LK’s advanced, ceramic materials for the beam and spindle guideways, which provide near-perfect stiffness-to-weight ratio, have been combined with a robust structure to deliver consistent accuracy and repeatable results in the order of 3 µm. Low gap, high-efficiency air bearings and zero-hysteresis drive systems ensure unmatched quality and low maintenance.

The MAXIMA series offers the largest measurement volume on the market, from 12 to 72 cubic meters, of any CMM with a granite table. Its high capacity provides outstanding stability, ensuring the machine maintains peak performance even when supporting the heaviest workpieces. Included in the range are 28 models in six table lengths from nominally three up to eight meters and seven variants of bridge cross section up to three meters.

Complementing this offering, the MAXIMA R range features an innovative, twin-rail design engineered for heavyweight workpieces. The structure enables safe and efficient loading of heavy components on the floor and seamless integration with automated transfer systems. A key advantage of these models is that the design eliminates the need for special foundations, while offering exceptional stability, simplified installation and outstanding cost efficiency. The MAXIMA R is available in the same range of sizes as the table-type models.

Both new CMM product lines are equipped with a powerful LK controller and are available in several configurations: either probe-ready for tactile inspection and laser scanning using a PH10MQ Plus multi-sensor indexing probe head with autojoint, or in ScanTek configuration with a multi-sensor REVO2 head to provide 5-axis scanning, or with an SP80 ultra-accurate fixed scanning head with probe builds up to one metre. The PH10MQ-ready models feature a multiwire cable that supports both SLK and L/LC/XC laser scanner technologies, eliminating the need for a separate probe-ready configuration for each type.

The introduction of the MAXIMA and MAXIMA R ranges reinforces LK Metrology’s commitment to providing market-leading, multi-sensor solutions for the most challenging metrology applications globally. The machines fulfil a critical need by combining high-precision build at the firm’s Castle Donington factory in Derbyshire, UK with very substantial measuring envelopes, providing a reliable and accurate solution for large-scale inspection requirements in manufacturing.

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.

Measurement Simplified
Developed with a clear goal — to make measurements simple, fast, and reliable — RUN systems integrate seamlessly into production workflows. Linear motors guarantee maintenance-free operation, eliminating the need for air supply or lubrication, and ensuring long-term reliability even in challenging environments.

Ease of Use, Built In
Ease of operation is at the heart of RUN’s design.
The Easy Runner interface allows operators to load and execute inspection programs with a single touch, while the moving table and optional clamping kit ensure quick and ergonomic part handling. Robot integration is facilitated by the moving table structure: both portal and measuring head are always out of the moving range, increasing safety during set up procedures and allowing faster part loading. Switching from one part to another takes only seconds also for the operator — simply scan a barcode to load a new program, and the machine performs measurement and reporting automatically.

Precision That Lasts
RUN systems include advanced features that enhance performance and longevity, such as:
• Automatic stylus cleaning unit

• Active anti-vibration granite base with pneumatic dampers

These elements guarantee accuracy and repeatability, even under real shopfloor conditions.

From Inspection to Optimization
Designed for both end-of-line control and in-process verification, RUN delivers immediate measurement data to help manufacturers prevent deviations, reduce scraps, and shorten setup times.
Integrated CAD import and GD&T analysis provide complete insight into part geometry, ensuring compliance with specifications and accelerating process improvement.

A Smarter Kind of CMM
With RUN, Ready expands the concept of what a CMM can be — a flexible, intelligent tool for every production team. It’s not just a measurement system, but a production resource — transforming metrology from a back-end validation step into an active driver of manufacturing performance.

About Ready

Ready is a next-generation brand in industrial metrology, developing accessible and production-ready measurement systems for manufacturing environments. Its technologies combine precision engineering with practical design to empower teams where it matters most — on the shopfloor.

To meet such high precision inspection requirements in the rugged environment of the shop floor, CMM manufacturer LK Metrology, whose manufacturing facility is in Castle Donington, Derbyshire, has introduced eight bridge-type Altera SF models having laboratory-grade accuracy. These CMMS were launched at Control 2025, the annual international trade fair for quality assurance held at the Messe Stuttgart, Germany.

