Automated CNC Part Alignment with NC-PartLocator

We find all the errors in your process before machining even starts. Using NC-PartLocator, we align your part automatically in the machine volume and ensure you produce perfect parts, every time.

What is NC-PartLocator?

- Automated 5-Axis Part Alignment -

The smarter way to align parts.

 

NC-PartLocator, from the MSP PerfectPart suite, is a CNC metrology solution that uses 5-axis CNC probing to automate part alignment and setup. Manual intervention is eliminated and micron-accurate part alignments are generated within minutes.

How it works:

Clamp the part

The part is clamped into a simple, generic fixture. Expensive gauging fixtures are not required - the fixture only needs to withstand machining forces as NC-PartLocator performs the location.

Probe and measure

A fully-automated NC-program is started. NC-PartLocator uses 5-axis probing to measure the part on the machine.

Alignment calculation

NC-PartLocator automatically calculates an accurate best fit alignment in 6-degrees of freedom. If the part deviates from the nominal CAD, this will be automatically compensated for. The standard nominal machining program is used, with only positional compensation being applied to the individual part. NC-PartLocator also has the ability to perform alignments and lock axes around a customer-specified coordinate system, giving more freedom and accuracy especially when aligning to features such as bores, bosses or faces. 

Condition of supply checks

Once the positional error has been compensated for, the form of the part can be measured and reported by NC-PartLocator to confirm the part’s Condition of Supply is good enough to be machined. 

In-process verification

Probing can be built into the production routine to perform in-process verification at key stages during machining. This data can also support cut-measure-cut processes, including automatic hole offsets, surface offsets and radial offsets.

On-machine inspection

After machining is complete, key features can be inspected on the machine tool to confirm the part meets requirements before moving to the next operation.

Machine with confidence

Knowing the part’s condition of supply and alignment are correct using NC-PartLocator means machining can begin with confidence. When used alongside NC-Checker, machine capability is also verified for additional assurance. 

Let NC-PartLocator solve your problems.

CNC manufacturing problems are often the result of manual part setup. NC-PartLocator automates part setup and transforms these problems into solutions. 

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Eliminate CMM backlogs

Use NC-PartLocator's on‑machine inspection to reduce the reliance on CMM checks and eliminate backlogs.

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Simplify fixturing

Nc-PartLocator eliminates the need for expensive, accurate gauging fixtures and simple clamping fixtures can be used instead. 

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Eliminate scrap and rework

By eliminating human error from the part setup process, NC-PartLocator increases machining accuracy and enables right-first-time machining, reducing scrap and the need for rework. 

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Accurately align near-net shapes

When working with tight margins, NC-PartLocator’s automated alignment process is vital to achieve the level of accuracy required.
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Remove manual finishing during assembly

Parts are manufactured to tolerance and assembled as designed, removing the requirement for manual finishing.
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Detect part and process errors early

NC‑PartLocator’s in‑process inspection checks detect and highlight part or process anomalies early, allowing issues to be corrected before machining begins or continues.


Errors don't have to be accepted as part of the process, eliminate them before machining happens and create right-first-time parts.

See the benefits.

NC-PartLocator works with your existing equipment to deliver measurable improvements for your CNC manufacturing processes.

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Rapid ROI

By reducing scrap, rework, fixturing costs, and part setup time, NC-PartLocator delivers a fast, measurable return on investment.

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Time savings

Automated alignment and on-machine inspection removes manual setup tasks, significantly reducing part setup time and increasing overall productivity. 

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Stabilised production schedules

Consistent and predictable setup routines reduce variability and help production stay on schedule.

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Improved accuracy

Eliminating part setup and alignment errors ensures parts are machined to tolerance, ensuring part quality is not compromised. 

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Increased automation

NC-PartLocator's automated part setup and on-machine inspection support unattended 24/7 lights-out manufacturing, with no requirement for manual intervention. 

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Ability to take on more complex work

The combination of automated alignments and simplified fixturing enable the accurate alignment of complex geometry that would be impractical to achieve manually. 

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Progress towards Net Zero goals

Lower scrap rates and reduced machine downtime cut material waste and wasted energy, supporting more sustainable and efficient manufacturing. 

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Reduced impact of skill shortages

Standardised setup routines allow operators of any skill level to perform setup tasks confidently, enabling skilled engineers to focus on higher-value tasks. 

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Greater control of manufacturing processes

Verify before, during and after machining for complete process confidence. Additional machine validation using NC-Checker further improves process control. 

Suited to a wide-range of applications.

NC-PartLocator Case Study

MSP helps Formula 1 team reduce part setup by 9.5 hours

A leading F1 team used products from MSP PerfectPart to reduce their part setup time from 10 hours to 38 minutes.

NC-PartLocator Case Study

Production time cut from 20 weeks to 3 days for Leonardo

MSP PerfectPart allowed Leonardo to machine complex tiltrotor blades with extreme distortion and cut production time to 3 days.

