March 2026 Metrology News Magazine

Editors Message:

Manufacturing is accelerating toward fully connected, data-driven ecosystems, the role of the Coordinate Measuring Machine is undergoing a fundamental transformation. No longer confined to the quality lab, CMMs are now integral to the digital factory – delivering critical measurement data directly into production workflows, enabling real-time decision-making, and supporting the broader vision of smart manufacturing.

In March Metrology News explored this shift, focusing on how CMM technology is evolving to meet the demands of increasingly agile, automated, and intelligent production environments. CMMs are being embedded within the digital thread, seamlessly connecting design, production, and quality. The integration of metrology data across platforms is no longer a competitive advantage – it is fast becoming essential. As manufacturers move toward closed-loop manufacturing, CMMs are emerging as key enablers of traceability, process control, and continuous improvement.

At the same time, CMMs themselves are evolving to address future manufacturing demands. This month we featured new hardware innovations, reflecting the continued migration of CMMs onto the shop floor. The move toward CMM-based production gauging is driving the development of new mechanical structure configurations – designed to significantly reduce system footprint while operating reliably within the imperfect conditions of the production environment. Advances in both hardware and software are reshaping system capabilities – from increased automation and multi-sensor integration to greater speed, flexibility, and ease of use. These developments are enabling CMMs to support high-mix, low-volume production as effectively as mass customization. Even traditional manual CMMs are being repurposed, extending their value within modern manufacturing environments, while new, innovative mechanical structures with ‘hands-off’ measuring software are enabling rapid 3D measurement at the point of manufacture – replacing traditional 2D inspection tools.

What is clear is that CMMs are no longer standalone inspection tools. They are becoming intelligent, connected systems at the heart of the digital factory. As this evolution continues, the integration of metrology across the manufacturing value chain will be critical to achieving the speed, quality, and flexibility demanded by today’s industry.

This month featured articles included “CMM Adaptation to Future Manufacturing Demands“; “Metrology’s Role in Optimising Takt Time”; “Rise of Intelligent Inspection & Predictive Excellence”; “Turning Measurement Data into Real-Time Production Intelligence”; “Weaving the Digital Thread – The Interoperability Standards Powering Smart Manufacturing” and “Robot Accuracy – The Missing Link in Smart Manufacturing“.

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

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

Keith Mills – Publishing Editor

CMM Adaptation to Future Manufacturing Demands

In manufacturing today the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is a cornerstone of precision inspection and quality assurance. From its origins as a precision measuring tool housed in controlled metrology labs to today’s shop-floor capable systems, CMM technology continues to evolve in response to ever-increasing demands for speed, accuracy, flexibility and automation. As manufacturing moves toward high-mix production CMMs are being reinvented … read more

Measur3D Simplifies Shop Floor 3D Measurements

As manufacturing continues to shift toward increasingly complex geometries, the need for practical and accessible 3D measurement on the shop floor has become more pressing than ever. Advanced machining, multi-axis production methods and Additive Manufacturing, are routinely producing parts that cannot be adequately verified using traditional inspection tools … read more

Metrology’s Role in Optimising Takt Time

Inspection belongs at the point of manufacture. By moving measurement closer to the machining process and by using rapid, robust systems, manufacturers can meet tough takt time targets, reduce scrap and improve process capability — without inflating costs. In high-value manufacturing, the specification for new parts is defined long before the first billet is clamped … read more

Back to Hands-On CMM Metrology

Mitutoyo has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the CRYSTA-KM 565 manual CMM designed to deliver dimensional inspection with simplicity, robustness and cost efficiency. Aimed at organizations seeking precision measurement without the complexity of automated systems, providing a solution where flexibility and hands-on control remain essential … read more

Rise of Intelligent Inspection & Predictive Excellence

Metrology News recently sat down with Robert Wasilesky, President at Kitov AI North America to discuss how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping industrial quality control. What was once a futuristic concept is now becoming central to factory operations, enabling real-time data interpretation, automated inspection planning, and increasingly predictive quality … read more

InnovMetric Announces Global Aberlink Partnership

InnovMetric has announced a new global partnership agreement with Aberlink. Through this collaboration, Aberlink will act as a bundled reseller, offering PolyWorks software solutions integrated directly with its world-class portfolio of coordinate measuring machines. The partnership providing manufacturers with an advanced solution for high-precision 3D metrology … read more

Mitutoyo Brings Lab-Grade Accuracy CMM to the Shop Floor

Mitutoyo America has introduced the CRYSTA-Apex V PLUS Series, a next-generation CNC CMM engineered to bring high-accuracy measurement directly to the production floor. Evolving from the proven CRYSTA-Apex V500, V700, & V900 models, the new CRYSTA-Apex V PLUS Series combines advanced temperature compensation and an energy-saving, sustainable design to ensure stable, precise results in real-world manufacturing environments … read more

Turning Measurement Data into Real-Time Production Intelligence

For decades, manufacturing has generated volumes of data, yet much of it has lived a quiet life in databases, reports, and archived quality records. Measurement results were stored for traceability. Machines logged process parameters. ERP and MES platforms tracked orders and output. But these streams rarely converged and allowed production to adapt real time … read more

Weaving the Digital Thread – The Interoperability Standards Powering Smart Manufacturing

As manufacturing continues its shift toward digital transformation, the concept of the digital thread has become central to initiatives around smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and data-driven quality. The digital thread represents the seamless flow of information across the product lifecycle — from design and engineering through manufacturing, inspection, and ongoing improvement … read more