Normally, industrially hardened CMMs with the necessary temperature compensation and vibration isolation tend to be small to fit into confined spaces, but these new models have generous nominal axis travels ranging from 1,000 x 1,000 x 800 mm up to 4,000 x 1,500 x 1,500 mm. The large measuring volumes mean that bulky workpieces can be inspected near where they are produced, while the extra capacity affords more operational flexibility by allowing QC requirements to be met across a wider variety of component sizes.

All SF-series CMMs have a ceramic bridge and spindle with outstanding stiffness-to-weight ratio, thermal characteristics, dimensional stability and longevity. Friction drives with air bearings provide smooth axis movements, leading to high accuracy laser or analogue scanning, or touch-trigger probing. Either a Renishaw PH10MQ PLUS indexing probe head may be used, or a REVO2 head which converts the CMM into a 5-axis Scantek model. Both heads support multi-sensor technology.

Covers protect the guideways from thermal influence, accidental damage and contamination, aided by positive internal air pressure to prevent the ingress of dust and vapour particles. Fans under the granite table ensure a continuous flow of ambient air to avoid thermal imbalance in environments where there is no temperature control, as is the case on most shop floors. Temperature sensors embedded in each axis of the CMM monitor heat fluctuations within the structure and compensate all measurements to a 20°C reference. Optionally, thermistors can be clamped or attached magnetically to a workpiece, or integrated into its fixture.

In a notable departure from the construction of LK’s other ceramic-type CMMs, which use stainless steel linear encoders, Altera SF machines incorporate glass-ceramic optical scales that have zero thermal expansion as well as superior immunity to contamination, minimising potential sources of measurement error. The low-maintenance scales have excellent long-term stability, while signal stabilisation results in low and predictable interpolation error.

Elastomer anti-vibration and shock-absorbing mounts isolate the CMM from sources of mechanical disturbance, such as machine tools. Passive anti-vibration may be specified, but to ensure maximum measurement accuracy, active intelligent anti-vibration is recommended. It involves built-in magnetic field sensors that detect the load on the table and monitor its height and level, enabling them to be automatically adjusted electro-pneumatically to within ±0.1 mm and 0.9 mm respectively. As the sensors are non-contact, they remove the disadvantage in traditional mechanical-pneumatic compensation systems of having an integrated tappet, or plunger, which is exposed to contamination and is a potential conduit for vibration transfer.

Altera SF machines, with their proprietary LK NMC300 multi-purpose controller and CAMIO software suite, are ready for in-line or line-side automation to suit large volume production. Status lights on the CMMs are standard, as is real-time monitoring of quality data, CMM performance and system status on smart devices. Numerous safety features ensure the safety of personnel and of the equipment itself, without compromising productivity and efficiency. An optional EcoAir function reduces compressed air consumption by 95% when the CMM is idle to reduce operating costs. Likewise, power to the CMM motors is automatically switched off after a period of inactivity. All eight models in the range, designated 10.10.8 / 15.10.8 / 15.12.10 / 20.12.10 / 20.15.12 / 25.15.12 / 30.15.15 / 40.15.15, are covered by a 10-year warranty guaranteeing measuring accuracy.

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.

Transforming quality inspection with high-speed, connected measurement workflows, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division today announces the launch of MAESTRO, an all-new, next-generation coordinate measuring machine (CMM) engineered from the ground up to meet the rising productivity demands of modern manufacturing. Designed to combat global skills shortages and increasing quality requirements, MAESTRO sets a new standard for speed, simplicity, and digital integration in metrology.

Expanding on Hexagon’s heritage of metrology excellence, MAESTRO is built upon four principles: to be fast, easy to use, connected and scalable. Its digital-first architecture offers the industry rapid measurement routines, an intuitive user experience and seamless data integration. With modular software and hardware, it is designed to scale with evolving production needs, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and high-precision manufacturing environments where there is a high demand for accuracy to deliver safety, compliance, and performance.

Building on Hexagon’s extensive global metrology expertise, MAESTRO features a newly-developed digital architecture, incorporating digital sensors, a single cable system, and a completely new controller with brand new firmware. Together, these new capabilities increase throughput, streamline the complete measurement operation, and ensure future-ready connectivity for modern production environments.

