September 2025 Metrology News Magazine

Editors Message:

This month marks two significant milestones that invite both reflection and celebration. On a personal note, it is fifty years since I first qualified as a professional in the manufacturing world. Half a century ago, the tools of metrology were micrometers, vernier calipers, and air gauges – reliable instruments, but firmly rooted in the analog age. Fast forward to today, and we stand in a manufacturing landscape transformed: computed tomography reveals hidden features in complex parts, optical metrology solutions harness structured light and laser scanning to capture form with extraordinary speed, and fully automated, inline, closed-loop inspection solutions deliver real-time process control. Crucially, metrology has become digitally integrated – seamlessly connected to CAD models, PLM data, and enterprise systems, ensuring that measurement is no longer an isolated activity but a fully embedded element of the digital manufacturing thread.

It is a journey that highlights just how much metrology underpins progress in manufacturing. Productivity and product quality do not happen by chance; they are built upon the backbone of precise measurement, process feedback, and verification. As manufacturing has become smarter, faster, and more connected, metrology has quietly, but decisively, driven that transformation, ensuring that innovation can be realized in practice.

Looking ahead, the direction of travel for industrial metrology is clear: greater integration, autonomy, and intelligence. Measurement technologies are moving from being external checkpoints to becoming embedded within the very fabric of production processes. The rise of digital twins, AI-driven data analytics, and sensor-rich environments means metrology is evolving from a discipline that validates quality after the fact, to one that actively drives process optimization in real time. Future systems will not simply measure – they will predict, adapt, and correct, closing the loop between design, manufacturing, and verification to an extent unimaginable just a few decades ago.

This month also marks the 10th anniversary of Metrology News. For a decade, we have documented the rapid evolution of measurement technologies, their deployment and growing role in digital manufacturing ecosystems. Looking back reminds us how far we’ve come, but more importantly, it fuels our anticipation for where we are heading.

Here’s to 50 years of progress, 10 years of reporting on it, and the exciting future of manufacturing metrology still to unfold.

This month featured articles included “Advanced Metrology Dramatically Cuts Production Time”; “Measurement Interface Standard Boosts CMM Automation”; “Augmented Reality -Transforming Quality Control and Driving Superior Product Quality”; “World’s First Intelligent Agent Factory Defines Self-Optimizing Smart Manufacturing” and “’Advanced Surface Inspection Techniques for High-Precision Manufacturing“.

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

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

Keith Mills – Publishing Editor

Advanced Metrology Dramatically Cuts Production Time

Global industrial group, Leonardo, has experienced a remarkable leap in its production of complex carbon-fibre tiltrotor blades for one of its leading helicopter programmes after advanced CNC metrology solutions from MSP cut production time from 20 weeks to 3 days, an increase in productivity of over 4500%. Leonardo has also seen their part alignment process reduced from days to 5 minutes, their estimated scrap rate reduced from 95% to 0% … read more

Renishaw Introduces Next Gen XK20 Alignment Laser System

Renishaw has announced the developed the XK20 alignment laser system, its next generation system for machinery manufacturers that builds on the success of the award-winning XK10 alignment laser. The XK20 system combines innovative alignment laser technology with over 50 years of machine tool industry expertise. It streamlines and consolidates measurements … read more

Advancing Multi-Modal Metrology for 6D Pose Accuracy

In industrial and research settings, accurate 6D object pose estimation, determining the position and orientation of objects in three dimensions, is a cornerstone for automated inspection, assembly, and manipulation. Traditional machine vision systems provide good accuracy under ideal conditions, but performance often deteriorates when objects are partially occluded … read more

QM-Fit Smart Vision Delivers Automated Measurement

Mitutoyo America Corporation has announced the launch of the QM-Fit Smart Vision System, representing a bold step forward in optical metrology. Compact yet powerful, the QM-Fit combines advanced automation, precision imaging, and intuitive operation in an all-in-one package designed to bring high-accuracy dimensional inspection to any desktop … read more

Keyence Streamlines Quality Control with Speed and Accuracy

Keyence has announced the launch of its IM-X1000 Series, the latest generation of the Instant Measurement System lineup, as a modular system designed to meet modern inspection needs. Measuring up to 5,000 dimensions in as little as one second at the push of a button, the IM-X introduces a new ultra-wide large stage, multisensor measurement capabilities … read more

LK Metrology Introduces Point Cloud Inspection Software

LK Metrology has announced an intuitive point cloud inspection package, FOCUS 2025 R1, integrated into its metrology software suite for use with its range of portable measuring arms, coordinate measuring machines and laser scanners. Branded to align with other products in the range, the easy-to-use, 3D digital inspection software provides part-to-CAD comparisons … read more

