60th year of LK Metrology
LK Metrology, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) developer, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The company was first established in 1963 by former Rolls Royce engineer and CMM pioneer Norman Key and Jim Lowther. Just nine years later, Key worked alongside future Renishaw co-founder, Sir David McMurtry, on Renishaw’s touch-trigger probe.
Key information:
- LK Metrology, which was first established in 1963, is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
- The company has been accredited with introducing many CMM industry firsts including bridge-type CMM and carbon fibre composite spindles.
- While LK Metrology was around at the birth of the industry, they are still making innovations today. Amongst the company's most recent releases includes the SLK20 high-end laser line scanner.
In its 60 years, LK Metrology has been credited with introducing various technologies to the CMM industry. These include bridge-type CMM, carbon fibre composite spindles, exclusive use of air bearings and granite guideways, high-accuracy horizontal-spindle CMM, inspection software, microprocessor-controlled drive systems, and true thermal stability of the measuring platform.
In 2008, LK Metrology was bought out by the ASF Metrology group. This change of hands brought in a new age for the company. It now manufactures a range of FREEDOM-branded portable measuring arms and metrology accessories including laser scanners and a surface roughness probe.
“When I acquired LK, many staff had been with the company for decades and continue to give their total commitment,” said Angelo Muscarella, Owner and CEO of the ASF Metrology group. “They, and indeed I, are proud to work in such a prestigious company. There is dynamism throughout our network of offices and distribution companies around the world, with everyone sharing common values and operating as a family.”
He continued, “We are looking forward to maintaining our rapid growth and would like to thank all our customers for making this possible.”
The future for LK Metrology
Looking forward to the future, LK Metrology looks set to continue to grow. In 2022, the company signed a contract to supply 35 new CMM cells to a new aerospace manufacturing facility which are set to be installed by the end of 2023.
"We and the Precision Measurement Group of the Cross Company have finalised an agreement that brings the LK line of CMMs and related metrology products to the Cross Company’s calibration labs and service centres across Southeast and Central US,” said Brian Samson, Managing Director of LK Metrology Inc in New Hudson, Michigan.
Business in the Asian market also continues to grow. “We have an exclusive master distributor in China. This financial year has seen sales of more than 1.8 million EUR, with 15 machines ordered. It represents a 62% increase on the previous 12 months in this fast-growing market,” said Paul Druce, LK Metrology’s Service Manager based in Castle Donington.
"We first exported to China in 1979 and the number of LK CMMs there and in Hong Kong and Taiwan now exceeds 600. Working volumes range from 600 x 500 x 400 mm up to a 6,000 x 6,000 x 3,000 mm colossus. In two offices in Beijing and Shanghai, LK China currently employs seven staff including two service engineers, both of whom have been with the company for over 20 years,” Druce continued.
In July, the company will release the latest version of its measurement, programming, analysis, and reporting software, CAMIO. Additionally, LK Metrology will launch a larger version of its laser line scanner, as well as a tool changer with a capacity of five probe ports per changer.