Multisensor metrology systems have evolved over the past 20 years to integrate a wide array of sensor techniques—optical, laser, touch-probe, white light and scanning probe—into highly accurate three-axis coordinate measuring machines. Advanced measuring software allows all sensors to remain simultaneously calibrated and available for deployment at any step in a measurement routine. Multisensor systems allow complex parts to be easily measured in one setup using the best sensor for each measurement situation.
The only significant limitation on using the full array of sensors has been that deployment was limited to the standard three-axes of motion (X, Y and Z) of the measuring machine. Something as simple as inspecting both sides of a part required the part to be removed and re-fixtured for measurement of the second side. More complex measurements, such as relationships between features on different surfaces were sometimes impossible to make using a three-axis measuring system.