CMM COMPASS
CMM COMPASS Choose by Manufacturer KEYENCE

KEYENCE

Contents.

This section presents research on KEYENCE Corporation, a company engaged in the development of various measuring machines and FA sensors. We have compiled the features and functions of their representative series of three-dimensional measuring machines. Additionally, the company's approach to its business and initiatives is also introduced.

KEYENCE's CMMs

XM Series

Image of CMM 'XM series (KEYENCE)'
Source: KEYENCE website (https://www.keyence.com/products/measure-sys/cmm/xm/index_pr.jsp)

This handheld CMM is portable and can be used anywhere. The user simply places the machine on a table and uses the image navigator to confirm the measurement point.

This CMM can achieve a repeatability accuracy of ±3 μm through the use of a handheld probe. While some conventional CMMs require users to learn how to operate them, KEYENCE's CMMs can be operated intuitively, like using a hand tool such as a vernier caliper. This makes them a good choice for first-time users.

The CM Series can be used in a variety of ways to suit the needs of the work environment. In addition to measuring on a target stage, the measurement head can be attached to a dedicated pole or tripod and used to make measurements in a manner similar to taking photos with a standard camera.

The reference camera can accurately capture the rotation of the target in all directions, enabling high-precision measurement. The CMM also includes support functions, such as a color map function that compares the measurement results to 3D CAD data, and statistical analysis functions.

WM Series

Image of CMM 'WM series (KEYENCE)'
Source:KEYENCE website (https://www.keyence.com/products/measure-sys/cmm/wm/)

KEYENCE's WM series is a CMM developed for the measurement of large products and devices. Despite its compact design, it has a maximum measurement range of 15m. This enables the measurement of large parts and products that are difficult to measure with bridge-type CMMs.

The CMM can be transported in a dedicated case, making it easy to take to the measurement location. After setting up the CMM by pressing the button on the probe, the user can start measuring without having to perform any tedious setup tasks.

After measurement, the user can display the measurement results in a color map and export them to a data file. The measurement data can also be automatically converted into a inspection report, eliminating the need for manual labor.

About KEYENCE

A global leading company providing products with high added value

KEYENCE, a technology-driven Japanese manufacturer, was founded in 1974. The company primarily develops and manufactures sensors, measuring instruments, image processing equipment, and control and measurement instruments. It was listed on the first section of the Tokyo and Osaka Stock Exchanges in 1990 and moved to the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2022.

In line with the company's basic philosophy of "continued creation of products with high added value," 70% of its new products are world or Japan firsts. KEYENCE is recognized as a leading company in the global market for its constant innovation and new market development.

Three pillars for creating new value

KEYENCE's ability to continuously create new value is rooted its employee behavior guidelines and corporate culture. The company has three pillars:

  • Understanding the customer's latent needs and core challenges. This approach identifies solutions by focusing on essential aspects.
  • Purpose-driven thinking and proactive action. It is important to understand technology's purpose and not to be bound by existing means.
  • Understanding the field and conducting direct sales. KEYENCE sells its CMMs and offers support through a direct sales system without using agents.

Global service and support system of consistent quality

KEYENCE has expanded to 46 countries and 240 locations (as of November 2023) and has established service and support systems in each region. The company is maintaining a high level of service by training local staff and collaborating with local equipment manufacturers.

Outside of Japan, it is not uncommon for products or parts to take time to arrive. However, KEYENCE has a same-day shipping system for support and replacement machines, and all products are shipped free of charge. The company also offers free loan of test machines.

Who is KEYENCE recommended for?

KEYENCE's CMMs are designed to be compact and easy to use for anyone, anywhere. The company's focus on understanding the needs of the field and their target markets has led to the development of products that are well-suited for companies and facilities with limited space, staff, or time.

Therefore, KEYENCE's CMMs are recommended for companies and facilities that:

  • Have existing CMMs that are not being fully utilized.
  • Are experiencing long measurement room wait times.
  • Want to be able to measure directly on-site.

KEYENCE also offers a comprehensive support system that makes it easy for companies to get started with their CMMs.

   

Top 3 Recommendations for CMM
by Application

For Ease of Use
and Versatility
XM Series(KEYENCE)

Source: KEYENCE Website(https://www.keyence.com/products/measure-sys/cmm/xm/index_pr.jsp)

This CMM has a caliper-like feel, enabling even beginners to perform high-precision measurements. It can be carried without the need for temperature control, allowing for immediate measurements at any desired location and time. As it doesn't require a large installation space, it's a CMM with a low entry barrier.

  • A unique handheld-type CMM that can be used with a caliper-like feel
  • Usable outside of the measurement room
  • Wide measurement range of up to 2m
KEYENCE Website Read More
For Measurement Accuracy
and Stability
ZEISS XENOS(Carl Zeiss)

Source: Carl Zeiss Website(https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/products/systems/cmm.html)

Utilizing linear drive on all axes, this CMM boasts high precision with a maximum permissible length measurement error of 0.3+L/1000μm, repeatability of ±0.2μm, and resolution of 0.001μm. The reduced occurrence of errors allows for a decrease in the need for remeasurement.

  • Maximum permissible length measurement error of 0.3+L/1000μm
  • Repeatability of ±0.2μm
  • Resolution of 0.001μm
Carl Zeiss Website Read More
For Smart Factory
Integration
CRYSTA-Apex(Mitutoyo)

Source: Mitutoyo Website(https://www.mitutoyo.com/products/coordinate-measuring-machines/)

A CNC CMM that was first developed in 1976.

It features applications that respond to the demand for "Smart Factories" by allowing monitoring of operational status and maintenance management of the machine through the network.

  • Developed by drawing on over 80 years of manufacturing expertise
  • Selection of optimal probe for the workpiece
  • Compatible with Smart Factory environments
Mitutoyo Website Read More

Reasons for Selection

  • Ease of Use and Versatility: Based on our research, these CMMs offers the highest precision and a wide measurement range among handheld devices usable outside the measurement room.
  • Measurement Accuracy and Stability: Among the surveyed options, these CMMs exhibit the highest values in terms of maximum allowable length measurement error, repeatability, and resolution.
  • Smart Factory Integration: Among the surveyed manufacturers, these CMMs are most extensively implemented as CNC CMM compatible with S.M.S. (SMART Measurement System).