FEATURE ON METROLOGY

Software maximises tube and wire inspection productivity

Hexagon has released a major update to its BendingStudio XT, introducing new capabilities designed to cut cycle times in series production and support the manufacture of electric vehicle components. The latest version also adds integrated support for handheld 3D scanners, extending tube and wire inspection capabilities to a wider range of metalworking operations.

At the heart of the enhanced offering is Hexagon’s TubeInspect system, a purpose-built inspection cell delivering near-instant, non-contact measurement directly on the shopfloor. High-speed optical inspection provides precise results within seconds, enabling manufacturers to maintain tight tolerances in demanding production environments. The system is designed to deliver repeatable accuracy even in oily, dusty or high-temperature conditions through advanced temperature compensation and ISO 17025-certified calibration.

The updated BendingStudio XT introduces simultaneous multi-part measurement, allowing operators to inspect several identical components at once for faster batch processing and improved quality assurance. Immediate pass/fail feedback simplifies quality control, while direct integration with production systems enables real-time correction data to be fed back to bending machines, helping reduce waste and improve consistency.

To support growing demand in the electric vehicle sector, Hexagon has also added dedicated correction reports for electric motor hairpins, enabling manufacturers to achieve higher precision when producing complex EV components.

The software now supports Hexagon’s ATLASCAN Pro and HYPERSCAN handheld 3D scanners, providing flexible inspection options for manufacturers measuring large pipework, exhaust systems and installed tube assemblies.

Christoph Dold, senior product manager at Hexagon, says the update helps manufacturers address skills shortages while improving productivity, adding that the company remains focused on turning “bits and bytes” into practical value on the shopfloor.

More information www.bit.ly/4wcBAXk

Equator X dual-method gauge: The future of metrology

Renishaw showcased its advanced manufacturing technologies and championed engineering careers at the recent MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham. Visitors could find solutions to improve process control, productivity and long-term competitiveness on the company’s stand, where demonstrations included the new Equator-X dual method gauge with intuitive MODUS IM software.

The set up showed how the system measures parts on the shop floor and delivers immediate feedback to production teams. Designed for high-speed shop floor gauging, the Equator-X system supports inspection at the point of manufacture, reduces scrap and enables fast, closed-loop adjustments to maintain part quality.

Renishaw’s new Equator-X dual-method gauging system brings added capability to the shop floor with its dual measurement functionality:‘absolute’ and ‘compare’. Users can select the optimum inspection mode for their process challenge, effectively deploying two systems in one.

In ‘absolute’ inspection mode, the Equator-X gauge performs as a high-speed production CMM, providing fully traceable inspection results (ISO 10360-2 = 2.1 μm + L / 300).Rapid measurement at scanning speeds of up to 250 mm/s, without the need to maintain master parts, is particularly useful for manufacturers withhigh part variation, low-to-medium production volumes and/or high frequency of inspection.

When used in ‘compare’ mode, the Equator‑X gauge delivers ultra-fast, highly repeatable inspection with scanning speeds up to 500 mm/s and ±2 μm repeatability across a wide temperature range. This is particularly useful for high volume manufacturing of parts, where throughput is key and environmental temperature changes are a challenge.

The Equator-X system is capable of absolute scan speeds of 250 mm/s and comparator speeds of up to 500 mm/s, far higher than conventional three-axis CMMs.

More information www.renishaw.com

ActionPlas enters F1 sector and secure future growth

Design and contract manufacturing firm ActionPlas Group has upgraded its quality control department with the purchase of an Altera M 20.12.10 co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) from LK Metrology. The subcontractor specialises in machining and fabricating mainly plastic, but also metal, components and assemblies for sectors including automotive, food and drink, pharmaceutical, and power generation.

The new CMM supports pre-delivery inspection of high-value, complex machined and additively manufactured parts, including critical components for a Formula 1 team. The project formed part of a £1m investment programme focused on the F1 customer, where increasing component complexity and tight tolerances demanded enhanced inspection capability.