Verisurf 2026 Launch To Drive Digital Manufacturing with Repeatable Process Control

Verisurf Software has announced the release of Verisurf 2026, the latest version of its model-based metrology platform. Built on a legacy of innovation and customer-focused development, Verisurf 2026 introduces new features and workflow improvements designed to help manufacturers reduce costs, save time, and enhance repeatable process control across all stages of digital manufacturing … read more

DURA Automotive Drives Quality Forward with MetroFactory Automated 3D Inspection

As part of its transition to Industry 4.0, DURA Automotive began modernizing its production processes to better meet the automotive market’s shift toward electric vehicles. In this context, OPUS ST, a specialist in dimensional metrology, took the initiative to integrate the MetroFactory automated 3D solution by partnering with Metrologic Group … read more

Measurement Interface Standard Boosts CMM Automation

Coordinate measuring machines and measurement software from different manufacturers are increasingly speaking the same language. This is made possible by the 2024 extension of the I++ DME (Inspection Plus Plus Dimensional Measurement Equipment) standard interface, version 2.5. Using this interface saves users time and programming effort reducing costs … read more

Bowers Unveils Compact High-Speed Entry-Level Vision System

Bowers Group has announced the launch of the Baty Velo FV, the latest addition to its line of non-contact measurement systems. Named after the Latin word ‘veloci’, meaning fast and swift, the Velo FV delivers speed, simplicity, and precision in a lightweight, compact form, making it the perfect entry-level vision system for high-volume, low-cost component manufacturers … read more

Augmented Reality -Transforming Quality Control and Driving Superior Product Quality

Today, precision, speed, and adaptability define manufacturing success with quality control evolving into far more than just a final inspection stage. Quality control is now a highly integrated, data-driven process that spans the entire product lifecycle. Among the technologies driving this evolution, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a transformative force … read more

World’s First Intelligent Agent Factory Defines Self-Optimizing Smart Manufacturing

A milestone in smart manufacturing has been reached in China. Midea Group’s Jingzhou washing machine factory has been officially certified by London-based World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the world’s first intelligent agent factory covering multiple manufacturing scenarios. The certification marks not only a breakthrough for Midea but also a significant shift … read more

Actionable In-Situ Awareness Challenge Winners Announced

ASTRO America, in collaboration with ASTM and Florida State University’s InSPIRE, has announced Additive Assurance and Addiguru as the top-ranked companies in the Actionable In-Situ Awareness Challenge, an inaugural tech challenge and showcase that identified promising sensors and monitoring capabilities for metal additive manufacturing. The recognition followed live demonstrations … read more

When Laser Scanning Falls Short – Precision Beyond the Beam

Laser 3D scanners are widely used across many industries due to their flexibility and mobility. However, their accuracy often fails to meet the stringent requirements of modern quality control and high-precision manufacturing. Structured light scanning offers a powerful alternative, delivering micrometer-level accuracy … read more

Automation-Ready SIMSCAN Gen2 Portable 3D Laser Scanner Launched

Scantech from Hangzhou, China has announced the launch of SIMSCAN Gen2, a palm-sized industrial 3D laser scanner designed for fast, precise, and effortless scanning of small to medium-sized parts, even in tight, hard-to-reach spaces combining advanced technology with ergonomic design and features a full-metal, aerospace-grade housing for durability and comfort … read more

Advanced Surface Inspection Techniques for High-Precision Manufacturing

In manufacturing today, surface integrity is as critical as dimensional accuracy. Aerospace turbine blades, orthopedic implants, and semiconductor wafers all demand flawless surface quality, where even nanometer-scale irregularities can impact safety, efficiency, or functional performance. As tolerances tighten and geometries become increasingly complex … read more

Taylor Hobson Redefines Optical Metrology for High-Volume Production

In a significant advancement for optical metrology, Taylor Hobson has unveiled the LUPHOScan 75 HD, an automated system that sets new benchmarks for speed, accuracy, and repeatability in non-contact 3D measurement of small lenses. Designed to address the rigorous demands of modern optics manufacturing, the instrument combines laboratory-grade precision … read more

Renishaw Introduce MODUS IM Equator Intelligent Metrology Software

Renishaw has announced that it will introduce its new MODUS IM Equator software at EMO Hannover 2025. The software is built on the MODUS IM platform, to maximise productivity for Equator and Equator-X gauging system users. MODUS IM Equator software is part of Renishaw’s continuing investment in innovation with a drive to improve capability and user experience … read more

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