Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence GLOBAL PERFORMANCE Bridge Coordinate Measuring Machine

Overview

The Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence GLOBAL PERFORMANCE is a high-performance bridge-type coordinate measuring machine (CMM) engineered for precision geometric metrology in demanding production and quality assurance environments. Built on a thermally stable granite base and integrated with a rigid steel bridge structure, the system employs a kinematically optimized moving-bridge architecture to ensure mechanical repeatability and long-term dimensional stability. Its measurement principle relies on precise Cartesian coordinate acquisition via calibrated probe displacement—whether through tactile trigger probes, analog scanning sensors, or optical non-contact sensors (e.g., chromatic confocal or structured light modules)—all registered within a unified metrological reference frame traceable to NIST and PTB standards. The GLOBAL PERFORMANCE is not a single-purpose instrument but a platform-level solution designed for multi-sensor interoperability, supporting both discrete point capture and continuous surface mapping across complex 3D geometries typical of aerospace structural components, automotive powertrain assemblies, medical device housings, and precision-machined mold inserts.

Key Features

• Modular sensor integration architecture enabling seamless switching between touch-trigger, analog scanning, and optical non-contact probing systems without mechanical recalibration
• Dual-loop linear motor drive with real-time position error correction ensures sub-micron path fidelity during high-speed scanning operations
• Thermally compensated granite base and bridge structure compliant with ISO 10360-2 environmental stability requirements (ΔT ≤ 1 °C/h, ΔRH ≤ 5%/h)
• PC-DMIS-native controller interface with full support for GD&T evaluation per ASME Y14.5–2018 and ISO 1101:2017 standards
• Integrated air-bearing guideways with active vibration damping for consistent metrological performance in shared factory-floor environments
• Scalable hardware configuration—from entry-level single-probe setups to fully automated multi-sensor cells with robotic part loading and temperature-controlled enclosures

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GLOBAL PERFORMANCE accommodates workpieces ranging from small machined components (<50 mm) to large castings and sheet-metal assemblies (up to 2,500 × 1,500 × 1,000 mm, depending on model variant). Its hybrid probing capability supports both rigid metallic parts (e.g., aluminum die-castings, stainless steel surgical tools) and delicate non-metallic surfaces (e.g., polymer lens mounts, carbon-fiber composite panels) without risk of deformation or thermal artifact. All configurations are validated against ISO 10360-7 for scanning performance and VDI/VDE 2617 Part 2 for length measurement uncertainty. The system meets essential requirements for FDA-regulated manufacturing environments, including audit-ready calibration logs, electronic signature support per 21 CFR Part 11, and full GLP/GMP traceability for measurement data archives.

Software & Data Management

PC-DMIS Metrology Suite serves as the native software environment, offering certified GD&T reporting, statistical process control (SPC) dashboards, and automated report generation in PDF, Excel, and XML formats. Version 2024 introduces enhanced AI-assisted feature recognition for freeform surfaces and cloud-enabled collaborative review workflows via Hexagon’s SmartInspect portal. All measurement programs include embedded uncertainty budgets calculated per GUM (JCGM 100:2008) methodology. Raw CMM point clouds and inspection results are stored in vendor-neutral formats (e.g., ASCII I++ DME, STEP AP242) to ensure long-term archival integrity and third-party CAD interoperability.

Applications

• Aerospace: First-article inspection of turbine blade root forms, wing spar interfaces, and composite layup tooling verification
• Automotive: Dimensional validation of cylinder heads, transmission cases, and EV battery module housings under PPAP compliance
• Medical Devices: Geometric certification of orthopedic implant mating surfaces and minimally invasive surgical instrument bores
• Tool & Die: Calibration of EDM electrode geometry and mold cavity surface deviation analysis against nominal CAD models
• Energy: Verification of wind turbine pitch bearing raceway profiles and nuclear valve seat concentricity

FAQ

What probe types are natively supported on the GLOBAL PERFORMANCE platform?

Standard configurations include Renishaw PH10M/MiH indexing probe heads, TP20/TP200 trigger modules, SP25M scanning probes, and optional HP-S-X1H optical line scanners—all certified for ISO 10360-7 scanning accuracy.
Is the system compatible with automated part handling systems?

Yes; the GLOBAL PERFORMANCE integrates with Hexagon’s TIGO or third-party robotic cells via Ethernet/IP or OPC UA protocols, supporting full cycle automation including palletized loading, temperature stabilization, and post-measurement data routing.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified and documented?

Uncertainty budgets are automatically generated per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3 using calibrated artifact data, environmental logs, and probe qualification records—all archived with digital signatures and time-stamped revision history.
Can legacy PC-DMIS programs be migrated to newer GLOBAL PERFORMANCE controllers?

All PC-DMIS v2015 and later programs are forward-compatible; Hexagon provides migration utilities and backward-compatibility mode for legacy probe definitions and alignment routines.
What environmental certifications does the system meet for cleanroom deployment?

When equipped with HEPA-filtered air supply and stainless-steel enclosure options, the GLOBAL PERFORMANCE complies with ISO 14644-1 Class 7 (10,000) cleanroom specifications and supports static-dissipative grounding per ANSI/ESD S20.20.