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How metrology can be used to automate CNC manufacturing processes.
by MSP Marketing on Jun 5, 2025 12:29:03 PM
What is metrology?
Metrology is concerned with the science of measurement and its application. In CNC manufacturing, there is range of metrology equipment available, including spindle probes, laser scanners and CMMs. Metrology can provide many benefits for manufacturing including quality control, equipment calibration, process optimisation and automation.
However, not all metrology solutions are capable of automating CNC manufacturing processes, either because they involve manual elements, or are unable to communicate with other CNC systems or processes. Digital technology, on the other hand, such as CNC metrology software, makes automation using metrology possible. And because this removes human involvement from measurement processes, it is also the most viable option for achieving micron-accuracy.
Why automate your CNC manufacturing processes?
Automation is key to removing human involvement in certain CNC machining or setup processes. This is important as it removes the risk of human error from occurring and potentially causing thousands of pounds worth of damage in part scrap or CNC machine fixes. This is especially important in 5-axis machining when manufacturers tend to be working with tighter tolerances and more complex parts.
- Speed up processes, increasing productivity and efficiency
- Ease the strain of skill shortages on the shopfloor
- Allow you to get the most out of your resources and equipment
- Enable engineers and operators to use their skills for strategic tasks and improvements instead of firefighting
Together, metrology software and CNC touch probes provide a powerful option for CNC machine and part setup automation. As well as automating CNC processes, this partnership of technologies can make processes more accurate, repeatable and sustainable. Digital metrology can also offer end-to-end insights and feedback into other systems for analysis and reporting.
CNC metrology device, AutoClock, offers automation of the probe setup and calibration process.
To demonstrate its power, we have collated examples to show specific areas smart metrology can be used for CNC machine and setup automation.
Example 1: Automation of the probe setup and calibration process
Metrology tools, such as AutoClock, automatically find the micron-accurate location of the sphere position in X, Y and Z without any manual intervention required. Automating this first stage of the CNC manufacturing process is vital as it ensures there are no errors which could ripple down throughout the production process and onto finished parts. There is currently no other tool on the market which viably automates this process, meaning that without metrology, micron-accurate probe setup and calibration could not be achieved.
Example 2: Automation of CNC machine checking
There are many manual tools for checking the performance of a CNC machine but these involve taking the machine out of production for a lengthy period and, as with all manual methods, risk adding errors in. CNC machine automation metrology can monitor machine performance over time, alert you in real time if the machine is underperforming and track trends so it can be predicted when maintenance may be needed.
Metrology software such as NC-Checker, automatically assesses CNC machines in areas neglected by manual methods and in a much quicker timeframe. It also goes further than just highlighting if the machine is underperforming, it shows exactly what the problem is, and in certain cases, can automatically fix the error immediately as it’s been found.
Example 3: Automation of part alignment and setup
The setup and alignment of complex parts, especially in 5-axis machining, can be a time-consuming and error-prone process if done manually, meaning automation at this stage is crucial. Metrology software, NC-PartLocator, automates the part setup process, eliminating the need to manually move or adjust the part to get it in the right position for alignment. The software uses probing to measure the part and automatically updates the controller with what the correct alignment should be, no matter where the part is on the machine. No additional machining program edits are even required.
Example 4: Automation end-to-end for lights-out machining
The products mentioned in the examples above form the MSP PerfectPart metrology package which ties these products together so each tool can communicate with the other and drive a fully automated end-to-end process. Processes can be set up to run 24/7 lights-out, in a closed-door manufacturing environment, safe in the knowledge that they will be halted if there is a threat to the end goal of producing right-first-time parts.
As explored in these examples, metrology can be a powerful tool as an automated CNC manufacturing technology. Not only can metrology provide the standard benefits of automation such as increased productivity, efficiency and maximising equipment, it can also provide vital insights for a smarter, more intelligent and safer manufacturing process. It is not something to be ignored when considering CNC automation.
