May 2025 Metrology News Magazine
Editors Message:
As another busy spring exhibition season wraps up, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the evolving role of physical trade shows in our industry. While these events continue to offer networking opportunities and the tactile experience of live demonstrations, their effectiveness as a central marketing channel is becoming increasingly questionable.
The reality is, trade shows are no longer the universal magnets they once were. According to industry research, even pre-pandemic, less than 15% of a target market typically attends a given trade show. In the years since, that number has often dipped much lower, with many organizations citing travel costs, time constraints, and the rise of digital alternatives as key reasons for staying away. Yet, despite this, exhibition organizers continue to court supplier marketing budgets as if nothing has changed.
For exhibitors, the investment remains substantial with booth design and construction, travel, accommodation, shipping, and staffing all adding to significant exhibitor costs. But when the audience is limited to a narrow segment of the market, the return on that investment becomes difficult to justify – especially when compared to the performance and analytics offered by the latest digital engagement tools which offer far greater flexibility and reach to a global audience for a fraction of the cost. More importantly, these platforms provide real metrics that inform strategy, drive refinement, and demonstrate ROI.
That’s not to say there’s no place for in-person interaction. There’s value in shaking hands and seeing technology in action. But we must recognize that the world of industrial marketing has changed. Buyers now do more independent research online before ever speaking with a sales representative. Decision-making is more collaborative and distributed, and digital content plays a critical role in that journey.
The metrology industry, like many others, must adapt. The future of customer engagement is hybrid, data-driven, and customer-centric – not centered solely around exhibition halls. The question isn’t whether trade shows still matter – it’s whether we’re overinvesting in yesterday’s channels at the expense of tomorrow’s opportunities! The recent announcement, following this year’s event, that CONTROL is moving to a biennial event is a significant positive step.
This month saw a significant number of new product introductions, many of which are highlighted below. Featured articles included “‘Adaptive Manufacturing’ – New Smart Manufacturing Era”; “From Data to Decision – Empowering Digital Twins with The Digital Thread”; “’Survey Reveals Shift in Role of Quality As Strategic Revenue Driver”; “Transforming Automotive Quality Assurance with Artificial Intelligence” and “Behind Every Digital Car There Must Also Be A Digital Factory“.
Access the full library of May Metrology News articles by clicking here.
As usual, I welcome your comments, news, and views – my inbox is always open.
Keith Mills – Publishing Editor
‘Adaptive Manufacturing’ – New Smart Manufacturing Era
As the world rapidly embraces Generative AI and Agentic AI, a new frontier is emerging – Physical AI, where AI meets the physical world through robotics and automation. At the forefront of this evolution is 3D Infotech, a pioneer in adaptive manufacturing and quality control automation. Metrology News sat down with Rohit Khanna, Founder and Chairman of 3D Infotech … read more
Reflectorless Accurate Scanning for Large-Scale Metrology
As aerospace manufacturers race to ramp up production amid labour shortages and rising costs, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 – a next-generation laser tracker for high-mix, large-structure production environments. The system represents an entirely new quality inspection solution in large-scale manufacturing areas … read more
All Digital MAESTRO CMM Launched
Transforming quality inspection with high-speed, connected measurement workflows, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced the launch of MAESTRO, an all-new, next-generation coordinate measuring machine (CMM) engineered from the ground up to meet the rising productivity demands of manufacturing. Designed to combat global skills shortages and increasing quality requirements, MAESTRO sets a new standard … read more
AMETEK To Acquire FARO Technologies
AMETEK and FARO Technologies have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AMETEK will acquire all outstanding shares of FARO common stock for $44 per share in cash, which represents an approximate 40% premium to FARO’s stock price and values FARO at $920 million. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction … read more
Fast CT Scanning with Tight Metrology Specifications
ZEISS has introduced the ZEISS METROTOM 800 320 kV, a cutting-edge CT system that elevates the speed and precision of measuring complex components made from high-density materials. This system allows companies to significantly enhance efficiency and reduce costs through rapid measurements and exceptional accuracy. The ZEISS METROTOM 800 320 kV reduces scan times by up to 75% … read more
Polyrix Unveils Groundbreaking Inline Metrology System
Polyrix, has announced the launch of the first-ever PolyScan V inline system capable of scanning a full part in 20-seconds, debuted at the Control Exhibition for Quality Assurance in Germany. The advanced system, incorporates Polyrix’s state-of-the-art PolyScan technology, enabling manufacturers to scan 100% of components in real-time. PolyScan V-Series enhances shop-floor quality control … read more
Robotic Vision Reimaged – 3D Camera Tackles Long-Standing Automation Hurdles
Photoneo, a leader in 3D vision technology, has announced the launch of uts MotionCam-3D Color (Blue). Building upon the success of its groundbreaking flagship, this next-generation 3D camera redefines scanning possibilities, delivering a remarkable 50% enhancement in 3D scanning performance. Powered by an innovative blue laser, the camera offers superior precision … read more
High-Speed AI Flying-Trigger Robotic Inspection Provides Real-Time Quality
At Automate 2025 in Detroit, Techman Robot, a global leader in collaborative robotics and smart automation, showcased its latest advancements in AI-integrated robotic solutions to enhance industrial productivity, precision, and quality control. Traditionally, machine vision inspection requires products to pause under a camera, leading to production slowdowns … read more
From Data to Decision – Empowering Digital Twins with The Digital Thread
The Digital Twin promises a dynamic mirror of the physical world — but only when fueled by the continuous, connected flow of information delivered by the Digital Thread. The synergy between Digital Twins and the Digital Thread is reshaping how products are designed, built, and maintained. Article explores how this critical link is reshaping quality control and smart manufacturing … read more
