In modern industrial environments, characterized by increasingly complex manufacturing processes and increasingly demanding dimensional tolerances, industrial metrology plays a fundamental role in ensuring product quality. As production cycles become shorter and parts feature more complex geometries, it becomes essential to rely on measurement solutions capable of combining high precision with inspection speed and operational flexibility.
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) continue to be one of the primary technologies used in dimensional metrology to verify whether manufactured components correspond to the specifications defined in the design stage. These systems enable highly accurate measurement of geometric characteristics such as dimensions, forms, positions and tolerances, ensuring that each part meets the required technical specifications.
However, as parts become more complex and the number of dimensional characteristics to be verified increases, conventional measurement systems can become slower and less efficient. This has led to the development of more advanced technologies capable of significantly increasing the productivity of inspection operations.
In this context, REVO technology from Renishaw, integrated into LK Metrology CMM solutions, represents an important evolution in the way dimensional measurements are performed. The REVO system is based on a five-axis multisensor measurement technology, enabling much faster and more efficient movements during the measurement process.
Unlike traditional systems, where measurement movements mainly depend on the motion of the CMM structure, REVO technology allows much of the movement to be performed by the measurement head itself. This approach significantly reduces motion inertia and allows complex measurements to be carried out with greater speed and stability.
One of the main advantages of this technology is the ability to perform measurements in five axes simultaneously, making it easier to access complex surfaces, deep cavities or hard-to-reach areas of a part. This flexibility is particularly important in components with complex geometries commonly found in demanding industrial sectors.
The use of multisensor systems also makes it possible to integrate different measurement technologies within a single piece of equipment. This means the system can use contact probes for high-precision measurements or optical and scanning sensors to rapidly capture more complex surfaces.
This combination of technologies allows a greater number of dimensional features to be inspected in less time, significantly increasing the efficiency of metrology operations. By reducing inspection times, companies can improve the productivity of quality control processes without compromising measurement accuracy.
Another important factor is the ability of these solutions to integrate into automated production environments. Modern CMM systems can be incorporated into automated measurement cells, enabling dimensional inspections to be performed consistently, repeatably and with less manual intervention. This integration helps reduce human error and improve the consistency of measurement results.
In sectors such as automotive, aerospace, mold manufacturing and high-precision component production, the ability to perform fast and highly accurate measurements is essential to ensure high levels of dimensional control and product quality.
In this context, companies specialized in industrial metrology, such as NM3D IBERICA, support organizations in implementing advanced dimensional measurement solutions. Through the integration of technologies such as LK Metrology CMM systems equipped with REVO technology, NM3D IBERICA helps companies optimize their inspection processes, improve the productivity of metrology operations and ensure high quality standards in their manufacturing processes.
By combining metrology accuracy, operational flexibility and high productivity, CMM solutions equipped with REVO technology represent an essential tool for meeting the demands of modern industry and supporting the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.
In this context, NM3D Ibérica offers the ALTERA CMM equipped with SCANtek 5-axis technology, a high-precision multisensor metrology solution designed to meet current and future requirements for industrial dimensional inspection.
Five-axis measurement technology: a new approach to dimensional inspection
Combining the traditional three-axis motion of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) with a two-axis articulated probe head. This configuration enables dynamic orientation of the sensor during measurement, allowing continuous on-the-fly inspection and constant adaptation to part geometry. As a result, optimal alignment between the sensor and the surface is achieved, dynamic measurement errors are reduced, and access to hard-to-reach features is significantly improved. The outcome is a faster, more accurate, and more flexible measurement process compared to conventional three-axis systems.
High-speed continuous scanning with high data density
High-speed continuous scanning with high data density is one of the key advantages of the SCANtek 5-axis system, allowing constant contact between the sensor and the surface throughout the measurement process. From a technical standpoint, this approach enables continuous data acquisition, significantly reduces cycle times, allows the capture of thousands of points per second, and improves the representation of complex surfaces. This capability is particularly valuable for the inspection of free-form surfaces, complex profiles, internal channels and cavities, as well as multi-orientation geometries.
Multisensor inspection within a single measurement platform
The ALTERA SCANtek 5-axis is designed as a multisensor platform that enables the integration of different measurement technologies within a single inspection process, allowing accurate correlation between tactile and non-contact measurements while reducing part handling, lowering operator dependency, and improving repeatability and consistency. In addition to geometric inspection, the system also incorporates surface finish analysis within the same measurement cycle, making it possible to evaluate surface roughness parameters, correlate surface finish with geometry, generate detailed surface reports, and reduce the need for additional dedicated equipment—an essential capability for components where surface quality directly impacts functional performance.
This solution is further enhanced by advanced metrology software, which supports both online and offline CAD-based programming, full simulation with collision detection, comprehensive GD&T capabilities, as well as graphical and statistical reporting, and integration with SPC and broader quality systems. Offline programming, in particular, helps maximise CMM uptime by reducing non-productive measurement time.
The ALTERA SCANtek 5-axis is ideally suited for demanding industrial applications, including complex automotive components, aerospace parts with tight tolerances, moulds and tooling, high-precision machined parts, and the inspection of production series that require high levels of repeatability and consistency.
Integration and technical support by NM3D Ibérica
NM3D Ibérica supports its customers throughout the entire project lifecycle, starting with technical application analysis and the configuration of the most suitable measurement solution, followed by installation and calibration of the equipment. This support also includes advanced user training and specialised technical assistance, ensuring optimal system performance and user competence. As a result, customers receive not just equipment, but a fully integrated industrial metrology solution tailored to their specific needs.
Request a technical demonstration or contact us to evaluate how this solution can be integrated into your production process.