Measuring and scanning New software release simplifies 3D inspection workflows

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LK Metrology Ltd

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LK Metrology’s new Focus 2025 R1 software brings intuitive, automated point cloud inspection to its portable measuring arms and laser scanners — enabling seamless CAD comparisons, advanced feature analysis, and faster, smarter quality control across industries.

An intuitive point cloud inspection package, Focus 2025 R1, has been integrated into the software suite offered by portable measuring arm supplier and coordinate measuring machine and laser scanner manufacturer LK Metrology, Castle Donington, UK. Branded to align with other products in the company’s range, the easy-to-use, 3D digital inspection software provides users with part-to-CAD comparisons and advanced feature inspection. It includes the latest laser scanner driver NM API 5.0 R1 installer, ensuring optimal compatibility between the software and laser scanning hardware. New also is modernisation of the file menu to a backstage interface, which provides clear visibility of a large set of recent files and their locations.

The software is designed to seamlessly drive LK Metrology's class-leading handheld H120 laser scanner and Freedom measuring arms. The clear GUI (graphical user interface) makes users feel at ease immediately, providing direct access to the most frequently used functions. Inspection is guided by an intuitive ribbon taskbar, which progressively leads the user through each stage of an inspection job. The process encompasses nominal part definition, including feature creation and extraction, GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing), handheld measurement through scanning and probing, alignment of the measured part and inspection reporting.

Focus supports a range of CAD formats, from neutral standards such as Step and Iges to native formats including Catia, Creo, NX, Solid Works, Acis, VDA-FS and Parasolid. By accommodating such a comprehensive library of formats, the software enables a seamless flow of information across design, manufacturing and quality functions. Tightly integrated data acquisition and intelligent processing and reporting are provided, with direct access to workflow selection, customisation and automation to facilitate setup and job execution. Results including deviation analysis data are presented in clear graphical or tabular reports, making them easy to interpret and share among operators, managers and suppliers.

Further enhancing the software’s capabilities are the ability to analyse virtually unlimited point clouds, even those with over 100 million points, together with comprehensive point cloud tools including the proprietary Fuse algorithm, which can generate extremely high-quality polygon meshes automatically by intelligently leveraging scanner metadata. Advanced feature detection routines automatically identify and analyse geometric elements, ranging from simple holes and slots to complex fir-tree and T-stud features. The software also supports tactile probing and a leapfrog function to inspect very large parts by moving the measuring device. Virtual assembly functionality allows digital copies of reference parts to be used to build an assembly with a CAD model or point cloud data, saving material and time by avoiding expensive templates, fixtures and lengthy physical assembly builds.

Automation is a key benefit of Focus, which incorporates standard functionality to support non-stop execution of repetitive inspection tasks. Macro-based recording of actions requires no specific programming skills and can automate the entire inspection workflow, from nominal CAD import to final reporting. The software also offers a wealth of functionalities for specialised applications, such as the Airfoil Inspection module, which allows precise calculation of various aerofoil profile measurements from cross-sections and can generate dedicated reports.

The versatility of operation provided by the software benefits a range of industrial and non-industrial sectors. In the aerospace and defence sector, it can be used for quality control of landing systems, engine blades, structures and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul). For automotive applications, it is suitable for press and body, benchmarking, aerodynamics, ergonomics, styling and trim. It also serves general manufacturing, heavy industry such as rail, shipbuilding and construction, power generation including renewable, healthcare and consumer sectors.

Dave Robinson, LK’s marketing manager commented, “As industries continue to evolve towards smarter and more connected manufacturing, the role of digital inspection becomes ever more important. Focus 2025 R1 reflects not only this trend, but also our philosophy of continuous innovation.

“We’ve listened closely to our customers and invested in capabilities that simplify complex inspection, while ensuring compatibility with the latest scanning technologies. The result is a software release that is not only powerful but also intuitive, designed to help our users maximise their productivity.”

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