Manual Optical & 3D Measuring Machines – M3 Series

Description The M3 Series Industrial Manual Vision Measuring Machines are designed for precision dimensional inspection in manufacturing, engineering and quality control environments. Built on a precision granite structure and equipped with high-resolution optics, the M3 Series delivers reliable and repeatable measurement performance for a wide range of industrial applications. Available in measuring capacities from 250 × 150mm through to 500 × 400mm, the M3 Series supports both standard 2D optical measurement and advanced 3D touch probe measurement through configurable A and B platforms. The M3 Series is ideal for manufacturers requiring accurate dimensional verification, first article inspection, incoming goods inspection and process quality control. Optional touch probe technology expands measurement capability to include heights, depths, step heights and complex geometric features. With powerful iMeasuring software, programmable LED illumination and a precision measuring stage, the M3 Series provides an excellent balance between affordability, flexibility and industrial-grade measurement capability. Features Precision granite base and column construction Measuring capacities from 250 × 150mm to 500 × 400mm High precision optical scales with 0.5μm resolution Repeatability up to 2μm Measurement accuracy up to 3.0 + L/200μm 6.5X high-resolution zoom lens Optical magnification 0.7X – 4.5X Video magnification 26X – 172X High-resolution digital camera Programmable 4-ring 8-zone LED surface illumination LED contour illumination Optional coaxial lighting iMeasuring metrology software included Supports geometric dimension and tolerance inspection Optional touch probe for 3D measurement Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 Available Models Model Measuring Range (X × Y × Z) M3-VMS-2515 250 × 150 × 200mm M3-VMS-3020 300 × 200 × 200mm M3-VMS-4030 400 × 300 × 200mm VMS-5040 500 × 400 × 200mm Available Configurations Standard 2D Optical Measurement M3-VMS-2515 M3-VMS-3020 M3-VMS-4030 VMS-5040 A – Camera + Zoom Enhanced optical measurement capability with zoom lens technology for advanced dimensional inspection. M3-VMS-2515A M3-VMS-3020A M3-VMS-4030A VMS-5040A B – Camera + Probe (3D) Combines optical measurement with touch probe technology for height, depth and 3D measurement applications. M3-VMS-2515B M3-VMS-3020B M3-VMS-4030B VMS-5040B Applications First Article Inspection (FAI) Quality Control Inspection Incoming Goods Inspection Precision Machining Toolmaking Mould Manufacturing Automotive Components Aerospace Components Medical Device Manufacturing Electronics Manufacturing Production Verification Engineering Workshops Research & Development Specifications Specification M3-VMS-2515 M3-VMS-3020 M3-VMS-4030 VMS-5040 X Travel 250mm 300mm 400mm 500mm Y Travel 150mm 200mm 300mm 400mm Z Travel 200mm 200mm 200mm 200mm Resolution 0.5μm 0.5μm 0.5μm 0.5μm XY Accuracy ≤3.0 + L/200μm ≤3.0 + L/200μm ≤3.0 + L/200μm ≤3.0 + L/200μm Z Accuracy ≤5 + L/200μm ≤5 + L/200μm ≤5 + L/200μm ≤5 + L/200μm Repeatability 2μm 2μm 2μm 2μm Camera High Resolution Digital Camera High Resolution Digital Camera High Resolution Digital Camera High Resolution Digital Camera Zoom Lens 6.5X 6.5X 6.5X 6.5X Software iMeasuring iMeasuring iMeasuring iMeasuring Standard Accessories M3 Series Vision Measuring Machine High Resolution Digital Camera 6.5X Zoom Lens Surface LED Illumination System Contour LED Illumination System iMeasuring Software Calibration Certificate User Documentation Downloads M3 Datasheet Alternative Names Industrial Vision Measuring Machine Manual Video Measuring System Optical Measuring Machine Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine Video Measurement System Dimensional Inspection Machine Vision Inspection System Non-Contact Measuring Machine 2D Measuring Machine 3D Measuring Machine Touch Probe Measuring System Industrial Metrology System Why Choose the M3 Series? The M3 Series bridges the gap between entry-level optical measurement and advanced dimensional metrology. With larger measuring capacities, optional touch probe technology and industrial-grade construction, it provides manufacturers with a scalable platform capable of handling everything from routine dimensional inspection through to advanced 3D measurement applications. The combination of high accuracy, flexible configurations and future upgrade capability makes the M3 Series an excellent choice for dedicated quality departments, manufacturing facilities and engineering workshops seeking reliable, long-term measurement performance. Downloads M2 Datasheet M3 Datasheet M4 Datasheet V3 Datasheet A6 Datasheet Help Me Choose a Vision Measuring Machine Vision Measuring Machines (VMMs) are available in a wide range of sizes, automation levels and measurement technologies. Selecting the right system depends on your part size, measurement requirements, inspection volume and level of automation required. Use the quick selection guide below to identify the most suitable series for your application, then