Hexagon - Global provider of metrology solutions: Advancing precision measurement worldwide

Hexagon stands out as a key player in the world of metrology solutions. This global company offers a wide range of tools and technologies to measure and inspect products across many industries.

Hexagon's metrology portfolio includes coordinate measuring machines, portable measuring arms, laser trackers, and 3D optical scanners.

Hexagon has grown beyond just metrology. The company now provides digital reality solutions that combine sensors, software, and autonomous technologies. These tools help businesses boost efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety in fields like manufacturing, infrastructure, and mobility.

For companies facing changing production needs or resource shortages, Hexagon offers measurement services. These services give businesses access to expert knowledge and equipment to keep production moving during uncertain times.

With its broad range of solutions, Hexagon aims to help companies harness data to improve their operations.

About Hexagon

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions. The company combines sensor, software, and autonomous technologies to create innovative products and services.

Hexagon's solutions help customers boost efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety across various industries. These include manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.

The company has a strong focus on metrology, which is the science of measurement. Hexagon offers a wide range of metrology solutions for smart manufacturing.

Their metrology portfolio includes:

• Hand tools
• Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)
• Portable measuring arms
• Laser trackers
• 3D optical scanners

Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division is a key part of the company. It empowers makers to redefine manufacturing through innovation.

The division's technologies support the entire product lifecycle. This includes concept, design, manufacturing, testing, and servicing.

Hexagon has a history of growth and expansion. In recent years, it has acquired several companies to enhance its capabilities in production software and other areas.

Metrology Solutions Offered

Hexagon provides a wide range of metrology solutions for industries that need precise measurements. These include hardware, software, and services to meet various measurement needs.

Hardware

Hexagon offers diverse metrology hardware for different applications. Their lineup includes coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) for high-accuracy 3D measurements. Portable measuring arms allow flexibility in measuring large or hard-to-reach objects.

For long-range measurements, Hexagon provides laser trackers. These are useful in aerospace and large-scale manufacturing. The company also offers 3D optical scanners for quick, detailed surface measurements.

Hand tools like calipers and micrometers are available for basic measurements. Hexagon's hardware range covers needs from simple to complex metrology tasks.

Software

Metrology software from Hexagon helps users get the most out of their hardware. Their programs handle data collection, analysis, and reporting.

One new offering is Metrology Mentor, a cloud-based app that automates measurement programming. This saves time and improves consistency in repeated measurements.

Hexagon's software works with various data types, including point clouds from 3D scans. It can compare measured data to CAD models for quality control. The software also helps with statistical process control to track manufacturing trends.

Services

Hexagon supports its products with a range of services. They offer training to help users get the most from their metrology tools. This includes both hardware operation and software use.

The company provides calibration services to keep measuring equipment accurate. They also offer repair and maintenance to minimize downtime.

For complex projects, Hexagon offers consulting services. Their experts can help design measurement strategies for challenging parts or processes. They also assist with metrology-assisted manufacturing, using measurement data to improve production.

Industries Served

Hexagon provides metrology solutions for several key industries. These solutions help improve quality control, efficiency, and precision in manufacturing processes across different sectors.

Aerospace

Hexagon offers metrology solutions tailored to the aerospace industry's strict requirements. These tools help ensure the accuracy of aircraft components and assemblies.

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are used to inspect large aerospace parts with high precision. Portable measuring arms allow for flexible on-site inspections of aircraft structures.

Laser trackers aid in the alignment of aircraft sections during assembly. 3D optical scanners capture detailed surface data of complex aerospace parts. These technologies help aerospace manufacturers maintain tight tolerances and meet rigorous safety standards.

Automotive

The automotive industry relies on Hexagon's metrology equipment for quality control throughout the production process. CMMs inspect car body panels and engine components with accuracy. Optical measurement systems check surface quality and gaps between parts.

Metrology-assisted manufacturing improves the accuracy of robotic assembly lines. 3D scanners create digital models of vehicle prototypes for design verification. Portable measuring arms allow for quick inspections on the factory floor. These tools help automakers maintain consistency and precision in high-volume production environments.

Energy

Hexagon serves the energy sector with specialized metrology solutions. Large-scale CMMs measure turbine components for power plants. Laser trackers align wind turbine blades and towers during installation. Portable measuring arms inspect oil and gas pipeline sections.

3D scanners create digital twins of complex energy infrastructure for maintenance planning. These tools help energy companies ensure the reliability and efficiency of their equipment. Precision measurement is crucial for maximizing energy output and minimizing downtime in power generation facilities.

Research and Development

Hexagon puts great emphasis on research and development to stay at the forefront of metrology solutions. The company's R&D efforts focus on creating tools that help make data work for a more autonomous and sustainable future.

Hexagon's Innovation Hub is the center of its research activities. Here, engineers, researchers, and product specialists collaborate to drive innovation forward.

The R&D team works on various technologies, including:

• Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)
• Portable measuring arms
• Laser trackers
• 3D optical scanners

They also develop software for 3D metrology, CT analysis, and statistical process control.

Hexagon's Chief Technology Officer, Burkhard Boeckem, leads the company's innovation strategy. Under his guidance, the R&D team focuses on accelerating, simplifying, and future-proofing innovation.

The company's research efforts extend to integrating physical attributes into the digital thread. This approach improves the accuracy of manufacturing operations and enables continuous learning and improvement.

