Bowers Group has unveiled its latest advancement in connected metrology, launching the new Bowers BT 150 mm caliper and the Bowers Connect software, compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled products and the wider Sylvac range. Together, this smart, integrated solution empowers manufacturers to take full control of their measurement data, streamline inspection processes and boost productivity across the shop floor.

The Bowers BT caliper is the newest addition to the company’s expanding range of connected metrology tools. Rated to IP67 for dust and water resistance, the caliper combines durability with Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing connectivity to IoT systems and devices. Its extra-large digital display, programmable functions, and robust construction make it suitable for both workshop and inspection lab use.

Complementing the hardware is Bowers Connect, a versatile and user-friendly software platform that transforms how inspection data is captured, monitored and managed. Compatible with up to 500 instruments, including those connected via USB, Bluetooth, or M-BUS, the software enables real-time insights, guided inspections and full traceability – all from one centralised system.

With features such as pass/fail tolerance displays, drawing uploads and step-by-step inspection workflows, Bowers Connect empowers teams to reduce errors, eliminate manual data entry and improve decision-making. Designed to be a cost-effective alternative to large-scale QMS solutions, it brings advanced capabilities within reach of small and medium manufacturers, reports Bowers.

As quality demands grow across all sectors, Bowers says the launch of the BT caliper and Connect software marks a significant step forward in connected metrology -delivering efficiency, connectivity and accuracy when it matters most.

More information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Manchester Metrology is now an official UK reseller for 3DeVOK, bringing its full-colour 3D scanners – the MT and MQ – to customers across the UK. With high accuracy, simple operation and portability, the scanners are said to deliver high-quality scanning at a competitive price.

Both scanners use structured light technology and are designed to capture detailed 3D data efficiently. They offer target-free scanning, which simplifies the process and allows scanning in more varied environments without the need for markers. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including reverse engineering, product design and digital documentation. They can also be used for face and body scanning. Their compact size and quick setup help integrate them smoothly into existing workflows, allowing users to focus on capturing accurate, reliable data.

The MT is the more precise of the two, offering up to 0.04 mm accuracy. It produces detailed scans and is suitable for projects requiring high accuracy. The MT uses 34 blue laser lines, 22 infrared laser lines and large-area infrared speckle in its scanning technology.

MQ scanner

The MQ scanner provides accuracy up to 0.08 mm and supports full-colour capture. It utilises 22-line infrared laser and infrared speckle light with a double field of view.

An optional wireless handle is available for both the MT and MQ scanners, offering freedom from cables and enabling scanning in more flexible environments.

Adding 3DeVOK scanners to its range allows Manchester Metrology to support a broader variety of projects and budgets. The company already provides precision metrology services, along with measurement and scanning equipment that includes portable arms, laser trackers and CMMs.

More information www.manchester-metrology.co.uk

The Kitov Core+ is a new robotic-based automated visual inspection system that combines traditional machine vision with artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. Available in the UK from Optimax, Kitov Core+ provides comprehensive inspection tasks that include assembly verification, corrosion detection, dents and damage, surface imperfections, and micro-cracks – offering machine builders, system integrators, and planners automated CAD-based visual inspection planning.

As an open platform, user of the system can integrate the software with their new and existing production processes, including best-in-breed detectors and hardware components. 3D metrology is also supported.

Parts up to 800 mm in diameter, 500 mm in height and 40 kg in weight can be inspected, ensuring the Core+ is suitable for use in all industries, including general manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics, defence and medical. In safety critical applications, the system is adept at removing human subjectivity errors.

Kitov Core+ can find defects down to 50 µm (with a 50 mm lens). It features algorithms designed for specific, common inspection tasks such as comprehensive screw/fastener inspection or label verification.

The ability to program complex inspection routines directly from CAD files reduces set-up and programming times and, if a CAD file is not available, the system can automatically create a 3D digital twin from a 360° image scan.

Ultimately, Kitov Core+ provides a non-contact precision inspection solution that eliminates manual inspection. It is suitable for use as a stand-alone solution or integrated into production using Industry 4.0, ERP, MES and PLC technologies. 

More information www.optimaxonline.com

Renishaw is launching its new Modus IM Equator software at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover this week (22-26 September). The software is built on the Modus IM platform, to maximise productivity for Equator and Equator-X gauging system users.

Modus IM Equator software represents Renishaw’s first step towards intelligent metrology programming and sets a direction of travel for the company in enabling more users to benefit from its inspection equipment. Leveraging over 50 years of Renishaw expertise, it enables a simple way of creating inspection programs and characteristics-based metrology reporting, without requiring in-depth knowledge of metrology or inspection programming.

The new software enables customers to assign simple measurement features easily with a user-friendly CAD interface, and with no code required. It automatically ensures all machine movements are collision-free, and all settings follow metrology best practice. These features enable users to quickly address new part requirements and ensure high uptime for production lines.

“Modus IM Equator software introduces ‘Absolute’ and ‘Compare’ inspection functionality to further enhance the new Equator-X dual method systems,” says Rob Harrison, Renishaw’s director of industrial metrology software. “Empowering our customers to easily create inspection programs, allows them to harness the full potential of our metrology solutions.”

The software offers an intuitive and efficient CAD-driven platform for creating and running inspection programs. This complements the existing Modus IM DMIS software, which is based on the code-driven Modus software that is also available on the Equator-X gauging system.

As well as now offering two programming options, the Modus IM platform delivers a unified user experience across use cases that include inspection planning and programming, shop floor operation, integration into automation, print-formatted reporting, machine monitoring, and measurement connectivity and analytics.More information www.renishaw.com