LK Metrology has introduced the innovative COREX 250 from Ready Metrology, the holding group’s brand that develops easy-to-use X-ray CT as well as CMM solutions for shop floor applications. The new industrial computed tomography system is designed for the production environment and features a 230 mm cube working volume. It brings non-contact inspection and metrology into the factory to enable non-destructive internal inspection of complex parts in seconds.
A New Philosophy in Computed Tomography
Unlike traditional industrial CT systems, which are often prohibitively expensive, bulky and designed as all-purpose laboratory tools, the COREX 250 is purpose-built for the production line. While standard systems require complex setups to handle any possible part, COREX 250 focuses on specific production needs. Instead of one oversized machine, the COREX series is available in three optimized sizes. This specialization allows for pre-defined configurations and enhanced X-ray sources tailored to the customer’s specific materials.
Unprecedented Speed and Simplicity
The COREX 250 is engineered for the shop floor, not just the laboratory. Designed for speed of operation, it can inspect rubber, plastic or carbon fibre components in 20 to 30 seconds. For denser materials like aluminium, magnesium and titanium, inspection times remain exceptionally fast at 40 to 50 seconds.
A key innovation of the COREX 250 is its on-board integrated software. Unlike traditional systems that require complex external software, the CT system handles everything internally, giving immediate results. This simplicity removes the barrier of specialized metrology training. Shop floor operators do not need to be metrologists; they simply press a button to receive accurate, easy-to-interpret results through a simplified software interface.
Three Strategic Advantages for Manufacturers
COREX 250 makes inspection of small batches profitable by slashing setup times. During a batch change, operators can inspect the first, second and third parts produced in just minutes. There is no longer a need to wait for a lab technician, as the shop floor operator is completely autonomous. This returns the line into production faster, potentially saving an hour of downtime at every format change.
The second advantage is that the speed of inspection allows high-frequency testing. The interface features an intuitive, color-coded histogram, allowing operators to see at a glance if parameters are centred within the tolerance band. This enables real-time process correction before scrap is even produced, guaranteeing that only good parts are delivered to the customer.
Finally, in sectors like automotive, aerospace and medical, where reputation is everything, COREX 250 allows companies to document and certify the quality of their components through rapidly generated reports. The professional documentation provides a high level of credibility, without the significant costs typically associated with laboratory CT scanning.
Speaking the Language of the Shop Floor
By removing the need for specialized metrology training and eliminating complex software interfaces, the COREX 250 speaks the same language as the production floor. It allows companies to increase their competitive advantage and handle high staff turnover easily, as the machine’s one-touch intelligence replaces the need for deep technical expertise.
About LK Metrology
LK Metrology is renowned for innovative metrology solutions and services. The company’s products, including coordinate measuring machines (CMM), portable measuring arms and metrology software, are used worldwide to control and improve the quality of manufactured components. Its precision technology underpins the process chain from design, development, production and assembly through to quality assurance in global industries such as automotive, aerospace, defence, motorsport, energy, medical and contract inspection.
Established in England in 1963, LK Metrology has an impressive heritage in metrology dating back to the birth of CMM technology. Founded by CMM pioneer Norman Key and his father-in-law Jim Lowther, LK Metrology is credited with many of the CMM industry’s firsts including the first bridge-type design, first OEM to integrate computers, first to use a touch trigger probe, first to develop inspection software, first to use all air bearings and granite guideways, first to use carbon fibre composite spindles, first to use microprocessor-controlled drive systems, first to produce a truly thermally stable CMM and first to produce a high-accuracy horizontal-spindle CMM.
In 2018, LK Metrology was relaunched as an independent CMM manufacturer after several years as a division of Nikon Metrology. Headquartered in the UK, LK’s CMM development and production are at the company’s facility in Castle Donington. Sales and support offices are located in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and China, supplemented by a worldwide distributor network.