Customers will benefit from:

• Unmatched precision at speed: MAESTRO’s redesigned mechanical structure, single-cable digital platform, and advanced sensors enable fast measurement with sub-micron tolerances that satisfy stringent industry standards. Customers gain the confidence of repeatable, certified measurements for critical quality control. This provides reliable results, even for complex shapes and the most demanding applications.
• Breakthrough speed: MAESTRO delivers industry-leading throughput through high-speed motion while maintaining exceptional precision. Synchronised axis movements, rapid calibration, and cloud-connected software significantly accelerate set-up, programming, execution, and reporting.
• Simpler use and programming: MAESTRO remasters quality inspection by simplifying CMM programming and streamlining workflows. An intuitive user interface, combined with next-generation cloud-native metrology apps powered by Hexagon’s Nexus platform, enable both expert metrologists and less-specialised staff to generate repeatable, standard-compliant measurements effortlessly – without the need for coding.
• End-to-end connectivity: Designed as an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) native measuring device, MAESTRO integrates into Hexagon’s Nexus ecosystem, sharing real-time data across design, production, and quality teams, driving data-driven decision-making and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Near-line or in-line integration with automation systems is seamless.
• Scalable platform: With a modular design and a robust roadmap for future upgrades, MAESTRO is built for scalability. Manufacturers can easily update software, sensors, and additional capabilities over time, ensuring that their investment remains future-proof and continuously supports evolving production needs.

“Manufacturers told us they needed a next-generation system that tackles rising quality demands and skills shortages,” said Jörg Deller, General Manager Stationary Metrology devices at Hexagon. “By rethinking our hardware and software from the ground up, rather than iterating on existing systems, we’ve had the freedom to create a high-accuracy inspection solution that is so intuitive that anyone from expert to new hires become significantly more productive. Meeting the needs of industry head-on, MAESTRO’s digital backbone also makes it straightforward to integrate into modern connected factories, so stakeholders can improve quality quickly and definitively.”

Pilot users report dramatic productivity gains and reduced inspection lead times, helping to avoid production bottlenecks and to keep pace with fast-changing customer requirements. Customers have tested various sensors, ranging from high-speed laser scanning to tactile probes, with consistently strong results in both R&D and production applications.

Hexagon’s software tools and services such as PC-DMIS and the Metrology Mentor, Metrology Asset Manager, and Metrology Reporting Nexus Apps were developed in tandem with MAESTRO to create an integrated system that significantly boosts productivity from part loading to analysis, compared to isolated component solutions. The end goal is to deliver ease of use and fast workflows, from programming, execution and usage, to reporting and collaboration with colleagues in design and manufacturing.

Bowman continues to invest in technology and adopt a quality-first philosophy. Part of that progression has entailed the introduction of high precision, safety critical split bearings delivered to the automotive, aviation, defence, marine and rail sectors, amongst others. The recent acquisition of bearings and housings manufacturer Criptic Arvis, near Leicester, has complemented Bowman’s established production facility in Kingswinford, boosting the production and sales of ISO class 7 special bearings, which account for a significant element of sales.

Unsurprisingly, the amount of work in Abingdon being put onto the previous CMM purchased in 2016 was greatly increasing. However, its level of reliability coupled with a significant increase in product distribution was proving challenging. The equipment was also slow in operation and had basic, time-consuming reporting, requiring results to be printed out and transcribed to an Excel spreadsheet. After considering potential replacement CMMs from five different sources, Mr Mitchell and Bowman’s quality manager Owen White chose the LK option, an Altera 10.7.5, after visiting the manufacturer’s factory and witnessing metrology trials carried out on sample bearings.

Standard, bought-in products generally need only first article inspection before a batch is delivered to a customer, so the daily workload on the CMM is relatively light. Conversely, bearings produced in-house normally require five to be checked to ensure consistency. This single business area therefore consumes a significant proportion of CMM capacity. Sometimes when carrying out capability studies, 25 to 50 components need to be measured. In one exceptional case, a customer requested 100% inspection of 100 Oilite safety-critical, self-lubricating bronze bearings, which are exclusively marketed in the UK and Europe by Bowman.