compare individual models using the comparison table. Quick Selection Guide If you need to... Recommended Series Measure small precision parts occasionally M2 Series Perform daily quality inspections M3 Series Increase inspection speed and repeatability M4 Series Automate production inspection routines V3 Series Measure large components or assemblies A6 Bridge CNC Series Measure heights and depths B or D Configuration Measure surface profiles and delicate surfaces C or D Configuration Perform complete dimensional analysis D Configuration Create automated inspection programs V3 or A6 Series Measure large aerospace, tooling or fabricated components A6 Series Vision Measuring Machine Comparison Table Compare all Vision Measuring Machine models by measuring capacity, measurement technology, automation level and intended application. For an explanation of each specification, measurement configuration and automation level, please refer to the guide below the comparison table. Series Variant X Travel Y Travel Z Travel Config Automation Best For M2 M2-1510 150 100 100 2D Manual Small precision parts M2 M2-2010 200 100 100 2D Manual Small precision parts M3 M3-2515 250 150 200 2D Manual Manufacturing QC M3 M3-3020 300 200 200 2D Manual Manufacturing QC M3 M3-4030 400 300 200 2D Manual Manufacturing QC M3 VMS-5040 500 400 200 2D Manual Manufacturing QC M3 M3-2515A 250 150 200 A Manual Enhanced optical inspection M3 M3-3020A 300 200 200 A Manual Enhanced optical inspection M3 M3-4030A 400 300 200 A Manual Enhanced optical inspection M3 VMS-5040A 500 400 200 A Manual Enhanced optical inspection M3 M3-2515B 250 150 200 B Manual Height & depth measurement M3 M3-3020B 300 200 200 B Manual Height & depth measurement M3 M3-4030B 400 300 200 B Manual Height & depth measurement M3 VMS-5040B 500 400 200 B Manual Height & depth measurement M4 M3-2515C 250 150 200 C Semi-Automatic Faster inspection M4 M3-3020C 300 200 200 C Semi-Automatic Faster inspection M4 M3-4030C 400 300 200 C Semi-Automatic Faster inspection M4 VMS-5040C 500 400 200 C Semi-Automatic Faster inspection M4 M3-2515D 250 150 200 D Semi-Automatic Advanced QC M4 M3-3020D 300 200 200 D Semi-Automatic Advanced QC M4 M3-4030D 400 300 200 D Semi-Automatic Advanced QC M4 VMS-5040D 500 400 200 D Semi-Automatic Advanced QC VMD VMD-1510 150 100 - 2D Manual Video measuring projector VMD VMD-2010 200 100 - 2D Manual Video measuring projector VMD VMD-2515 250 150 - 2D Manual Video measuring projector VMD VMD-3020 300 200 - 2D Manual Video measuring projector V3 V3-VAS-322A 300 200 200 A Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-322B 300 200 200 B Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-322C 300 200 200 C Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-322D 300 200 200 D Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-432A 400 300 200 A Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-432B 400 300 200 B Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-432C 400 300 200 C Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-432D 400 300 200 D Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-542A 500 400 200 A Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-542B 500 400 200 B Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-542C 500 400 200 C Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-542D 500 400 200 D Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-652A 600 500 200 A Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-652B 600 500 200 B Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-652C 600 500 200 C Fully CNC Automated inspection V3 V3-VAS-652D 600 500 200 D Fully CNC Automated inspection A6 A6-AutoMea432A 300 400 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea432B 300 400 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea432C 300 400 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea432D 300 400 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea542A 400 500 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea542B 400 500 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea542C 400 500 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea542D 400 500 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea652A 500 600 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea652B 500 600 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea652C 500 600 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea652D 500 600 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea862A 600 800 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea862B 600 800 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea862C 600 800 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea862D 600 800 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea1082A 800 1000 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea1082B 800 1000 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea1082C 800 1000 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea1082D 800 1000 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea12102A 1000 1200 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea12102B 