The latest metrology trends were on display at CONTROL 2024, the international trade fair for metrology in Stuttgart Germany, this year. Whilst smaller in size than previous years showcases the latest developments and trends in the world of metrology, quality control, and testing.

This year’s Control Show was far smaller than usual with only two halls at the Stuttgart Messe instead of the normal six or eight halls as a result of some of the largest companies in the metrology sector, such as Hexagon, Zeiss and others deciding not to exhibit this year, and preferring to show every two years.

Whilst CONTROL was a smaller trade show than usual, the exhibitors we spoke to said that the attendance was still excellent and the opportunity to spend more time discussing application challenges with visitors was appreciated.

We saw trends such as the widespread uptake of AI in metrology and quality control applications as well as the use of augmented 3D reality in microscopy

We also saw the latest products and new releases from our equipment suppliers partners such as Taylor Hobson, PMT Technologies and Bruker-Alicona.

Taylor Hobson

On display at the Taylor Hobson booth was the innovative Talyrond TR150 roundness measuring system with the App interface running on a large portrait Tablet as well as the very impressive form Talysurf PGI Novus tactile surface roughness and contour measuring system which is the mainstay instrument of choice in the optics market.

Also featured on the Taylor Hobson, Ametek stand was the Talyrond TR 585 PRO HS roundness measuring system powered by Metrology 4.0 software as developed by Taylor Hobson, which will become the software platform for all of their instruments in the future.

Alicona

As part of the latest metrology trends, at the Alicona stand we had the chance to see the new Alicona InfiniteFocus Focus X system first-hand. This new and very impressive 3D non-contact metrology system has all of the features and benefits of the larger InfiniteFocus G6 system in terms of speed, functionality and capabilities, but is presented in a smaller footprint and at a very attractive price point. This product should be a winner for the ANZ market.

PMT Technologies

We also met some new contacts at PMT Technologies at CONTROL on their very impressive Stand. Presented for the first time was the new generation laser scanner for PMT’s seven-axis arm range as well as PMT’s new bridge CMM. The PMT Alpha Arm looks great, with excellent finish and smooth movement and will be a great product for the ANZ market through Met Optix, with a complete range of accessories available such as probes. bases and leap-frog spheres and cones, everything that is needed for portable arm measurement is available from PMT.

Software for PMT portable measuring arms will be PMT’s own CAM 3 software as well as Metrologic’s Metrolog X4 for probing and when scanning is anticipated on seven-axis arms.

Latest Metrology Trends Feature AI and 3D Augmented Reality

As well as getting an update from all of our equipment partners at CONTROL, the exhibition provided a great opportunity to see what was new and to get a first-hand glimpse into the latest trends in metrology. We saw several suppliers offering augmented 3D reality inspection systems for inspecting assemblies not only dimensionally but also for missing components or features, such as incomplete welds, or brackets in the wrong position when compared to the 3D CAD model all conveniently displayed on reality available devices such as iPADS etc. Another interesting development was the ability to visualize 3D effects on almost any monitor or even on microscopes without the need to use 3D glasses. Very impressive!