July 2026 Metrology News Magazine

Editors Message:

As digital transformation accelerates across manufacturing, the conversation is shifting beyond simply capturing measurement data to ensuring that information flows seamlessly across the entire product lifecycle. Metrology is becoming an increasingly connected discipline, integrating with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and digital engineering platforms to create a continuous thread of quality information from design through production and into service.

This month has highlighted how interoperability is becoming just as important as measurement accuracy. Manufacturers are no longer satisfied with isolated inspection systems that generate reports destined for a single quality department. Instead, they require metrology solutions capable of sharing validated measurement data in real time with engineering, production, and business systems. The result is faster decision-making, improved traceability, and a far more responsive manufacturing environment where quality becomes an integral part of every process rather than a final inspection step.

Artificial intelligence also continues to expand its influence throughout the metrology ecosystem. Beyond automating inspection routines, AI is now supporting simulation, robotic guidance, adaptive manufacturing, and intelligent process optimisation. Whether applied to autonomous robotics, machine vision, or advanced analytics, AI is enabling manufacturing systems to understand, learn, and respond with a level of flexibility that was unimaginable only a few years ago. Combined with digital twins and simulation technologies, these capabilities are helping manufacturers predict outcomes before physical production begins, reducing risk while accelerating innovation.

Another significant development is the continued growth of advanced inspection technologies. Industrial computed tomography is extending its role from specialist analysis into routine production quality assurance, while high-speed optical scanning, portable metrology, and integrated software platforms continue to bring measurement closer to the manufacturing process itself. Together, these technologies are creating more comprehensive quality ecosystems where multiple sources of inspection data combine to deliver a complete understanding of product performance.

Looking across this month’s developments, one message stands out clearly: the future of metrology lies in connectivity. The organisations that will lead tomorrow’s manufacturing landscape will be those that successfully integrate measurement into the digital enterprise, where data flows effortlessly between people, machines, software, and business systems. In this environment, metrology becomes far more than a means of verifying quality – it becomes a strategic enabler of smarter products, more agile manufacturing, and continuous improvement.

This month’s featured articles included “Metrology – Rewriting the Rules of Manufacturing”, “Building Metrology 4.0 with Open Data Standards”, “How Connected Metrology Is Changing Manufacturing”, “Why Standardised Data is the Foundation of Smart Manufacturing”, “From Model to Measurement: Metrology Software Powers the MBD-Driven Digital Thread”, and “Beyond Inspection – How Connected Metrology Powers the Digital Enterprise”.

Access the full library of July Metrology News articles by clicking here.

As usual, I welcome your comments, news, and views – my inbox is always open.

Keith Mills – Publishing Editor

Metrology – Rewriting the Rules of Manufacturing

Manufacturing has always been driven by innovation. From mechanisation and automation to robotics and digitalisation, each industrial revolution has promised greater productivity, improved quality and increased competitiveness. Yet despite remarkable advances in machine capability, many manufacturers continue to grapple with the same fundamental questions: Why did this component fail? Why has the process drifted? Where is variation being introduced?… read more

Building Metrology 4.0 with Open Data Standards

As manufacturing continues its transition toward smart factories, digital twins, and autonomous production, metrology has evolved from a standalone quality function into an integral component of manufacturing intelligence. Yet despite remarkable advances in measurement technologies, one persistent challenge remains: interoperability. CMMs, optical scanners … read more

How Connected Metrology Is Changing Manufacturing

For more than a decade, Industry 4.0 has been a dominant theme across manufacturing. Connected machines, digital twins, automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making have become established parts of the industrial landscape. Metrology has been evolving alongside these developments, giving rise to what is commonly described as Metrology 4.0 … read more

Why Standardised Data is the Foundation of Smart Manufacturing

The digitalisation of industrial processes is no longer the challenge – their integration is. The decisive difference today no longer lies in additional sensor technology or automation, but in the quality of integration. Production systems only realise their full potential when data is available consistently, in a structured manner and in real time … read more

From Model to Measurement: Metrology Software Powers the MBD-Driven Digital Thread

As manufacturing accelerates toward the Model-Based Enterprise (MBE), metrology software is evolving from a standalone inspection tool into a critical enabler of the digital thread. By connecting engineering intent, manufacturing execution, and quality validation, software platforms are helping organizations move beyond disconnected workflows toward fully traceable … read more

Closing the Digital Quality Loop – Integrating Metrology into Smart Manufacturing

As manufacturers accelerate their Industry 4.0 journeys, investment has largely focused on automation, machine connectivity, artificial intelligence and data analytics. Yet one critical element often remains disconnected from the digital manufacturing ecosystem, that of quality measurement. While modern CNC machine tools generate vast amounts of data … read more

Beyond Inspection – How Connected Metrology Powers the Digital Enterprise

Digital transformation in manufacturing is no longer about implementing isolated software solutions. Today’s most successful manufacturers are connecting quality data across the enterprise, enabling metrology software to communicate seamlessly with Product Lifecycle Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Manufacturing Execution Systems. The result is a digital ecosystem where measurement data becomes a strategic asset … read more

AI Agents Bring Contextual Intelligence to Manufacturing Quality Control

A new generation of AI systems is helping manufacturers move beyond defect detection to root-cause understanding, accelerating quality investigations and preserving critical operational knowledge. Manufacturing facilities have never been short of data. Modern production environments generate vast streams of information from sensors, machines … read more

API Introduces Next-Generation Optical CMM for Automated Non-Contact Inspection

API has introduced the next generation of Optical CMM. The automated, non-contact inspection system is designed to deliver high-precision dimensional measurement for both inline, nearline and standalone inspection applications. Combining API’s advanced 9D LADAR technology with automated motion control, the system has been developed to provide … read more

