December 2024 Metrology News Magazine
Editors Message:
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to reflect on a transformative and challenging year. In 2024, the manufacturing sector navigated through persistent economic hurdles, including elevated interest rates, inflationary pressures, and sluggish global growth. Yet, alongside these trials, the year brought remarkable strides in technological innovation that continue to reshape the industry.
Manufacturers and equipment suppliers have risen to the occasion, introducing groundbreaking solutions tailored to the demands of smart manufacturing and automation. These advances not only address the growing skills shortage but also enable the industry to meet evolving market expectations for greater product customization, faster delivery times, and reduced reliance on global supply chains.
This year has been a pivotal learning experience for many of us as we adapt to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, edge computing, generative AI, deep learning, and real-time data analysis. These innovations are rapidly integrating into quality assurance processes, empowering manufacturers to make more informed decisions. As these technologies grow more pervasive, it’s clear they are not just tools but essential drivers of change shaping both the manufacturing landscape and the broader world in which we live.
Metrology remains at the forefront of this transformation, underpinning many of the advancements that are redefining manufacturing. The sector continues to play a critical role in supporting automation, enabling additive manufacturing, and advancing the transition to smarter, data-driven production.
Throughout 2024, the Metrology News desk has been inundated with an exceptional volume of newsworthy updates, reflecting the sector’s vitality and its increasing importance to the future of manufacturing.
In keeping with tradition, our December publication arrives early, offering a curated selection of the most compelling stories from the past few weeks. While we pause for a well-earned break until the new year, look out for our upcoming ‘Year in Review’ feature during the holiday period, where we’ll recap the standout moments and stories of 2024. You can also browse our full archive of December articles by clicking here.
We extend our gratitude to our readers and sponsors for your continued support of Metrology News. Wishing you all a joyful and relaxing holiday season!
As always, I welcome your comments, insights, and news submissions – my inbox remains open.
Keith Mills
Publishing Editor
Hexagon Acquires Geomagic Inspection Software
Hexagon has announced the acquisition of 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 … read more
Renishaw Co-Founder Sir David McMurtry Passes Away
The engineering world is mourning the loss of Sir David McMurtry, the co-founder of Renishaw, who has passed away at the age of 84. Renishaw, a global leader in engineering and metrology, announced his sudden death with “profound sadness” on Monday, December 9, 2024. Sir David McMurtry, alongside his colleague John Deer, established Renishaw in 1973 … read more
3D Systems Exits Metrology To Focus on 3D Printing Technologies
Following a strategic review of the Company’s software investment strategy, 3D Systems confirmed that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Geomagic software portfolio to the Manufacturing Intelligence Division of Hexagon, a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software, and autonomous technologies, for $123 million … read more
Versatile X Scanning Sensor Offers Two Laser Wavelengths
SmartRay, a leading manufacturer of 3D sensors for quality inspection and metrology, has added a new model to its innovative ECCO X series, giving users a choice of laser wavelengths. First revealed at the Vision Show in Stuttgart, Germany, in October, the ECCO X 100 combines fast, high-resolution inspection with maximum mounting flexibility … read more
Latest X4 Universal Metrology Software Product Line Released
Metrologic Group has announced the release of the latest version of its X4 metrology software product line (V22GA). Industry 4.0 continues to transform manufacturing by driving digitalization, enhancing automation, and boosting efficiency. With the latest software evolution users can complete tasks faster, with greater precision, and fewer errors … read more
SiLC Technologies Announces Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner
SiLC Technologies, Inc (SiLC), the leading developer of integrated single-chip FMCW LiDAR solutions, has announced the launch of Eyeonic Trace, its revolutionary Class 1 Laser Line Scanner capable of dimensioning objects with extreme accuracy, even from distances up to ten meters. Targeted to industrial automation applications the new Eyeonic Trace is an all-in-one inspection and measurement tool … read more
Bowers Group Launch Surface Form & Geometry Machine Range
Bowers Group has announced the introduction of its new Figura range of Surface Form & Geometry machines, engineered to provide fast, precise measurement solutions for contour, surface roughness, and roundness. Poised to fill a gap in its already comprehensive precision measurement range, the new additions will enhance Bowers Group’s ability to support diverse applications … read more
Portable Arm Series Sets New Standards in Portable Measurement
The field of portable arm measurement has reached a new milestone with the launch of the PMT GAMMA Series. This cutting-edge innovation from chinese supplier PMT is set to transform industries by addressing real-world measurement challenges with a focus on usability, efficiency, and adaptability. Building on the ALPHA Series, the GAMMA range offers enhanced features … read more
‘Scan-to-VR’ Solution Creates Photorealistic Digital Twins
Varjo, a leader in industrial-grade virtual and mixed reality hardware and software, has announced the general availability of Teleport, the first service to offer ultra high-resolution 3D scanning using just a smartphone. The commercial launch concludes a closed beta period during which Varjo worked with around 2,000 professionals and enterprises to develop and optimize the solution … read more
Nikon’s Latest NEXIV Series Enhances Measurement Speed
Nikon Corporation has launched the NEXIV VMF-K Series, a next-generation video measuring system designed to meet the increasing semiconductor and electronic component inspection demands. Building upon the success of the VMZ-K Series, the NEXIV VMF-K Series offers significant benefits to a wide range of industries in addition to semiconductor manufacturing … read more
InnovMetric Celebrates 30 Years of Shaping Metrology Industry
If InnovMetric, maker of the PolyWorks smart 3D metrology digital ecosystem, is now recognized as an organization of international standing with a list of distinctions to its name, it is thanks to the perseverance and dedication of its co-founders, Marc Soucy and Esther Bouliane, as well as its hundreds of hardworking employees … read more