Quality and Standards

Hexagon places a strong emphasis on quality management and adherence to industry standards. The company offers quality management systems (QMS) to help businesses improve their products and processes.

These QMS solutions enable manufacturers to manage quality throughout the entire product lifecycle. They provide tools for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing various aspects of production.

Key features of Hexagon's QMS include:

• Cloud-based applications
• Data-driven decision making
• Compliance management
• Environment, health, and safety (EHS) tracking

Hexagon's ETQ Reliance software is a notable QMS solution. It offers over 40 best-in-class applications to help businesses maintain high quality standards.

The company's metrology solutions also play a crucial role in quality control. They provide precise measurements and inspections to ensure products meet required specifications.

By integrating QMS with metrology, Hexagon helps manufacturers improve quality from concept to customer. This comprehensive approach allows for better consistency and reduced production times.

Hexagon's Global Reach

Hexagon provides metrology solutions worldwide through an extensive network. The company operates in many countries across different continents and maintains numerous service centers to support customers globally.

Continents and Countries

Hexagon has a presence on six continents. Its operations span North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The company has offices in over 50 countries, including major markets like the United States, China, Germany, and Japan.

In Europe, Hexagon maintains strong footholds in manufacturing hubs. Key locations include Sweden, where the company was founded, and Italy, home to many precision engineering firms.

Hexagon's reach extends to emerging markets too. It has growing operations in India, Brazil, and Southeast Asian nations. This global spread allows Hexagon to serve diverse industries and adapt to local needs.

Network of Service Centers

Hexagon's metrology solutions are backed by a wide network of service centers. These centers provide crucial support to customers using Hexagon's tools and systems.

The service network includes calibration labs, repair facilities, and training centers. Many are strategically placed near industrial zones for quick response times.

Hexagon offers measurement services through these centers. This helps clients handle sudden production changes or resource shortages.

The company's service network also facilitates software updates and technical support. This ensures customers can fully leverage Hexagon's metrology systems for precise manufacturing.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Hexagon has formed key partnerships to enhance its metrology solutions.

The company recently partnered with Microsoft to improve manufacturing processes using cloud technology. This collaboration aims to speed up innovation in discrete manufacturing.

It combines data from virtual engineering with real-world product measurements. The partnership integrates Hexagon's Nexus platform with Microsoft 365 and Azure services. This connection allows for better collaboration among engineers.

Hexagon has also joined forces with other industry leaders.

They partnered with Plex Systems to offer smart manufacturing solutions. This agreement lets Hexagon sell Plex MES to its customers.

In another move, Hexagon signed a global partnership with GelSight. This deal focuses on tactile sensing products. Both companies will promote and sell these technologies together.

These partnerships show Hexagon's commitment to advancing metrology. By working with other experts, they create more powerful and integrated solutions for manufacturers.

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Hexagon takes sustainability and corporate responsibility seriously. The company has made commitments in five key areas to achieve its goals.

These areas include:

• A sustainable supply chain
• Operating sustainably
• Carbon reduction
• Corporate social responsibility
• Equity and inclusion

Hexagon actively supports the United Nations Global Compact principles. These cover environmental protection, fair labor practices, human rights, and anti-corruption.

The company has set specific targets to improve its environmental and social impact.

In 2021, Hexagon announced new sustainability goals focused on reducing carbon emissions, auditing suppliers, and increasing gender diversity.

Responsibility for sustainability at Hexagon lies with the Chief Strategy Officer. The Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team provide oversight and accountability.

To track progress, Hexagon publishes an annual sustainability report. This report details the company's efforts and achievements in environmental, social, and governance areas.

Customer Success Stories

Hexagon's metrology solutions have helped many companies improve their operations. Let's look at some real-world examples.

ŠKODA AUTO, a major car maker, partnered with Hexagon to upgrade its manufacturing.

They implemented automated measurement systems across their facilities. This led to big gains in measurement capacity and quality.

W. Gardner, a construction company in Florida, used Hexagon tech to grow quickly. They became a strong competitor in utility and site construction in Jacksonville.

Hexagon's tools cover many areas:

• Hand tools
• Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)
• Portable measuring arms
• Laser trackers
• 3D optical scanners

These tools help companies in different industries measure with high accuracy.

Cargill worked with Hexagon to roll out a global software system. They faced some challenges but found success. This shows how Hexagon's solutions can work on a large scale.

These stories prove that Hexagon's tech can boost productivity and quality across various fields.

Future Prospects

Hexagon's future in metrology looks bright.

The company continues to innovate and expand its offerings to meet evolving industry needs.

One key area of growth is advanced metrology solutions.

These cutting-edge technologies promise improved efficiency and accuracy for manufacturers.

Automation is another important trend.

Hexagon's Absolute Scanner AS1 can collect 1.2 million data points per second, enabling faster and more precise measurements.

The company is also focusing on sustainability.

Through its Sixth Sense program, Hexagon supports startups working on sustainable manufacturing solutions.

Hexagon's broad portfolio positions it well for the future:

• Coordinate measuring machines
• Portable measuring arms
• Laser trackers
• 3D optical scanners

These diverse offerings allow Hexagon to serve a wide range of industries and applications.

As manufacturing becomes more digital and data-driven, Hexagon's expertise in metrology and data analysis will likely become even more valuable.

The company's ongoing investment in research and development should help it stay at the forefront of industry trends.