ActionPlas technical director Jonathan Wray says: “Previously we were struggling to measure these components, which feature complex geometry and demanding tolerances, using an ageing CMM from another manufacturer. Components used in F1 race cars must fit correctly first time, as failure at the racetrack is simply not an option.”

He continues: “We need to specify the exact form, orientation and location of features such as bores, aerofoils and wall thicknesses, with typical part-to-CAD tolerances of 10 microns.”

The Altera M 20.12.10 offers a working volume of 2.0 x 1.2 x 1 m and was supplied withRenishaw’s SP25M Scanning Probe Kit 2 for both high-speed scanning and touch probing. The package also included LK CAMIO 2025 R2 software, training and consultancy services.

LK supplied the machine from stock just two weeks after order placement. The CMM is now in daily use across ActionPlas’ R&D, quality control and production departments, helping the company secure increasingly complex and higher-value work.

More information www.lkmetrology.com

Blue laser scanner for CMMs now available from LK

A next-generation laser scanner designed for use on CMMs has been launched by LK Metrology, a global specialist in precision metrology solutions. Building on the success of the L100, the new L100NX introduces advanced blue laser technology, delivering superior scanning performance, accuracy and user experience.

Unlike its predecessor, which utilised red laser light, the new scanner employs a 450 nm blue light laser that reduces noise in scan data, resulting in cleaner and more reliable measurements. The advance is particularly beneficial for high-precision applications where data integrity is critical, such as in the aerospace and automotive sectors.

The L100NX combines speed and precision with a wide stripe width of 110 mm and a scanning rate of up to 530,000 points per second, making it suitable for inspecting large components productively. Its high accuracy ensures that even demanding inspection tasks may be handled with confidence.

At the heart of the L100NX is LK’s 4th-generation ESP (enhanced sensor performance) technology, which intelligently adjusts laser power for all 2000 points on the laser line. This capability allows the scanner to measure multi-material assemblies and reflective surfaces seamlessly without surface preparation or other manual intervention, streamlining the inspection process and reducing operator workload.

To further enhance usability, the sensor features an integrated rotation adaptor, enabling optimal orientation of the scanner for inspecting complex part geometries. Additionally, an integrated FOV (field of view) projector visually displays the scanner’s coverage area directly on to the part, simplifying programming and set up.

The L100NX scanner kit comes in a protective casing that, in addition to the scanner itself, contains all necessary accessories and documentation required for operation and basic maintenance.

More information www.lkmetrology.com

Delta XD achieves Nadcap accreditation for measurement

Basingstoke-based Delta XD, a Zeiss-certified metrology partner and provider of advanced dimensional inspection services, has achieved Nadcap AC7130/4 accreditation for 3D structured light (3DSL) systems. The accreditation was awarded following the company’s first audit, building upon Delta XD’s existing certifications: AS9100D, Cyber Essentials and JOSCAR.

The accreditation covers both in-house services with Delta XD’s Zeiss ScanBox and ATOS system, and on-site inspection using portable 3D scanning equipment — a capability held by only a handful of companies worldwide. Nadcap accreditation is widely recognised as irrefutable evidence of a company’s capability to operate at the highest level of quality and safety.

With more than 50 aerospace prime subscribers requiring Nadcap throughout their supply chains, including Rolls-Royce, the achievement demonstrates Delta XD’s ability to support aerospace OEMs and their supply chains with the highest assurance standards.

“We’re very pleased to have secured Nadcap accreditation in such a positive way,” says Daniel Lainchbury, COO of Delta XD. “This milestone underlines our expertise and commitment to high standards. It’s recognition not only of our technical capabilities, but also of the dedication of our team. We look forward to maintaining this accreditation and working towards Merit status in due course.”

Delta XD’s achievement of Nadcap accreditation sends a clear message to existing and future customers: the company is committed to delivering accredited, high-precision 3D scanning services that meet the most stringent aerospace and defence standards.

More information https://delta-xd.com/