New Machine Tool Probe Integrates Touch-Trigger, Scanning and Surface Finish Verification

Renishaw has announced the market introduction of its multi-purpose RMP400S sensor at the upcoming IMTS 2026 (14-19 September) and AMB 2026 (15-19 September) exhibitions. The RMP400S represents an innovative solution that seamlessly combines touch-trigger, scanning, and surface finish verification into a single machine tool probe and is Renishaw’s most versatile machine spindle probe to date … read more

FARO CREAFORM Expands HandySCAN 3D Portfolio

FARO CREAFORM has announced new additions to the HandySCAN 3D family. The company has introduced the HandySCAN EVO and HandySCAN EVO Plus to enhance everyday inspection workflows through a more intuitive, user-focused platform. In parallel, FARO CREAFORM is expanding large-part, metrology-grade capabilities with two new models … read more

Hexagon Expands Large-Scale Inspection Solutions

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has announced the expanded availability of the TORO HP horizontal arm coordinate measuring machine (CMM) across Europe and the Americas, bringing a proven large-scale inspection solution to manufacturers seeking to improve quality control while managing cost pressures and production demands … read more

Lumafield Introduces In-line Arrayed X-ray System

Lumafield has announced the launch of Mars, its high-speed in-line arrayed X-ray system designed for manufacturing environments where throughput and total quality oversight are critical. Purpose-built to integrate directly into existing production lines, Mars inspects every part at full conveyor speed, eliminating the need for complex fixturing or production flow interruptions. While conventional in-line X-ray systems have traditionally served as siloed … read more

IMTS to Showcase AI-Powered Future of Manufacturing

With U.S. manufacturing technology orders climbing and productivity showing its strongest gains in years, IMTS 2026 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show will give manufacturers a front-row view of the technologies accelerating the industry’s next wave of growth. Across the show floor, visitors will experience connected production systems … read more

CRP Group Launches Digital Identity System for Windform Components

CRP Group has launched CRP UniqTrust, a new digital identity and anti-counterfeiting system that enables customers to instantly verify the authenticity of Windform composite components, manufcatured using a smartphone. Designed for industries where component provenance is critical the system provides each part with a secure digital identity … read more

RoboCT Brings Large-Scale Computed Tomography Out of the Lab

Comprehensive computed tomography (CT) inspection of large industrial components has traditionally been limited to specialized laboratory environments equipped with high-precision mechanical systems and significant infrastructure. That limitation is changing with RoboCT, a robot-assisted computed tomography solution that enables high-resolution 3D CT scanning … read more

MICRONITE Aims to Redefine the Role of CMM Metrology for Proactive Process Control

For decades, CMMs have served as the final arbiters of dimensional accuracy, verifying whether manufactured parts meet specification before they leave the production floor. But according to a new technical paper from Expert Manufacturing Systems, traditional inspection workflows are only scratching the surface of the value contained within CMM measurement data … read more

Embraer and Hexagon Advance Predictive Quality for Next-Generation Aircraft Manufacturing

At the Farnborough International Airshow, Embraer and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced an extension of their long-term collaboration to advance predictive quality solutions for aircraft production and maintenance. The partnership brings together aerospace manufacturing expertise, precision metrology, automation, and artificial intelligence to transform how aircraft are inspected … read more

New Ethernet-Connected Laser Scanners Accelerate Digital Inspection

In an expansion of its dimensional inspection equipment portfolio, CMM manufacturer LK Metrology, has launched a new range of laser scanners and complementary technologies that use high-speed, industry-standard Ethernet communication. They are designed to raise the efficiency of data-intensive metrology tasks on CMMs, enhance digital production and optimise metrology across the manufacturing sector … read more

OGP Launches StarLite S1 Semi-Automatic Video Measurement System

Optical Gaging Products has announced the launch of StarLite S1, an all-new semi-automatic 3-axis video measurement system. StarLite S1 is a compact, workbench-style 3-axis (X, Y, Z) video measurement system that combines fully automatic video measurements with the simplicity of manual stage motion. Designed for ease of use and dependable performance … read more

Renishaw To Unveil RUP60 Probe for High-Accuracy On-Machine Thickness Measurement

Renishaw has announced that it will unveil its new advanced ultrasonic thickness measurement probe, the RUP60, at IMTS 2026 and AMB 2026. This new probe simplifies the measurement of large parts where access is limited to a single side, removing the need to move parts to specialist measurement equipment or perform manual inspection on the machine … read more

PicoZoom Delivers Autofocus Digital Microscopy for Modern Manufacturing Inspection

Vision Engineering has announced the global launch of PicoZoom, a new autofocus digital inspection microscope built for electronics, component amotorised zoom, one-click autofocus, focus stacking, and built-in measurement and reporting tools in a single workflow, helping inspection and quality teams achieve clearer images … read more

Alpha Manufacturing Builds a Digital Quality Strategy with Creaform MetraSCAN 3D

As subcontract manufacturers take on increasingly complex, high-precision work, traditional inspection methods are giving way to digital metrology solutions capable of delivering faster, more repeatable quality data. Sheet metal fabrication specialist Alpha Manufacturing is among the companies investing in this transition, introducing the Creaform MetraSCAN 3D … read more

Laser Projection System Redefines Workforce Guidance in Modern Warehousing

Businesses are faced with an increasing shortage of skilled workers. In some industries, like the logistics sector, specialists are so scarce that many companies have to rely on career changers and unskilled workers. What’s more, the sector is characterized by high staff turnover and the need to hire additional temporary staff to be able to handle seasonal peaks … read more

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