Hexagon MI’s range of CMM machines and portable arms are exceptional. They’re equipped with industry-leading software and technology, enabling them to perform to high standards for years to come. However, with regular use, structural changes or functional changes, both CMM machines and portable arms will lose accuracy, resulting in standards not being met. This is when Hexagon CMM calibration is needed. Calibration is the process of restoring a machine that doesn’t meet the stated specifications to the required standards so that it can perform optimally again.

As Hexagon’s UK technical service partner and with almost 40 years in business, it’s safe to say that we’ve calibrated our fair share of CMM’s – from huge Global machines to smaller Absolute Arms and more. Here, we take a closer look at some important Hexagon calibration considerations…

Type of Calibration

For the majority of calibrations, an artefact will be used. Some of the most common include length gauge blocks, swift-check gauges and ball plates. However, sometimes, a bespoke artefact is required. On the other hand, if a higher level of Hexagon calibration is needed then usually, a laser interferometer is used. The only downside to using an interferometer is that it takes a lot longer to perform a calibration than using a regular artefact.

UKAS Standards

When it comes to any type of CMM machine calibration, UKAS standards must always be considered. The calibration service provider should be UKAS accredited for a recognised calibration laboratory and they should be experienced in calibrating and certifying Hexagon machines to meet the necessary standards.

Regularity

CMM’s need to perform to high standards all year round. Without a well-calibrated machine, meeting the twin demands of accuracy and throughput can be hard to balance. On top of this, a poorly calibrated machine could lead to clients losing faith and lost revenue. To help make sure this doesn’t happen, regular Hexagon calibration should be undertaken. We’d recommend that standard, static machines are inspected, certified and recalibrated if needed at least once annually. Regular maintenance checks should also be carried out. Take a look at our CMM maintenance checks infographic here for more advice on this.

How Can Status Help?

Status has been backed by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence since 1999, as their official UK technical service partner. This not only ensures we can deliver the very best CMM machines, software and technology but it also means we offer industry-leading service and training. Our experience in working with Hexagon machines stretches right back to the Brown and Sharpe days through to their latest Global machines.

We’re able to calibrate Hexagon machines purchased directly through Status, Hexagon or elsewhere. Flexible maintenance and calibration contacts can be provided, to give you peace of mind and save time and money.

At Status, we’re not just a CMM calibration specialist, we’re a full-service metrology solutions provider – covering machines, software, service and training. Take a closer look and find out more by getting in touch with us today on 0115 939 2228 or by emailing info@status-cmm.co.uk.

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For the company that wants to save time, reduce costs, increase productivity and have greater control over their measurements, there really is no better CMM software solution on the market than PC-DMIS. As proud partners with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Status is able to bring PC-DMIS to its customers through our retrofitted CMMs and through software installations.

We recently published an article on software maintenance and how PC-DMIS is kept at the cutting-edge of the metrology industry thanks to regular updates and new features being added from Hexagon with each release. You can read the article here.

For those still on the fence about investing in PC-DMIS, we wanted to refresh and update our FREE Buyer’s Guide.

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PC-DMIS is delivered as standard by Status with every single one of our refurbished and repainted CMM’s. Why? It’s simply the best metrology software solution on the market, created and maintained by our partners at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.

PC-DMIS is used by metrology professionals and shop-floor operators alike, enabling manufacturing operations to create measurement routines and measure components as efficiently as possible – saving time, reducing costs and boosting productivity extensively.

Aside from the incredible impact PC-DMIS can have on a businesses quality department and bottom line, it’s regularly updated and maintained by Hexagon. In this article, we take a closer look at what software maintenance is, the types of updates made and what’s new in the latest PC-DMIS release.

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The metrology industry is highly competitive, with a great deal of experienced companies to choose from. However, in recent months, the CMM service and support sector of our industry is fast becoming like the Wild West. A scene out of Clint Eastwood’s Spaghetti Western Classic, with inexperienced companies and downright Cowboys starting up and touting for business!

Unfortunately, they often get away with it with the customer paying the price. Either with machine moves gone wrong (on which we recently published an infographic on avoiding this here), failed CMM service and repair jobs that the customer still ends up paying for (with some supposedly experienced outfits going as far as explicitly asking for help on Social Media) and, the list goes on.

For this reason, now more than ever before, stopping and taking a closer look at the CMM service business you’re thinking of working with is critical.

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Manufacturing is an incredibly fast-paced environment, no matter what industry sector you operate in. While it’s ideal for most companies to measure and inspect parts in-house, sometimes you simply won’t have the time or capacity. Besides, smaller manufacturing businesses likely won’t have the expertise or capability to measure in-house. This is where subcontract CMM measurement and inspection can help you meet demand and standards. However, what should you look for when choosing a CMM contract measurement service provider?

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COVID-19 has had a huge impact on most industries and manufacturing businesses have been hit particularly hard, largely because most of the jobs cannot be carried out remotely. As we begin to see the light at the tunnel and return to the new normal, manufacturing facilities are now back in full swing. However, due to the disruption, there are many facing a significant amount of debt or just scraping by. It will likely take years for the sector to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic but there are certain things that you and other manufacturers can do to increase productivity and profitability thanks to cutting-edge metrology technology.

Let’s take a closer look…

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