LK Metrology optimistic after three years of independence
25/05/2021
LK Metrology, the Derbyshire, UK-based coordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufacturer, is this year celebrating its 58th anniversary as a fully independent company once again, following a change of ownership in 2018. The company pioneered CMM technology and its name is linked to numerous innovations, such as ceramic bridge design, air bearing and granite guideways, carbon fibre composite spindles and horizontal-arm coordinate measuring.The new proprietor, Angelo Muscarella, who also runs Italian firm ASF Metrology, is keen to share the progress that LK Metrology has made in the short time he has been in charge. He said: “We are delighted to find ourselves entering the fourth year of operation in April 2021 with a healthy order book. Revenue met budget in the last financial year and we even made a profit, despite incredibly difficult trading conditions due to the pandemic. Machine service and upgrade activities actually performed ahead of budget every month since July 2020.”
In the USA, an expanded dealer sales network has been established by LK Metrology’s Michigan subsidiary, involving nine new companies and 20 facilities. Considerable sales success has been achieved in this market, a case of note being the supply to an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of a CMM capable of 0.8 micron measuring accuracy throughout a 1500 × 1000 × 800 mm measuring volume, a level of performance that competitor CMM suppliers were unable to match, it is claimed. The installation is supporting the inspection of machined automatic transmission gears and shafts prior to their transfer to an assembly line.
Sales in Asia continue to be strong, while major corporations throughout Europe have resumed investing. Activity levels are also high in Russia and South Africa. In all markets, the automotive and aerospace industries are particularly buoyant. In addition to new machine sales, retrofit projects and the renewal of service contracts have boosted LK Metrology’s revenue globally.The ASF Metrology group has completed ISO 17025 accreditation, the main standard used by testing and calibration laboratories around the world, which places the LK team of service engineers in the accredited list. The company also recently passed an ISO 9001 audit without a single non-conformance. Furthermore, after two years of endeavour, the CMM manufacturer has been officially registered for the Russian market through a local sales partner in Moscow.
The past year has given LK Metrology an opportunity to concentrate on research and development in the areas of new CMM sensors, accessories, software integrations and other new products to enhance its offering. Work is at an advanced stage on the development and integration of a new laser scanner and several derived products for deployment on static CMMs and articulated arms. Ease of use will ensure that the benefits of laser scanning will be routinely exploited, even by inexperienced operators, and a competitive price structure should lead to their widespread adoption.
www.lkmetrology.com