NC-PartLocator Case Study

SST now producing 700% more parts per week

SST is now manufacturing 7 times more parts per week and reduced its part setup time from 4 hours to 25 minutes.

NC-PartLocator Case Study

Part setup cut from 5 hours to 10 minutes for 3T-am

3T-am now produces right-first-time parts and leaves the machine to run overnight for full 24/7 lights-out automation.

NC-PartLocator Case Study

100% productivity increase for castings manufacturer

Doncasters has also been able to simplify fixturing and bring work in-house to aid production.

Don't just take our word for it.

"NC-PartLocator is critical - if we didn’t have it, I wouldn’t know whether the part’s position on the machine is right or wrong. If you have anything technical, or have parts that are distorted or oversized, NC-PartLocator is the answer".
Leonardo MSP Review
Tooling Design Engineer
Leonardo
“We are now producing parts with a very high success rate. Our customer used to dual source these parts, however, they will now be using our parts over their second supplier because ours are '10 times better'”
Polar Technology MSP Review
Machine Shop Manager
Polar Technology Management Group
“The software is a game changer. We use NC‑PartLocator for the accurate alignment of carbon parts that don’t match CAD and to prioritise the features that need machining. It's very well designed and easy to use.”
Project Engineer
Machining Solutions Company
"NC-PartLocator means we can make the most of the investment in our 5-axis machining centres. We now have the potential to use our machines at full capacity - an increase of 157% compared to our average weekly usage before."
3T-am MSP Review
Production Manager
3T-am
"NC-PartLocator has cut our part setup times from 8 hrs down to 15 mins per part, whilst maintaining repeatability. The software also enables us to hold the components in a 'free-state' rather than fully restraining them, reducing issues in inspection."
UK Sales Manager
Additive Manufacturing Company

It's in the details.

NC-PartLocator's automated alignment methods use 5-axis CNC probing and work at the push of a button or as part of full automation. Find out more about each one here.


Compatibility and Integration

NC-PartLocator is installed on a PC which is connected to the CNC controller via a network. 

NC-PartLocator is compatible with all types of spindle touch probes. 

NC-PartLocator supports both gantry and table 5-axis CNC machines. Compatible controllers include: Siemens, Heidenhain, Mazak, Fanuc, Okuma and Trumpf. Please contact us for a full and up-to-date compatibility document.  

NC-PartLocator is compatible with various CADCAM systems including: Siemens NX, CATIA, Fusion and Autodesk PowerInspect OMV. For selected platforms such as NX and CATIA, dedicated plugins are available to simplify the creation of probing programs compatible with NC-PartLocator.  

MSP integrates with Vericut to provide a powerful, combined approach to CNC simulation and metrology. Vericut’s collision detection works alongside MSP’s error detection and removal capabilities to optimise machining processes, eliminate costly mistakes, and deliver right-first-time parts — every time. 

Our software and digital infrastructure are certified by Cyber Essentials, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to protect our products and data from a wide range of cyber threats.  

Download the brochure

Learn more about NC-PartLocator and how it will help your CNC machining processes.

Request a meeting

Chat to the team and see if NC-PartLocator can solve your problems.

Download the brochure

Learn more about NC-PartLocator and how it will help your CNC machining processes.

Request a meeting

Chat to the team and see if NC-PartLocator can solve your problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about NC‑PartLocator and how it improves CNC part alignment, setup, accuracy, and automation.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact us, our team will be happy to help.

I need better part quality but don’t want to change my processes. Can NC-PartLocator help?
Yes. NC-PartLocator does not replace existing workflows or equipment. The software runs on a PC connected to the machine tool and uses your existing probe to automatically generate the correct alignment and upload it to the controller. Any process changes introduced are typically positive, such as replacing bespoke fixtures with simple clamping ones.
Do I have to change my machining program every time a new alignment is generated?

No. The same approved nominal machining program is used, saving time and extra approvals. NC-PartLocator aligns the program to where the part is, so it is not necessary to update the machining program.

How long does NC-PartLocator take?

The time required depends on the complexity of the part or alignment. As an example, NC-PartLocator’s automation has reduced part setup time from days or hours to a matter of minutes.

NC-PartLocator sounds technical – will my team be able to use it?

Yes. NC-PartLocator is designed to be used by CNC machine operators of all skill levels. The software runs at the press of a button, or as part of full automation, so minimal skill is required. Training is also available and can be tailored to focus on specific areas to support your team. 

I don’t need micron-levels of accuracy, would NC-PartLocator still benefit me?

Absolutely. In addition to high accuracy, NC-PartLocator delivers other benefits such as faster setup times, improved repeatability, condition of supply checks, stable production schedules and increased automation – all of which add value for part production processes.

How automated is NC-PartLocator?

NC-PartLocator can work as part of a full automation routine with no manual intervention required, meaning it can be used for fully-automated production environments and lights-out manufacturing strategies. 

MSP PerfectPart Suite > NC-PartLocator

 

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