In view of the high accuracies involved, by the time the Altera arrived in early April 2024 the quality control room had been refurbished by lowering the ceiling and installing a new air conditioning unit to enable the temperature to be controlled reliably to 20 ± 1°C. The CMM’s accuracy is verified every morning, rather than at the more usual frequency of once a week and then checked using a UKAS calibrated ring gage. The gage and each batch of five manufactured bearing samples are positioned precisely on the granite table using L-shaped, laser-cut retainers attached to a base plate having an array of drilled and tapped holes. Attached also to the plate is a lathe chuck specially adapted in Abingdon to hold washers and other awkwardly shaped items securely for probing. To the rear is a six-port probe rack that allows parts to be inspected using multiple probes in a single, automatic cycle. Components to benefit from being measured in this way include tall bearings and complex, 3D-printed plastic components, such as polyamide 11 bearing cages and seals for in-house-designed and patented split bearings.

Unlike on the old CMM, which only used touch-trigger probes, a notable difference with the new LK inspection platform is that the manufacturer supplied it with an SP25M scanning probe in addition to a variety of conventional probes, all for deployment on a PH10M Plus motorized indexing head. To enable tactile scanning as well as data analysis and reporting, LK supplied its own CAMIO 2024 R1 multi-sensor software and 3-axis scanning module interfaced to its NMC300 controller.

As Mr White pointed out, “On one of our 20 mm diameter bearings, for example, we used to measure 12 points around the top and bottom of the ID. We now capture more than 100 points in a shorter time, which gives us a much better idea of not only the accuracy of the part but also the overall form of the bore.”

He added that with the multiple sensing capability provided by the indexing head and software, it would be an easy matter to incorporate a laser scanning sensor into the metrology system. That will be advantageous if there is a future requirement to inspect complex parts made in two Hewlett-Packard plastic 3D printing machines on site. Installed in 2018, they regularly provide an additive manufacturing bureau service in addition to building parts for internal use.

Overall, quality control activities at Bowman have been accelerated right along the process chain, whether it is for ID/OD checking, or for verification of concentricity, circularity, flatness or feature position. Programming in CAMIO takes half the time at between 15 and 20 minutes compared with when the previous CMM was in use and measuring cycles at around five to six minutes are similarly shorter. The LK software also cuts the time for producing inspection reports for customers to typically half an hour, faster by at least a factor of two and up to four times.

Mr White also shared his positive experience undergoing one-to-one training in Castle Donington, which was carried out while the CMM was being installed in Abingdon. Not only was the learning environment excellent, but the individualised nature of the instruction allowed a focus on measuring principles as they apply to bearings, rather than involving general metrology of marginal utility to him that class training would have entailed. The standard of knowledge he gained made it easy for him, on his return to Bowman, to train another member of staff. If either of them comes across an unfamiliar aspect in preparing a job for inspection or executing a cycle, the helpdesk at LK is very good at providing speedy support.

Mr Mitchell concluded, “We have thousands of product lines and pride ourselves on our comprehensive stock availability, innovation, technical superiority and next-day delivery. The ability of the LK CMM to improve the speed and quality control of our bearings is hugely important to us.

“The fact that the supplier is a British manufacturer was a real plus point, as the Altera was available in-stock and could be delivered quickly. The existence of LK’s factory in the UK also means that a high level of local expertise and service backup is close at hand. After using the new CMM regularly for many months, we feel that our purchase decision has been completely vindicated.”

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.

Having more ports than other rack systems on the market, the units are available for use not only on CMMs manufactured by LK in Castle Donington, UK, but on other makes of measuring machine as well. They organize the storage of tools and accessories and make them easily accessible, while reducing the risk of accidental damage, ultimately extending the service life of the equipment.

Support rails either 500 mm, 600 mm or 700 mm long are designed to carry one or more of the new rack modules, which are split into three categories. Several may be combined to provide comprehensive storage when using a mix of probe and sensor technology, as is so often the case when meeting today’s complex quality control requirements. To avoid the need for additional motors or cables, the motion of the CMM locks and unlocks the probe head autojoint to effect exchange. Irrespective of which type of rack is being used, there is no need for requalification after changeover.

The first new category is TSR, a multi-sensor tool storage rack having either 5 or 10 ports, with a cover to protect them as well as the probe interface. The unit is able to house any combination of laser scanners, touch trigger probes, surface finish probes and extension bars. The flexibility of the system enables seamless adaptation to a variety of inspection tasks and ensures that the optimal tool is used for each part of the CNC cycle, enhancing accuracy and productivity.

Three-port SSR stylus storage racks, on the other hand, are for automatically changing the styli themselves, including those for analogue scanning, making available a selection of stylus configurations and ball tip materials. Thirdly, there is a 3-port MSR module storage rack for holding and exchanging increasingly popular tactile scanning probe modules.

