Modern CMM Technology is Transforming Quality Control in Subsea Engineering
When engineer John Partridge founded a small underwater acoustics consultancy in southern England in 1971, he set out with a clear purpose: to make underwater operations safer, more efficient, and more reliable. More than 50 years later, Sonardyne has grown into a global leader in subsea navigation, positioning, and monitoring systems—driven by the same spirit of technical curiosity and real-world problem-solving that sparked its inception.
Across its five-decade journey, the company has continually advanced what is possible beneath the ocean surface. From the industry-defining Compatt acoustic transponder to major breakthroughs in inertial and optical technologies, Sonardyne’s systems have shaped offshore energy, ocean science, defence, and marine robotics. Their solutions support deepwater infrastructure installation, historic wreck surveys, tsunami detection, and even live submersible broadcasts, operating reliably from shallow coastal waters to depths exceeding 8,000 metres. As autonomous and uncrewed platforms (AUVs, ROVs, USVs) undertake more complex inspection and survey tasks, precision manufacturing and measurement have become increasingly critical.
Precision Requirements Drive CMM Investment
Sonardyne’s first contact with Aberlink came in 2008, when Martin Gregory sought to enhance in-house quality control of the high-precision components used in subsea navigation systems. Aberlink’s reputation for simplicity, accuracy, and value prompted the initial purchase of an Axiom too 1200 CNC CMM – followed by three additional systems as production demands increased.
“Our equipment relies on precision,” Gregory explains. “Every measurement matters when your products must perform reliably in the harshest environments on Earth. It’s a testament to Aberlink’s excellence that we’re now investing in our fourth Axiom CMM.”
The Latest Generation: Axiom Reimagined
Aberlink’s newest Axiom CNC CMM marks a major evolution in the company’s design and manufacturing philosophy. Built entirely in-house at its UK headquarters, the third-generation Axiom introduces several significant upgrades:
Enhanced Stiffness: A redesigned right-hand-side bridge with increased Y-axis air-bearing separation improves accuracy.
Faster Measurement Speeds: Updated drive assemblies deliver up to 25% faster throughput.
Shop-Floor Resilience: New linear encoders offer superior dirt immunity for reliable performance in demanding environments.
Unified Aesthetic: The Axiom now reflects the modern design language of Aberlink’s Halo and Horizon CMM ranges.
Aberlink’s fully integrated business model – machining its own components, writing its own software, and assembling all systems onsite – enables tight control of quality while maintaining competitive pricing. Design-for-manufacture principles ensure robust performance without unnecessary cost.
A Seamless User Experience
For Sonardyne, the long-term value extends beyond hardware. Their quality team benefits from a consistent software environment across multiple platforms, including a Baty SM350 shadowgraph running a rebadged version of Aberlink’s interface.
“I can train new staff quickly because the software is so intuitive,” Gregory notes. “Reliability has been faultless. Aberlink’s annual servicing and recalibration keep everything running smoothly – and they update our software free of charge during the visit.”
The latest CMM installation includes a camera system with CNC-controlled collimated lighting, expanding inspection capabilities. Aberlink’s Programming from CAD module allows inspection routines to be created before parts reach the machine, eliminating bottlenecks and accelerating throughput.
For more information: www.aberlink.com
