Hexagon Metrology X-METRO Bridge Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Overview

The Hexagon Metrology X-METRO is a high-performance bridge-type coordinate measuring machine engineered for precision geometric metrology in mid-volume production and quality assurance environments. Based on Hexagon’s proven kinematic architecture and refined over two centuries of metrological heritage, the X-METRO implements a rigid, thermally stable mechanical design optimized for long-term repeatability and spatial accuracy under typical industrial workshop conditions. Its measurement principle relies on deterministic Cartesian coordinate acquisition via high-resolution linear encoders and calibrated probe systems—operating either in discrete point-trigger mode or continuous surface-scanning mode—to quantify dimensional, form, orientation, and location characteristics per ISO 1101, ASME Y14.5, and GD&T standards. Designed explicitly for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), the X-METRO delivers laboratory-grade traceability without requiring climate-controlled metrology labs, making it suitable for shop-floor integration while maintaining compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 preconditions and supporting GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails.

Key Features

• Monolithic granite base platform with certified flatness and vibration-damping properties, providing mechanical stability across full travel range.
• Full aluminum structural frame with finite-element-optimized triangular bridge design—enhancing rigidity by 25% versus conventional rectangular beams and lowering X-axis center of gravity by 50% for improved dynamic response.
• Closed-loop distributed air bearing system operating on precision-machined monolithic dovetail guideways—ensuring sub-micron motion fidelity and eliminating mechanical hysteresis or stick-slip effects.
• High-resolution gold-coated metal scale encoders (certified by PTB) with thermal expansion coefficients matched to common engineering materials; resolution up to 0.005 µm with elastic-rigid dual-mounting for thermal drift compensation.
• Fully open measurement envelope with coplanar guideway and table surface—enabling unrestricted multi-angle probing and simplified part loading/unloading.
• Pneumatic counterbalance suspension system decoupling drive mechanics from axis motion—reducing parasitic forces and preserving path accuracy during rapid traversals.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The X-METRO accommodates a broad spectrum of part geometries—from compact electronic housings (2 m). Its hybrid sensor compatibility supports both tactile and optical probing strategies: HP-TMe and HP-THDe trigger probes offer five-axis and six-degree-of-freedom (6D) point capture with automatic tip qualification, while the HP-S-X1S scanning probe enables high-speed contour acquisition at up to 520 mm/s with simultaneous analog signal feedback. All probe systems comply with ISO 10360-2 (length measurement error) and ISO 10360-5 (scanning performance), and are validated for use in regulated sectors including aerospace (AS9100), automotive (IATF 16949), and medical device manufacturing (ISO 13485). Environmental operation adheres to ISO 10360-1 requirements for temperature gradient control (±0.5 °C/h), and compressed air supply meets ISO 8573-1 Class 4 purity standards.

Software & Data Management

The X-METRO is natively integrated with PC-DMIS PREMIUM—the industry-standard metrology software deployed by over 100,000 users globally. It supports full CAD-based measurement planning, including collision-free offline programming, real-time simulation of probe paths, and automatic feature recognition from STEP, IGES, VDA-FS, STL, and native CAD formats. The software implements full 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, audit trail logging, and role-based access control—meeting FDA, EU MDR, and ISO 17025 documentation integrity requirements. Advanced capabilities include cloud-enabled report generation, statistical process control (SPC) charting, GD&T evaluation per ASME Y14.5–2018, and reverse engineering workflows using point-cloud registration and NURBS surface fitting.

Applications

The X-METRO serves as a central verification node across multiple stages of product realization: design validation (first-article inspection), in-process gaging (statistical sampling at critical stations), final acceptance testing, and supplier quality audits. In automotive Tier-1 suppliers, it verifies cast engine blocks, stamped chassis components, and injection-molded interior trim with tight ±0.02 mm tolerances. In electronics manufacturing, it measures PCB warpage, connector pin coplanarity, and enclosure dimensional conformity to IPC-A-610. Aerospace applications include turbine blade root geometry, composite layup alignment, and landing gear bracket GD&T verification. Mold makers rely on its scanning capability to validate cavity surface deviation against master CAD models—supporting rapid iteration and reduced tool tryout cycles.

FAQ

What is the volumetric accuracy specification for the X-METRO series?
Volumetric accuracy starts from 1.9 µm (MPE_E0) across standard configurations; exact values depend on selected measuring volume and environmental stabilization.
Does the X-METRO support automated probe changing?
Yes—HP-TMe and HP-THDe probe systems support manual and automatic indexing via Hexagon’s PH10M or PH20 motorized probe heads, with full calibration persistence across tip changes.
Is PC-DMIS included with the system?
Yes—PC-DMIS PREMIUM is supplied as standard with full licensing, including CAD import, SPC, reporting, and regulatory compliance modules.
Can the X-METRO operate outside controlled metrology labs?
It is qualified for shop-floor deployment within ISO 10360-1 environmental limits (18–22 °C, ±0.5 °C/h gradient); optional active thermal compensation enhances stability in fluctuating conditions.
What air supply requirements must be met?
Minimum regulated pressure: 0.6 MPa; recommended filtration to ISO 8573-1 Class 4 (oil ≤ 0.01 mg/m³, particles ≤ 0.3 µm, dew point ≤ +3 °C).