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.

Connected to the machine’s air filter set, the EcoAir automatic shut-off unit interrupts the supply of compressed air to the CMM’s air bearings when the machine is idle, reducing consumption by up to 95% and leading to substantial energy and cost savings. The period of inactivity that triggers shutdown can be adjusted to as little as one minute. The CMM remains ready for action, however, and when it is next used in either manual or CNC mode the flow of compressed air resumes automatically.

Such power saving devices help manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements for energy efficiency and support corporate social responsibility initiatives, while reaping the financial benefits of reduced consumption of electricity. Other ecological measures introduced over the years by LK include a reduced thickness of the air bearing film needed to maintain smooth, accurate movement of the machine elements over their guideways. This not only cuts air consumption when the CMM is in use, but also offers three and a half times higher stiffness than standard air bearings due to their wrap-around design. The major benefit is improved accuracy of measurement due to higher resistance to dynamic forces, particularly when tactile scanning or using long probes.

Likewise, LK has for many years incorporated advanced motor control and intelligent power management into its CMMs. The drive motors are programmed to power down automatically when they are not actuating axis motions. Additionally, the design of the machines themselves is environmentally friendly, as they are constructed with moving elements of lightweight materials, such as the ceramic bridge and spindle, which helps to minimise the energy required to set them in motion.

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.

As previously, the new mobile metrology solutions are based on a lightweight carbon fiber tubular construction. Feedback of position is provided by absolute rather than incremental rotary encoders and the arms are available in three accuracy categories – Classic, Select and Ultimate. Each is now capable of significantly higher accuracy measurement of size, position and form, whether using a tactile probe or laser scanner. Probing accuracy is certified to ISO 10360-12 and functionality is guaranteed up to 40 degrees Celsius.

Notable is that the 6-axis arms are workshop hardened, having full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable, 3D inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments. Provided also is enhanced RDS v6.4 software running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. It offers improved monitoring of parameters such as ambient temperature, stress on the articulating joints, and base vibration, displacement, tilt and inclination. An operator alert function in the software warns the user if an arm is not fully IP54 protected.

The 7-axis FREEDOM Arm v3 is not IP54 rated but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe to enable multi-sensor metrology. An OLED touch-screen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, raising inspection productivity by avoiding having to go back and forth between the arm and a computer. A pair of rechargeable, hot-swappable battery packs with Ethernet connection for probe and laser scanner is available for use in environments where Wi-Fi is not allowed.

A strong line-up of third-party inspection software can be supplied by LK with its FREEDOM arms including InnovMetric’s PolyWorks Inspector, which has the ability to exchange programs seamlessly between portable and static CMM platforms.

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.

The North Carolina company has been named Southeast distributor for AIMS Metrology’s Revolution Series 5-axis coordinate measurement machines and its probe and gauging products. The partnership expands MachineTech’s capabilities.

“We are a full-service dealer for products such as 5-axis CNC milling and turning” says English. “We support high-production facilities, job shops and fabricators that run a high mix of part types in smaller batches—work that can be challenging to automate. With new technology options, we have the capability to automate these high mix environments and help companies that are struggling with labor shortages boost productivity.

“When it came to metrology,” he continues, “we felt we were missing a component. We get a lot of questions from customers about checking and measuring parts. We wanted to add 5-axis measurement and inspection equipment that we could stand behind.”

MachineTech has served South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia for more than 25 years. The family-owned business has experienced service technicians located throughout its territory. “We can get a tech on-site at a customer’s facility in one to three days,” English says. “Other companies take three weeks or more to respond.”

In May MachineTech opened a new Technical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. With five machines and two types of automation on its floor, the company can provide demonstrations and run test parts.

AIMS Metrology also has plans to open a new Southeast Technical Solutions Center in Advance, North Carolina. The solution center will provide manufacturers in the region with service, programming, turnkey integration and training on its coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and other equipment. The OEM understands the importance of building a network with like-minded partners.

“The team at MachineTech has a lot of talented people on staff and they are growing,” says Thomas Ayers, AIMS’ sales and business development director for the Southeast. “They are looking to expand customer support and we believe MachineTech is a great fit with our own customer service approach and our knowledge and field experience in the industrial manufacturing metrology space.”