alternative solution may be more beneficial.

Vehicle safety from A to Z

The production of automobiles can no longer be imagined without using special struts for optimum stabilization of vehicles. In order for these metal sheet components to seamlessly integrate into the vehicle body, changes in shape as well as position and size deviations are verified with the help of three-dimensional scan data.

The Difference Between a Certified Preowned and a Used CMM

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Preowned CMM division's goal is to take the "used" feeling out of the used CMM buying experience. We don't believe in bait-and-switch tactics, selling old software or computers, and not backing up each and every purchase with parts and service availability, technical support, training and a warranty.

Deformation Analysis with MoveInspect DPA

Climatic tests are carried out for the evaluation of environmental influences on new production materials. In order to determine 3D deformations arising during the tests, the mobile 3D industrial measurement system DPA is the ideal tool. The results of a large number of measuring points are available within minutes, and graphical output options make the interpretation of deformations much easier.

Advancements in Laser Tracker Technology

Laser tracker technology continues to advance, offering more capabilities and functionality than ever. This video shows advancements in laser tracker probing technology such as the Leica B-Probe, and Leica T-Scan 5 and discusses how tracker-machine automation is becoming a go-to technology in many industries that require independent positioning control and feedback for industrial robots.

The Fast and High-Precision Approach to Modern Automotive Design

Even in these modern times of high-technology and automated production, there are some areas in which machines do not have a role to play: a new automobile, for instance, first takes shape using a pen, paper and clay. When creating a hand-shaped design model made of a special modelling clay, in particular the visible and thus design relevant free form areas play an important role. A car´s sporty or elegant appearance, for instance, is defined through individual ‘tornado lines’ or roof lines, tailgates or mud guards – result is the unmistakable and distinctive shape of a new automobile whose surface, thanks to using a SmartScan-HE for the first-time measurement, complies with every single quality requirement.

Machine Shop Inspection To Go

There is a lot of exciting new hardware and software technology coming out of the world of portable measurement. These systems are more accurate and easier to use than their predecessors.

Measure it Fast: Inspection Speed Through Automation

Given the choice, manufacturing professionals would always choose faster – a faster processor, device, or machine – as long as crucial factors like price and accuracy remained constant.

Measurement Technologies Step Up to Production Machining Needs

With the evolution of this machinery and their related processes, manufacturers of high-to-medium volume turned parts are facing increased inspection requirements in terms of frequency, feature measurement, and production statistics, as well as rising accuracy specifications.

Reverse Engineering with the AICON SmartScan Series

The term ”reverse engineering” describes the process of fully digital construction elements being extracted from an already existing product; or in other words, the generation of the digital three-dimensional data of a real object. In the course of many years in the business, AICON 3D Systems has established long-standing, profound experience and know-how in the field of three-dimensional optical data acquisition for reverse engineering processes, not only with regard to the development of system solutions, but also in connection with current applications.

Model Based Definition Promises Big Dividends for Quality Assurance

In the long evolution of 3D CAD, you would not think innovative progress is possible at this point. Take Model Based Definition, or MBD, a term and methodology long tossed around by software developers and the aerospace industry.

Multisensor Metrology Comes of Age

If you were to ask a typical user in the industry what “Multisensor Metrology” means, you are likely to get a variety of answers.

Modern Day Metrology Surpasses Trial And Error

Tube and pipe bending shops are a rare breed in the manufacturing industry and they face important challenges exclusive to their discipline. Measuring the very tubes and pipes they bend is one such challenge. In this industry, accuracy counts. A tube that does not meet specifications will likely head to the scrap bin, as it won’t have the proper clearance to mate-up and connect with subcomponents. Market forces demanding tighter tolerances and better costs are forcing tube and pipe benders to rethink their processes and improve accuracies as well. Advancements in measurement technology designed specifically for this application can increase productivity and precision while dramatically reducing scrap rates.

System Integration

The Hexagon Metrology Special Systems Group (SSG) is a dedicated team within Hexagon Metrology that does design, system integration and project management for custom and semi-custom integrations of coordinate metrology products with other manufacturing technology.

The Leica Absolute Interferometer

Leica Geosystems was the first laser tracker manufacturer to put an ADM into a laser tracker. The introduction of the LTD500 in 1995 revolutionized the way that laser trackers were used. If the beam was interrupted the operator no longer had to return to a known location to “reset” the IFM distance.

Coordinate Measuring Machine Accuracy on the Shop Floor

Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) accuracy is dependent upon the ambient thermal environment in which it operates. Changes in temperature cause the scales, machine structure and artifacts being measured to expand, contract, and, in some cases, distort in a non-linear manner.

Tracking Progress - Re-evaluating Laser Tracker Technology

Laser trackers have long been the portable metrology tools of choice for companies serving the aerospace, automotive and other large-scale manufacturing sectors.

Using a CMM for Gear Inspection

What are the benefits of using a CMM for gear inspection, and what types of gears can be inspected? PC-DMIS software supports and enables the gear inspection process.

Gear Inspection with Leitz Coordinate Measuring Machines

CMMs, when properly equipped, are the ideal tool for measuring gears. They combine the flexiblity of a general purpose measuring system, with specialized probing and software that allows them to be fully functional gear measuring centers.

The Role of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and How to Capitalise on its Value Proposition

This whitepaper describes the engineering standards and benefits of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), along with the supported attributes in the PC-DMIS measurement software.

How to Select a CMM

The Right CMM Makes All the Difference In Measuring Operations.

Insourcing Quality Control

Managing continuous quality improvement is a challenge facing many manufacturers.

Linking Barcode Technology to Quality Control

Few could have guessed that chewing gum would usher in an era of streamlined production, reduced costs, and unparalleled traceability. However, in June 1974, a 10 pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit did just that as it became the first product scanned with a universal product code (UPC).