Space-Efficient Dual Source X-ray CT System Delivers Best-In-Class Inspection
Nikon Corporation has launched the VOXLS 20 C 225, the latest addition to its VOXLS X-ray CT product lineup. This system is based on the proven principles of the company’s VOXLS 30 and 40 Series systems while offering maximum capability in a space-efficient footprint, providing unparalleled value per voxel in the market. The new system features Nikon’s metrology-grade platform … read more
Waygate Launch Extremely High-Resolution CT System
Waygate Technologies, global leader in nondestructive testing solutions for industrial inspection, has unveiled its new extremely high-resolution computed tomography system, Phoenix Nanotom HR (High Resolution) at the Control show. Designed to make advanced X-ray imaging accessible to a broader range of users in the electronics sector as well as research and development … read more
New Shop Floor CMM Range With Lab Grade Accuracies
Inspection using a CMM in a production environment brings enormous advantages compared with transporting components sometimes considerable distances to a separate quality control (QC) room. Benefits include faster inspection, quicker reporting, reduced lead-times, rapid feedback on part conformity for prompt adjustment of manufacturing processes, increased output … read more
Hybrid CMM Bridges Gap Between Flexibility and Precision
In an era where precision and adaptability are essential to manufacturing success, WENZEL is raising the bar with its LH Hybrid CMM—a four-axis measuring system that unites high-precision gear metrology with the versatile capabilities of a classic coordinate measuring machine. This innovative hybrid approach empowers manufacturers to inspect a wide range of components … read more
Survey Reveals Shift in Role of Quality As Strategic Revenue Driver
ETQ, part of Hexagon, has shared the results of its second annual global survey, the ‘ETQ Pulse of Quality in Manufacturing’. The survey revealed widespread challenges confronting manufacturers across a variety of sectors, including a persistent labor shortage, as well as a growing reliance on automation, AI and predictive analytics to help offset the shortage … read more
New PRESTO Quality Stations Redefine Smart Inspection Workflows
Providing major advances in high-resolution scanning for faster, highly versatile manufacturing quality control, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced the launch of two major advances in automated large-component quality inspection that make its turnkey PRESTO Quality Stations accessible to manufacturers that need to improve productivity … read more
Trends and Breakthroughs in Manufacturing Metrology at CONTROL 2025
The aisles of Messe Stuttgart were alive with innovation last week at CONTROL 2025, the international trade fair for quality assurance, once again proved to be the global stage for the latest in manufacturing metrology. A walk through the halls revealed not only a clear trajectory in metrology’s future but also a significant shift in the global supplier landscape … read more
Transforming Automotive Quality Assurance with Artificial Intelligence
Can artificial intelligence (AI) make quality control in vehicle production more efficient, faster and more reliable? A software solution developed at BMW Group Plant Regensburg as part of the ‘GenAI4Q’ pilot project is making this a reality. At its core is an AI that delivers tailored inspection recommendations for the approximately 1,400 vehicles manufactured each day … read more
New OptimScan Q12 Delivers Fast, Flexible, and Accurate 3D Inspection
SHINING 3D has introduced the OptimScan Q12, a new high-precision 3D scanner designed to meet increasing demands for fast, accurate, and automated inspection across manufacturing and quality control applications. Compact and versatile, the system combines high-resolution imaging, flexible scanning ranges, and seamless automation capabilities. Equipped with four 12.3-megapixel cameras … read more
New ScanToCAD ‘Add-In’ Connect Portable CMMs Directly to CAD
ReverseEngineering.com, developer of professional-grade reverse engineering solutions, has announced the launch of its next-generation ‘ScanToCAD ADD IN’ product line, delivering seamless integration between 3D scanning hardware and ten major computer-aided design (CAD) platforms and enables engineers and manufacturers to convert physical objects into digital CAD models … read more
Behind Every Digital Car There Must Also Be A Digital Factory
The BMW Group is consistently improving digitalization in the production of its components. From AI-driven production management and smart logistics processes to data-based quality controls – the Landshut plant, the company’s largest component manufacturing site, utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and thus plays a central role as an innovation hub … read more
Portable CMM Series Delivers Flexibility and Precision in Dimensional Inspection
To meet the challenges of inspecting complex geometries and large components on the shop floor, PMT introduces its GAMMA Series of Portable CMMs, offering 6-axis and 7-axis configurations, plus a powerful new laser scanner. Together, these technologies are engineered to deliver superior measurement precision, flexibility and operational efficiency … read more
Metrology in Motion – Fully Automated Inspection for Turbine Blade Cooling Holes
Turbine blades are among the most critical components of modern aircraft engines. Especially the tiny cooling holes play a decisive role in determining service life, efficiency, and safety. At this year’s Paris Air Show, Bruker Alicona is showcasing a fully automated measurement solution that sets new standards. The highlight is an application developed in close collaboration with MTU Aero Engines … read more
SmartID-Edge Delivers Real-Time Object and Process Transparency
Leuze has introduced SmartID-Edge which enables intelligent identification, linking barcodes with virtual RFID tags to ensure secure, real-time data access at the edge. Leuze SmartID-Edge controls a network of identification systems and sensors for track-and-trace requirements in production. Secure communication between 1D scanners or 2D camera systems at the edge using OPC UA … read more
SmartRay Unveils Next-Gen JOSY Hardware for Smarter Weld Inspection
SmartRay is enhancing automated weld inspection with the release of new hardware for JOSY, delivering elevated performance and flexibility in the process. Continued innovation and an ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction have led to these development enhancements to the modular system, which include a new terminal, controller and terminal controller … read more
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