Lumafield Expands CT Platform with High-Speed Metrology, Large-Part and Inline Inspection

Industrial X-ray computed tomography continues to reshape the way manufacturers understand product quality. By enabling full internal visibility without destructive testing, CT technology is increasingly central to metrology, quality control, and production decision-making. U.S.-based technology company Lumafield has announced three new hardware solutions designed to extend the capabilities of its VT platform … read more

Robot Accuracy – The Missing Link in Smart Manufacturing

Robots have become the backbone of smart factories. Across sectors robots deliver the speed, repeatability and flexibility required for high-volume production. However, as manufacturing shifts toward digitalised, data-driven environments, a critical challenge of robot accuracy is emerging. In many traditional automation environments, repeatability was enough … read more

GiantEye Project Aims to Transform Large-Scale CT Inspection

The ability to look inside complex components without cutting them open or dismantling them lies at the heart of nondestructive testing (NDT). However, traditional industrial computed tomography (CT) systems are constrained by the size of the objects they can accommodate. Components must fit inside the scanner, limiting the application of CT for large assemblies … read more

Advanced CMM to Meet Demanding F1 Tolerances

Design and contract manufacturing firm ActionPlas Group, specialising in machining and fabricating plastic, metal components and assemblies for a wide variety of industries including automotive, food and drink, pharmaceutical and power generation, has upgraded its quality control department with the purchase of an an Altera M 20.12.10 CMM from LK Metrology. The machine is supporting pre-delivery inspection of high-value complex parts … read more

3D Scanning Accuracy Brings Mold Repairs Back on Track

In European automotive manufacturing, aluminum die casting is under pressure. EV platforms require lighter components. OEMs are tightening dimensional tolerances. And Tier-1 suppliers like Nemak face higher expectations around cycle time, traceability, and accuracy, especially when dealing with complex molds that must run flawlessly to keep throughput in check … read more

Direct Data Acquisition from FARO CREAFORM Scanners Now Available in PolyWorks|Inspector

FARO CREAFORM, a global provider of 3D scanning and portable CMM solutions, in collaboration with InnovMetric, the independent software development company that empowers manufacturers of every size to digitally transform their 3D measurement processes, announced that data acquisition from FARO CREAFORM’s auto-referencing multi-line 3D scanners is now fully integrated into PolyWorks|Inspector … read more

Wagon Automotive Implements Inline Metrology Cell for Complex Chassis Components

Wagon Automotive has deployed an automated inline measurement solution to address the growing complexity of chassis components and the increasing demand for efficient, high-precision inspection directly on the production line. The company, a long-established supplier to the automotive sector, sought to modernize its inspection processes … read more

Major Aerospace Manufacturer Scales AI Inspection

KITOV.ai, a leading provider of AI-Powered Quality Discovery solutions, has announced a follow-on order for an additional visual inspection system from a major American aerospace and defense manufacturer. This expansion underscores the customer’s commitment to leveraging Artificial Intelligence to master the complexity of mission-critical components … read more

Bridging Machining Simulation and Fatigue Analysis

In today’s highly competitive manufacturing environment, companies face increasing pressure to improve machining productivity while ensuring the long-term reliability of critical mechanical components. Balancing faster production with durable performance remains a significant challenge for sectors where component failure can have serious consequences … read more

Hexagon Boosts Shopfloor Productivity with Advanced TubeInspect and BendingStudio XT

Hexagon has made a major update to its tube and wire inspection software that helps series production lines slash cycle times, with further improvements that optimise the manufacturing processes of electric vehicle components. Integrated support for handheld 3D scanners now extends game-changing tube and wire measurement and process digitalisation capabilities of BendingStudio XT … read more

Physik Instrumente Expands Portfolio of Piezo Flexure Stages for Ultra-Precise Motion Control

PI, a leader in nanopositioning and precision motion control technologies, offers an extensive portfolio of piezo flexure stages designed to deliver ultra-precise positioning in demanding industrial and research environments. Flexure-guided piezo stages provide significant advantages over traditional motorized stages in many advanced motion control applications. Designed for nanometer-level positioning accuracy … read more

Moving Beyond Machine Monitoring to True AM Process Control

While the AM industry has long discussed Data-Driven Production, Melotte, Additive Center, and amsight have officially moved beyond theory. The partners have announced the successful operational implementation of a comprehensive data capturing system at Melotte’s facility, marking a critical step in the industrialization of semiconductor component manufacturing … read more

3D Scanning Metrology: A Guide to Accuracy and Resolution

Measuring the world around us has evolved from simple hand tools to sophisticated optical 3D technology. Whether it is documenting a delicate museum artifact or ensuring an engine component is built to within a few microns of its design, modern metrology relies on structural light scanners like those developed by SMARTTECH3D … read more

Benchtop Automated Inspection Systems Lowers Barriers to AI in Manufacturing

AI is increasingly reshaping quality control in manufacturing, but many companies, particularly small and mid-sized firms, still face significant barriers when it comes to adopting AI-driven inspection technologies. High system costs, complex integration requirements, and the need for specialist programming skills have often limited the practical implementation of automated … read more

3DMakerpro Lowers the Barrier to LiDAR-Based Metrology

The launch of the Raven LiDAR Scanner from 3DMakerpro marks a notable shift in the accessibility of LiDAR-based spatial measurement, bringing survey-grade capabilities into a more affordable and portable format. Raven opens a new entry point into professional reality capture workflows and has the potential to expand adoption across a wide range of industries … read more

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