WENZEL Expands LH CMM Series to Meet Growing Demands
As industries demand ever-greater precision and efficiency, WENZEL is stepping up to the challenge by expanding its LH series of small coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The new sizes—LH 67, 85, 105, and 107—enhance the versatility of WENZEL’s product lineup, offering a broader range of measuring capacities to suit diverse customer needs … read more
High Speed Inspection Machines ‘Shoot Down’ Manufacturing Defects
A premier Central European defense/military ammunition manufacturing factory recently installed 10 high speed inspection machines from General Inspection for small caliber ammunition and ammunition components. The inspection machines measure and detect visual defects on 7.62, 5.56, and 9mm cases, projectiles, and fully loaded cartridges at rates of 300 per minute … read more
Inspection Verification of Machine-Ready Blanks With Portable Probe CMM
TCI Precision Metals has installed the newest Keyence model XM-5000 handheld probe Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Capable of high-accuracy large-area measurement, the XM-5000 is ideal for measuring and quickly verifying tolerances of its Machine-Ready Blanks. The investment will help TCI further reduce the lead time for customers as demand continues to rise … read more
ZEISS Group Reports Revenue Growth
The ZEISS Group has anounced that its revenue increased to just under 11 billion euros and up 8% on the prior year with EBIT at 1,444 million euros (prior year: 1,686 million euros). ZEISS Group reported mixed development in its business segments with a high spend on research and development equivalent to 15% of revenue with more than 46,000 employees worldwide … read more
Eco Credentials Added To CMM Range
A new innovation, EcoAir, has been introduced by Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) manufacturer LK Metrology to lower the carbon footprint of its products. The technology is optionally incorporated into new machines or may be retrofitted to CMMs already carrying out measurement and inspection duties in factories, quality control rooms and metrology bureaux … read more
GelSight Mobile 4.0 Launches Tools For Advanced Surface Analysis
GelSight, a pioneer in tactile intelligence technology, has announced the release of its GelSight Mobile 4.0 software package. In this latest update, GelSight customers’ top requested capabilities are now live. Customers can now easily combine scans to inspect larger surface areas with automated image stitching. GelSight has also expanded its existing 2D measurement tools … read more
Siemens and Roboverse Reply Automate Inspection Processes With Mobile Robots
Roboverse Reply, an expert in robotics integration scenarios, has developed an end-to-end solution for AI-driven inspection processes in industrial environments together with Siemens. Leveraging Siemens’ ‘COMOS Mobile Worker’, an app used by organisations to plan and execute service technicians’ missions, technicians can now automate complex industrial maintenance tasks … read more
DCS Announces New QDMWEB Release With Scanned Data Management and Analysis
Dimensional Control Systems (DCS) has announced the release of QDMWEB QualityScan with new features that support fast and visual analysis of scanned data. QDMWEB QualityScan Phase II, provides users the ability to visualize and review dimensional quality data with 3D CAD on the cloud, and review and analyze corporate wide scan data in one interface … read more
Teledyne Introduces Software Tools Apps For In-Line 3D Measurement and Inspection
Teledyne DALSA has announced the introducion of Z-Trak 3D Apps Studio, a suite of software tools developed for in-line 3D machine vision applications. Designed to work with Teledyne DALSA’s Z-Trak family of laser profilers, it simplifies 3D measurement and inspection tasks on production lines. Capable of handling 3D scans of objects with varied surface types … read more
Precise Inspection and Analysis of Painted Vehicle Bodies
Micro-Epsilon has established itself as a leading supplier of automated paint defect inspection solutions for premium car manufacturers. In order to detect defects on painted car bodies, car manufacturers need measuring systems that are ultra-precise and detect the smallest anomalies in the surface structure. The reflectCONTROL Automotive systems detect the smallest anomalies … read more
Generative AI in Metrology: Redefining Precision and Efficiency
Metrology has always been at the core of precision manufacturing. As Industry 4.0 advances, generative AI transforms metrology by introducing dynamic data analytics tools that improve measurement accuracy, refine quality control, and meet the growing complexity of modern manufacturing demands. Generative AI, a powerful offshoot of artificial intelligence … read more
Predicting Surface Quality Using Artificial Intelligence
The use of optical free-form surfaces allows complex lens systems to be simplified and thus made more compact and weight-optimized. In addition, the use of optical freeform surfaces enables the realization of completely new functionalities. At the same time, their manufacturing process is complex and therefore time-consuming and expensive … read more
Changing Role of Metrology in Tomorrow’s Manufacturing
In the following article Gary Peacock, General Manager, Metrology Software, at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence explains his vision for the future of manufacturing metrology and how quality control is evolving for the next decade. “As the demands of modern manufacturing grow more complex and manufacturing industries continue their digital transformation … read more
AI’s Future Role In 3D Scanning
In the following article executives from 3D scanning company Artec3D provide their respective visions for the evolving use of AI in 3D scanning workflows. “With AI, photogrammetry can also reconstruct objects, areas, and people with unprecedented quality. Excitingly, AI photogrammetry has the potential to open 3D scanning to an entirely new user base … read more
A Metrology Christmas Reflection
As 2024 wraps in a festive embrace, We reflect on the strides that have taken their place. In the world of precision, where numbers take flight, Measurement technology shone ever bright. From shop floors humming with sensors alive, To smart manufacturing helping us thrive, Connected systems, with data so clear, Have reshaped the industry year after year … read more
Receive the #1 online digital metrology magazine directly into your inbox featuring the very latest news from the manufacturing metrology and smart manufacturing sectors
Unsubscribe at any time. Metrology News will protect your personal information as stated in our privacy policy. Your email will not be shared, bartered, or sold to any third party organization.
HOME PAGE LINK