Handheld-type coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are small and lightweight probe-based devices operated manually to measure objects. Their ability to perform measurements easily at any time and place is a significant advantage.
Here, we have carefully selected handheld CMMs that offer high versatiliy as well as high ease of use, enabling even beginners to achieve high-precision measurements by means of a caliper-like user experience.
(Selection criteria) Handheld devices that can be used outside of measurement rooms and offer the highest precision and broadest measuring range among the models we evaluated.
The XM Series from KEYENCE is a handheld-type CMM that enables high-precision measurements simply by touching a probe to the object. Unlike traditional bridge-type CMMs, which can only move along three axes and require recalibration with each change in posture, the XM Series allows measurements from any angle or posture with its handheld probe.
Compact and suitable for desktop use, it can be easily transported to various locations such as the manufacturing site or the office. Despite its compactness, it features a large camera field of view of up to 2m, making it capable of measuring a wide range of objects, from small desk items to large workpieces that are difficult to move. The camera can also be detached from the stage, enabling on-machine measurements even with workpieces fixed to machine tools.
The XM Series is also highly resistant to environmental conditions, ensuring accurate measurements in environments with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C and humidity levels of 10% to 80%. It doesn't require temperature-controlled measurement rooms, large spaces, or compressors, offering the flexibility to measure wherever and whenever needed.
Designed to be user-friendly even for beginners, the XM Series combines advanced CMM technology with ease of use. Its operation is as simple as using calipers, making it accessible regardless of the operator's level of experience. The navigation settings facilitate easy repetitive measurements. Additionally, standard features include automatic creation of work instructions with images as well as inspection reports, contributing to reduced operational costs on-site.
The WM Series by KEYENCE is a handheld coordinate measuring machine boasting a measurement range of up to 15 meters. Its ability to measure from any angle makes it ideal for complex shapes or workpieces with depth, ensuring smooth and accurate measurements.
On-site, the camera of the main unit continuously tracks the position and orientation of the handheld probe, recognizing its location instantly, regardless of the operator’s position. This feature simplifies the measurement of large workpieces that traditionally required multiple people, allowing for easy and quick measurements by a single operator.
One of the significant advantages of the WM Series is its ease of use, requiring no high level of skill. Setting up the device is as simple as connecting two cables, and measurements can be started by selecting the measurement element on the monitor and pressing a button. The touch panel monitor mounted on the probe enables intuitive and visual operation, offering a new approach that addresses the issues of traditional CMMs.
The WM Series is particularly effective in measuring large parts and equipment. For instance, for inspection jigs, the measuring of form tolerances like profile and flatness is very important. The WM series, it is possible to determine the positional relationship of clamps and positioning pins of the inspection jig.
Also, for large welded products traditionally measured by multiple people using calipers or micrometers, the WM Series enables high-precision measurements with simple one-person operation. Measurements can be performed without unloading the workpiece from the machine tool, and inspection reports with pictures of the measured areas can be created on the spot, significantly enhancing efficiency.
The FARO Gage Max FaroArm is a portable coordinate measuring arm known for its ergonomic counterbalanced design and reliable performance in tactile inspection. Ideal for medium-range measurements, it offers flexible probing and high stability in field or shop-floor conditions.
The ATLASCAN Max handheld 3D scanning solution provides non-contact optical measurement with high-density point cloud acquisition. It supports reverse engineering, surface analysis, and complex feature capture without physical probes, enabling fast and detailed shape inspection.
A typical workflow for handheld CMM use begins with setting up the device and establishing a reference or zero point. Operators then approach the workpiece, guiding the contact probe or scanning head along the features of interest. Tactile points or scanned surface data are collected and sent to software for dimensional comparison, tolerance checks, and reporting.
Integrated software typically assists with measurement path definition, alignment to CAD models, and visualization, allowing even novice users to complete measurements with confidence after minimal training.
Handheld CMMs are widely used for on-site inspection of large parts, where moving heavy workpieces into a dedicated metrology room is impractical. They are valuable for assembly verification, alignment checks, mold or tooling inspection, and field maintenance surveys directly at the point of installation.
Non-contact scanners such as ATLASCAN Max are beneficial for reverse engineering freeform surfaces, while arm-type devices like the FARO Gage Max FaroArm excel in tactile inspection in rugged production environments.
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.
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.
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.
Reasons for Selection
