New system extended the Equator™ range of versatile gauges for shop floor process control, high-speed measurement and quality assurance.

Renishaw, a world leader in measuring and manufacturing systems, announced the launch of its latest pioneering solution for shop floor process control, the Equator-X 500 dual-method system, in June 2025. This innovative product brought unique capabilities to manufacturers around the world, enabling them to select the optimum inspection method, Absolute or Compare, for their process challenge, effectively deploying two systems in one.

The Equator-X system has been designed to address the challenges for shop floors where product variety and frequent design changes require measurement systems that are able to provide speed, flexibility and ease of use to keep pace with machining capabilities. Key benefits include increased throughput and inspection capacity; fully traceable in-process verification of parts on the shop floor, continuous validation of the production process; and the flexibility to select the optimal measurement method for each application with a single device.

Renishaw, a world leader in measuring and manufacturing systems, announced the launch of its latest pioneering solution for shop floor process control, the Equator-X 500 dual-method system, in June 2025

Speed and flexibility
The optional Absolute or Compare measurement modes address the demands of fast-paced manufacturing environments with different requirements.

In Absolute mode, the Equator-X system measures parts at scanning speeds of up to 250mm/s, significantly improving the inspection capacity and throughput for manufacturers of small to medium batch sizes and high part variety. This mode is particularly useful for first-off verification next to the machine or even at-line 100% inspection.

In Compare mode, the Equator-X system delivers an ultra-high scanning speed of up to 500mm/s and is ideal for inspecting large batches of the same component when cycle time is a priority. It also provides a high-speed measurement option where varying thermal environments present a challenge.

Innovative technology and versatile software platform
The Equator-X 500 gauge is a hexapod structure with independent drive and metrology frames. High-speed motion is achieved without compromising metrology thanks to design features such as carbon fibre metrology struts, linear motor drives and the industry standard SP25M scanning probe.

The system can be deployed as a standalone shop floor device or integrated within a fully automated cell, offering unrivalled flexibility to adapt to evolving demands and variable shop floor conditions.

MODUS IM Equator software
The standard software platform for the new Equator-X 500 system features an intuitive and feature-rich operator interface coupled with Renishaw’s latest MODUS™ IM metrology software applications. This comprehensive suite of software tools delivers outstanding convenience and robust performance for programming, reporting and operation, simplifying complex tasks and enhancing user experience.

The optional Absolute or Compare measurement modes address the demands of fast-paced manufacturing environments with different requirements. In Absolute mode, the Equator-X system measures parts at scanning speeds of up to 250mm/s

In Compare mode, the Equator-X system delivers an ultra-high scanning speed of up to 500mm/s and is ideal for inspecting large batches of the same component when cycle time is a priority

MODUS IM Equator software represents Renishaw’s first step towards intelligent metrology programming and sets a direction of travel for Renishaw in enabling more users to benefit from its inspection equipment. Leveraging over 50 years of Renishaw expertise, it enables a simple way of creating inspection programmes and characteristics-based metrology reporting, without requiring in-depth knowledge of metrology or inspection programming.

The new software enables customers to assign simple measurement features easily with a user-friendly CAD interface, and with no code required. It automatically ensures all machine movements are collision-free, and all settings follow metrology best practice. These features enable users to quickly address new part requirements and ensure high uptime for production lines.

“MODUS™ IM Equator software introduces Absolute and Compare inspection functionality to further enhance the new Equator-X™ dual method systems,” says Rob Harrison, Renishaw’s Director of Industrial Metrology Software. “Empowering our customers to easily create inspection programmes, allows them to harness the full potential of our metrology solutions.”

The new software offers an intuitive and efficient CAD-driven platform for creating and running inspection programmes. This complements the existing MODUS™ IM DMIS software, that is based on the code-driven, MODUS™ software which is also available on the Equator-X gauging system.

The standard software platform for the new Equator-X 500 system features an intuitive and feature rich operator interface coupled with Renishaw’s latest MODUS™ IM metrology software applications

The new software enables customers to assign simple measurement features easily with a user-friendly CAD interface, and with no code required. It automatically ensures all machine movements are collision-free, and all settings follow metrology best practice

As well as now offering two programming options, the MODUS™ IM platform delivers a cohesive and unified user experience across a wide range of use cases, including: inspection planning and programming, shop floor operation, integration into automation, print-formatted reporting, machine monitoring, and measurement connectivity and analytics.

For shop floor process control applications, MODUS IM Equator software integrates with the Renishaw Central manufacturing connectivity and data platform to enhance process monitoring capabilities. Renishaw Central provides a clear view of manufacturing metrology data and process control, employing Intelligent Process Control (IPC) software to provide automatic updates of tool offsets and machine tool variables.

Over the past 52 years, Renishaw’s products have revolutionised key aspects of component manufacturing and scientific research, contributing to the ability to make the high performing, precision products that we use in our daily lives. From the manufacture of aircraft, cars, smartphones, electric vehicle batteries and solar panels, to brain surgery and dentistry, there is barely an industry that does not in some way benefit from the company’s ongoing innovations.

For further information about the new Equator-X system, visit www.renishaw.com/equator-x