Hexagon Unveils Autonomous Metrology Suite

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched Autonomous Metrology Suite, software developed on its cloud-based Nexus platform that is designed to advance quality control across manufacturing industries. By removing all coding from coordinate measuring machine (CMM) workflows, it helps manufacturers speed up R&D and manufacturing processes.

With Hexagon’s Autonomous Metrology Suite, a digital twin of every connected CMM synchronizes with its physical counterpart, so the correct inspection program helps eliminate possible human error, according to Hexagon. All quality, utilization and environmental information flows to a cloud dashboard, creating a continuous digital thread.  

All applications in the suite share an intuitive web interface that guides new and expert users through the process. Depending on complexity, programming could be reduced from days to hours, and reporting can be fully automated from a single interface.  

A set of integrated applications are built on Hexagon’s Nexus platform, automating and streamlining the  metrology workflow. Metrology Mentor guarantees consistent inspection methods from plant to plant, according to Hexagon. The suite enables Hexagon’s existing Global S, Tigo and MAESTRO CMMs to join the same digital workflow.

• The Metrology Mentor app automatically generates ISO- and ASME-compliant inspection programs directly from CAD. By standardizing measurement techniques through the Metrology Mentor application, the platform ensures that regardless of operator skill level, measurement programs adhere to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards.   

• Metrology Reporting consolidates data from Hexagon and third-party dimensional metrology and tomography systems, providing live batch quality analytics, statistical insight and full part histories with an accessible web-based user interface.   

• Finally, Metrology Asset Manager keeps watch over calibration status, machine operation and errors and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and vibration. It also delivers utilization data to help users understand and improve overall equipment effectiveness.  

 Because every app shares the same intuitive interface, users can drag and drop files, follow on-screen prompts and see updates propagate instantly across the suite, according to Hexagon. The intuitive design of the shared user interface means that if users learn how to use one app, they can learn how to use the whole suite.  

"Autonomous Metrology Suite addresses skills shortages by revolutionising measurement programming with a no-code environment and user experiences that dramatically reduce operator training time," says Gary Peacock, general manager Metrology Software at Hexagon.“With more pressure on experienced metrologists, Autonomous Metrology Suite amplifies their efforts by automating processes from programming to multiple CMM execution and reporting, removing quality control bottlenecks with consistent measurements.”     

The Autonomous Metrology Suite is available to pilot customers in June, with full commercial availability this year that includes on-premise software to synchronise programs, CMM digital twins and reports with Nexus, and execute CMM programs without the explicit requirement for metrology software as PC-DMIS. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.