Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence RA8-6 6-Axis Portable Articulated Arm Coordinate Measuring Machine

Overview

The Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence RA8-6 is a high-performance, portable 6-axis articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (CMM) engineered for precision geometric metrology in production-floor and field environments. Based on the proven Couette-flow–independent kinematic architecture of articulated arms, the RA8-6 delivers traceable, tactile coordinate measurement using calibrated touch-trigger or scanning probes—without reliance on external optical references or environmental stabilization. Its core design principle centers on operational autonomy: absolute encoders at each joint eliminate homing routines and thermal preconditioning, enabling immediate measurement readiness upon power-up. The carbon-fiber arm structure ensures dimensional stability across temperature gradients up to +45 °C while maintaining rigidity under dynamic loading. Certified to ISO 10360-12 for volumetric performance, the RA8-6 provides a validated accuracy of ±0.04 mm across its full 4.73 m spherical envelope—making it suitable for first-article inspection, tool verification, reverse engineering, and GD&T validation in regulated manufacturing settings.

Key Features

• Patented absolute rotary encoders at all six joints—no homing, no warm-up, no drift-induced recalibration
• Carbon-fiber arm construction for optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio, thermal inertia, and long-term repeatability
• Hot-swappable tactile probe interface supporting over 90 certified probe configurations—including star, disc, and extension styli—without system requalification
• Integrated multi-modal feedback: visual status indicators, audible tone cues, and haptic vibration alerts for real-time operator guidance
• IP54-rated enclosure for dust resistance and limited water ingress protection—validated for operation in shop-floor conditions including machining coolant exposure
• Motorized articulation with low-friction ergonomic handle and wireless main-axis rotation—reducing operator fatigue during extended manual probing sequences
• HomeDock™ and SmartLock™ mechanical safety systems that physically secure the probe tip during transport and storage, preventing accidental impact damage
• Optional integrated WiFi and onboard lithium-ion battery enabling fully untethered operation for >4 hours per charge
• Backward compatibility with RA7 firmware architecture and calibration protocols—ensuring seamless transition for existing Hexagon CMM users

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RA8-6 accommodates workpieces ranging from small precision components (e.g., turbine blades, medical implants) to large-scale assemblies (e.g., automotive body-in-white subframes, aerospace wing ribs). Its contact-based methodology ensures reliable data acquisition on matte, reflective, textured, or thermally unstable surfaces where optical methods may fail. The system complies with ISO 10360-12 for volumetric accuracy verification and supports audit-ready documentation per ISO/IEC 17025 and ASME B89.4.10M. When deployed in FDA-regulated environments, the RA8-6—paired with SFx Asset Management—enables automated calibration tracking, user access logging, and electronic record integrity compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. All probe changes are logged with timestamp, operator ID, and probe serial number—supporting GLP/GMP traceability workflows.

Software & Data Management

The RA8-6 operates natively with Hexagon’s PC-DMIS Touch software platform, delivering intuitive gesture-based navigation, GD&T analysis per ASME Y14.5 and ISO 1101, and automated reporting templates exportable to PDF, Excel, and XML. Calibration certificates, probe qualification records, and environmental logs are stored in encrypted local databases with optional cloud synchronization via SFx. SFx integration enables remote asset visibility—including real-time location mapping, battery level telemetry, firmware version tracking, and predictive maintenance alerts based on usage analytics. Audit trails meet ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.5.2 and IATF 16949 Section 7.1.5.1 requirements for measurement resource control.

Applications

• Aerospace: Tooling verification of composite layup molds, wing spar alignment checks, and engine component wear analysis
• Automotive: Body-in-white gap-and-flush assessment, stamping die validation, and battery pack housing dimensional conformance
• Machinery: Large gear train alignment, hydraulic cylinder bore concentricity, and robotic end-effector calibration
• Electronics: Enclosure flatness verification, PCB fixture repeatability testing, and thermal interface material thickness profiling
• Education & R&D: Hands-on metrology training, rapid prototyping validation, and materials deformation studies under thermal cycling

FAQ

Does the RA8-6 require periodic recalibration after probe changes?

No—its hot-swap probe interface retains calibration coefficients in non-volatile memory; probe swaps do not trigger system recalibration.
Can the RA8-6 operate reliably in uncontrolled factory environments?

Yes—certified to IP54 and rated for continuous operation up to +45 °C, it maintains accuracy without climate-controlled rooms.
Is ISO 10360-12 certification provided with each unit?

Yes—each RA8-6 ships with a factory-issued ISO 10360-12 compliance certificate, traceable to national metrology institutes.
How does SFx integration support quality system audits?

SFx generates time-stamped, immutable logs of calibration events, user actions, environmental parameters, and firmware updates—fully aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 evidence requirements.
What is the maximum point density achievable during continuous scanning?

At 45,000 points per second, the RA8-6 captures up to 120 points/mm² when scanning at 375 mm/sec with a 0.3 mm stylus tip radius.