Hexagon Launches VISIUS: Affordable High-Speed Measurement for Machine Shops

At the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, Sept. 9–14, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division launches VISIUS, an intuitive optical coordinate measuring solution designed to address the evolving needs of modern manufacturers.

VISIUS combines precision, versatility, and ease of use in a single, affordable package, empowering businesses to achieve new levels of efficiency and quality. With this cost-efficient, all-in-one system, machine shops don’t have to compromise for the sake of affordability, allowing them to enhance and improve processes in an economy where every dollar counts.

Companies face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality products while managing costs and optimizing production processes. Machine shops are also facing new complexities, such as the trend toward miniaturization, pressure to move toward smaller, more sustainable, lightweight components, and a movement toward high-mix, high-volume production environments. Because addressing those trends with traditional inspection methods is often ineffective, VISIUS offers a compelling alternative, providing manufacturers with a powerful yet accessible solution.

“For far too long, manufacturers have had to choose between a rock and hard place when it comes to quality inspection,” says Ryan Toole, product manager at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. “The only options were to purchase expensive measurement tools that are highly accurate but require a skilled metrologist to use. Alternatively, the use of other tools and manual methods such as calipers and micrometers are affordable but don’t have the precision level needed to deliver consistent results. This is why we’ve developed VISIUS. By combining advanced technology with user-friendly design, we’ve created a system that empowers manufacturers to achieve exceptional results without breaking the bank.”

VISIUS comes in a simple all-in-one configuration, including:

Noncontact vision measurement: Captures high-resolution images for accurate part inspection.

Touch-probe capabilities: Provides precise measurements of discrete points.

Chromatic white-light sensor (CWS) option: Enables noncontact surface measurements.

In addition, Hexagon’s METUS measuring software is specifically designed for use with VISIUS. The software removes complexity from vision measurement workflows and reduces time and costs associated with quality and process control tasks. It offers powerful image processing algorithms, easy program creation, editing, and execution, so a specialist isn’t required to operate VISIUS.

Benefits include:

Streamlined measurement operations: In addition to basic measurements like distance, angles, and holes, the software simplifies complex measurement tasks such as creating virtual centerlines, performing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) assessments such as flatness, measuring XYZ coordinates, and making CAD comparisons.

Minimal learning curve: This intuitive software allows users to set up measurements with just a few mouse clicks and program measurement routines using a range of time-saving tools. Users can also use camera-based navigation to quickly identify points, lines, and circles to measure.

Reliable quality control: Created for manufacturing quality control, METUS high-precision measurements ensure compliance with design specification using embedded GD&T.

Easy to learn, easy to use: An intuitive user interface with simple icons makes the software easy for users to navigate and operate. Dockable command panels enable users to customize their workspace.

Clear, concise reporting: Users can create easy-to-understand, customizable reports in METUS and can export measurement report data in a range of easy-to-share files.

VISIUS eliminates the need for multiple, specialized systems while it streamlines workflows and reduces costs. Additionally, the system’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive training resources make it accessible to operators of all skill levels. It can also run unattended to free up operator time. The new all-in-one system prevents quality control processes from becoming a bottleneck, enabling cost-effective measurement at the speed of production.

VISIUS is more than just a measuring machine; it’s a low-risk, strategic investment in the future of manufacturing. By combining accuracy, versatility, and affordability, this shop floor-ready CMM empowers manufacturers to:
• Maximize throughput by improving efficiency and productivity through faster inspection cycles.
• Enhance product quality by reducing errors and defects.
• Adapt to evolving manufacturing challenges with a flexible and scalable solution.
• Optimize and maximize resources by empowering operators of all skill levels while reducing scrap through better process controls. 

VISIUS can also integrate with HxGN Visual Detection, Hexagon’s automated surface inspection software that applies machine learning to automatically detect and classify surface defects such as scratches, dents, and blemishes on a wide range of materials. Unlike other systems on the entry-level market, VISIUS offers ISO 10360 standard-compliant measurement accuracy, which ensures the traceability of measurement results and the reliability of measurements. Hexagon also offers local support across North America to give users peace of mind and keep machines running at their finest.

Experience VISIUS at IMTS

Hexagon is showcasing VISIUS at IMTS at McCormick Place, Booth No. 134102, East Building, Level 3. Stop by the booth for a demo of this affordable all-in-one optical coordinate measuring solution and speak with an industry expert about how you can obtain consistent, accurate, and reliable measurements while simplifying and streamlining production processes with VISIUS.

CMM Quarterly - for all your CMM needs