French Méca-Précis Introduces Mitutoyo Robotic Measurement Cell to Solve 80-Hour Inspection Bottleneck
2026-06-02 10:54
Favorite

en.Wedoany.com Reported - French precision component manufacturer Méca-Précis, in collaboration with metrology equipment supplier Mitutoyo, has introduced a robotic measurement cell equipped with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to resolve an inspection bottleneck caused by rising production volumes and customer demands for 100% inspection. Previously, inspecting a single complex satellite component could take up to 80 hours. Less than a year after the initial meeting between Mitutoyo, system integrator Engineering Data, and Méca-Précis, the robotic measurement cell was operational, and after six months of fine-tuning, it was fully deployed.

Located in Châtillon-sur-Indre, France, Méca-Précis specializes in prototypes, custom single parts, small to medium batches, and welded mechanical assemblies, manufacturing complex components for the aerospace sector, including the satellite industry, as well as components and complete assemblies for a global leader in cardboard packaging machinery. Customers require 100% inspection of all dimensions for every manufactured part, both before and after surface treatment. Inspecting a single pin takes about one minute, but inspecting 300 pins requires five hours. As production volumes continued to increase, with multiple CNC machining centers running overnight, the existing CMM could no longer keep pace, and the two inspectors were increasingly overwhelmed.

Mitutoyo and its partners have successfully significantly accelerated component inspection for a French manufacturer of complex aerospace parts. This is achieved through robotics and a coordinate measuring machine. Learn more about this project here... (Image: Mitutoyo)

Since the original CMM manufacturer could not provide a suitable alternative, Méca-Précis turned to Mitutoyo for assistance. Mitutoyo proposed a robotic measurement cell equipped with a CMM and collaborated with system integrator Engineering Data, which specializes in clamping technology and machining center automation, on the project design.

Mitutoyo's new 3D measuring machine 'MiSTAR 555' is installed in Méca-Précis's robotic measurement cell. Its accuracy is guaranteed over a wide temperature range, thanks to its efficiently operating absolute encoders. (Image: Mitutoyo)

The robot in the measurement cell loads the parts to be inspected into the storage area. It then sequentially retrieves stored trays and places them on the CMM worktable. A clamping device (as shown) ensures precise positioning and sufficient stability throughout the measurement process. (Image: Mitutoyo)

In the robotic measurement cell, parts to be inspected are placed on trays designed for robotic handling, and the inspection cycle runs fully autonomously. Engineering Data's expertise in machine tool loading automation, combined with Mitutoyo's knowledge of measurement technology, successfully enabled this solution to be deployed less than a year after the initial meeting, achieving full operation after six months of fine-tuning. This system integrator, specializing in clamping technology and machining center automation, collaborated with Mitutoyo on the project design.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com