Portable measuring arms allow you to take measurements directly in the manufacturing environment, where process improvements are the most beneficial. No long installation times, simplicity of operation and ever-reliable 3D measurements: articulated arms which can be equipped with different length probes and scan heads to measure even difficult-to-access points either optically or by touch.

The attractive price-performance of these portable coordinate measuring machines when compared with CAD data or reverse engineering techniques means they are finding use in a wide range of industries.

Laser scanners play a key role in quality assurance. 3D digital capture of shapes and surfaces using lasers is an effortless and precise process. The industry uses laser scanners primarily for the quality control of geometries and surface, but also for reverse engineering, fit and finish, and assembly applications.

A 3D scanner can be quickly and easily attached like a probe to a measuring arm or can work to the highest accuracy as a part of a Laser Tracker System or fixed coordinate measuring machine. Software generates 3D data in real time from the scanner-created point cloud and recognizes deviations from the CAD data immediately.

Non-contact scanners accurately capture millions of points within seconds. The resulting point cloud can then be used to create a CAD model to reproduce, redesign, inspect or archive the part.

Hexagon Metrology has a cost-efficient solution for non-contact precision measurement of tubes bent through angles of up to 180°. Infrared and laser technology are compatible with all measuring arms manufactured by Hexagon Metrology. Special highlight: if a deviation from the original fabrication data is detected, the bending machine can be corrected automatically over the network.

Hexagon Metrology is the largest software developer in the metrology industry and offers a wide range of in-house developed, individually customizable software packages that deliver intelligent and effective acquisition, analysis, management and presentation of collected data.

Hexagon Metrology produces the world’s most popular dimensional metrology software package, which offers many modules beyond its core offering for CMMs and will interface to vision machines, portable measuring arms, laser trackers, CNC machines, as well as devices that are “non-Hexagon Metrology” brands. Specialty packages for measurement of gears, blades and other specialized geometry are also available.

Third party software partners provide additional specialized software packages for some Hexagon Metrology devices, as a complement to our in-house product offering.

To extend the measuring range, exploit additional software functions or use a fully portable or fixed articulated arm – accessories for portable measuring arms open an almost limitless scope of application. These optionally available accessories increase the capabilities and efficiency of measuring arms. The applications engineers at Hexagon Metrology will find the right equipment package for your measurement task.