Mitutoyo technology ensures quality at Purso-Tools

In the manufacture of demanding machined components, maintaining precision requires advanced quality control strategies and technologies, and smooth collaboration with the equipment supplier. For Purso-Tools, Mitutoyo has for many years served as the company’s trusted partner in measurement devices.Purso-Tools Oy, located in Pori on the west coast of Finland, is the world’s largest producer of camshafts for heavy industry, supplying customers such as Wärtsilä, MAN, Bergen Engines (Rolls Royce), Bosch and Caterpillar. With such a prestigious client list, uncompromising quality management is an absolute prerequisite.

Says Mika Aerikkala, production manager at Purso-Tools: “In the production of connecting rods and camshafts, we deal with tolerances measured in thousandths of a millimetre. Not a single defective part can be sent to a customer.”


The collaboration with Mitutoyo begin in the early 2010s. At that time, Purso-Tools was seeking a new CMM and found the right solution in Mitutoyo.

“Previously, we used technology from several different suppliers. Now, we practically focus on one brand: Mitutoyo,” says Aerikkala.

Purso-Tools currently operates three large Mitutoyo CMMs: a Crysta Apex 163012, a Crysta Apex 122010 and the latest addition, a Crysta Apex 574.

Continues Aerikkala: “All machines use the same measurement head and probe options, making them easily interchangeable in our operations. The larger machines feature the motorised indexing probe head, which adds dynamic capability and speed to the measurement process.”

In addition to its three CMMs, Purso-Tools uses a range of other Mitutoyo equipment, including surface roughness testers and handheld measuring instruments. More demanding surface roughness measurements, such as waviness analysis, take place in the metrology room using a software-driven Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-500P. Mitutoyo’s MeasurLink software handles data management, collection and analysis.

More information www.mitutoyo.eu

Professional 3D scanning now available to all users

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division is introducing ATLASCAN Pro, a new handheld 3D scanner that the company says brings professional-grade laser scanning to entry-level users in any industry. Deploying multiple laser lines and a unique processing algorithm, the ATLASCAN Pro achieves fast scanning and high-quality data capture in an affordable, easy-to-use device that anyone can learn.

Versatile and portable, the scanner weighs just 1 kg, allowing operators to take the device directly to the parts such as pump housings, automotive bodywork or domestic appliances on the shop floor and beyond. With up to 2 hours battery operation through hot swappable batteries and a Wi-Fi 7-ready wireless option, its dynamic scanning capabilities ensure a smooth scan when the part is moving, or when in unstable or rough environments such as inspecting propellers or inside pipework.

According to Hexagon, ATLASCAN Pro delivers unparalleled speed in its class across large areas of up to 720 x 640 mm in standard mode. Scanning takes place at up to 4 million points per second. Operators can change easily between standard and higher precision modes using an ergonomic thumb switch on the device to achieve a higher density resolution over a 160 x 140 mm area.

Reverse engineering workflows are streamlined because users can easily scan smaller parts such as damaged components or electrical connectors on a worktop, from any angle, capturing missing details and high-density data with less guesswork or clean up. Designed to plug into any existing software workflows, Hexagon is offering a starter bundle with its Geomagic Design X Go software at no additional cost, enabling users to recreate parts without the original design, and accelerate scan to 3D model or scan-to-print for additive manufacturing.

More information www.hexagon.com/products/atlascan-pro

Kids Invent Stuff launching permanent exhibition

Kids Invent Stuff is establishing a new permanent interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) exhibition at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort in Rotherham. Opening to the public in spring/summer 2026, the project is partly funded by Innovate UK, alongside strategic investment from Enginuity, which joins as a lead partner supporting the educational, skills development and industry focused impact of the exhibition. The move transitions the YouTube platform of Kids Invent Stuff into a permanent, physical visitor attraction, showcasing inventions by children aged 4 to 11.

More information www.kidsinventstuff.com

Combining MES with trusted cloud infrastructure

A partnership is launching that combines Critical Manufacturing’s advanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES) expertise with Canonical’s trusted cloud infrastructure technologies. Together, the companies will help manufacturers move towards cloud-native platforms that scale smoothly and meet industrial security expectations. Says Mark Lewis, VP of application services at Canonical: “By validating Critical Manufacturing MES on Canonical Kubernetes, we’re creating a foundation for manufacturers seeking secure, scalable deployment options across cloud, hybrid or on-premises environments.”

More information www.criticalmanufacturing.com

Made Smarter architect Alain Dilworth awarded MBE

Alain Dilworth, one of the original architects of the Made Smarter adoption programme, has been awarded an MBE for services to business growth and digitalisation in the King’s New Year Honours List. Dilworth has played a pivotal role in shaping and delivering Made Smarter since its inception in 2018, helping manufacturing SMEs adopt digital technologies, strengthen leadership capability and improve productivity. “This was completely unexpected and a lovely surprise, and I would like to thank His Majesty for bestowing this honour upon me,” he said.

More information www.madesmarter.uk