1000 1200 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea12102C 1000 1200 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea12102D 1000 1200 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea15122A 1200 1500 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea15122B 1200 1500 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea15122C 1200 1500 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea15122D 1200 1500 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea18122A 1200 1800 200 A Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea18122B 1200 1800 200 B Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea18122C 1200 1800 200 C Bridge CNC Large-part inspection A6 A6-AutoMea18122D 1200 1800 200 D Bridge CNC Large-part inspection Understanding the Comparison Table Column What It Means Why It Matters Series The machine family or platform. Examples include M2, M3, M4, V3 and A6. Helps identify the machine category, automation level and intended application. Variant The exact model number. Each variant combines a machine size with a measurement configuration. Used for quotations, pricing, ordering and specification comparison. X Travel Maximum measurement movement in the X-axis (left to right) measured in millimetres. Determines the maximum part length that can be measured. Y Travel Maximum measurement movement in the Y-axis (front to back) measured in millimetres. Determines the maximum part width that can be measured. Z Travel Maximum vertical measurement movement available. Important when measuring taller components, step heights, depths and 3D features. Configuration The measurement technology fitted to the machine (2D, A, B, C or D). Determines what types of measurements the system can perform. Automation How much of the inspection process is automated. Impacts speed, repeatability, throughput and operator involvement. Best For Typical application or inspection environment. Helps identify the most suitable system for your requirements. Understanding Measurement Configurations All Vision Measuring Machines use high-resolution optical vision measurement. Additional technologies such as touch probes and confocal laser sensors can be added depending on the measurement requirements. Configuration Summary Configuration Technology Additional Measurement Capability 2D Standard optical measurement system Length, width, diameter, radius, angle and hole position measurements A – Camera + Zoom High-resolution camera with programmable zoom lens Enhanced optical inspection and improved measurement flexibility B – Camera + Probe (3D) Optical vision system combined with a touch probe Height, depth, step height and complex 3D geometric measurements C – Camera + Confocal Laser Optical vision system combined with a confocal laser sensor Non-contact height measurement, surface profile analysis and delicate surface inspection D – Camera + Probe + Confocal Laser Multi-sensor platform combining vision, touch probe and confocal laser technologies Complete 2D, 3D and surface profile measurement in a single system What Can Each Configuration Measure? Measurement Capability 2D A B C D Length & Width ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Diameter ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Radius ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Angles ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Hole Position ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Height Measurement ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ Depth Measurement ✗ ✗ ✓ Limited ✓ Step Height Measurement ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ Surface Profile Measurement ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ Non-Contact Height Measurement ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ Delicate Surface Measurement ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ Complex 3D Geometry ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✓ Multi-Sensor Measurement ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ Understanding Automation Levels Automation Level Description Typical Use Manual Operator positions and measures parts manually. General quality control, engineering workshops, toolrooms and first article inspection. Semi-Automatic Auto-focus and measurement assistance reduce operator influence while stage movement remains manual. Quality departments requiring faster inspection and improved repeatability. Fully CNC Fully programmable motion and automated inspection routines. Production inspection, repeatable measurement programs and unattended operation. Bridge CNC Large-format CNC platform designed for oversized components and assemblies. Aerospace structures, moulds, tooling, fabricated assemblies and heavy engineering applications. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need 2D or 3D measurement? If you only need to measure lengths, diameters, radii, angles and hole positions, a 2D or A-configuration system is usually sufficient. If you need to measure heights, depths, step heights or complex geometries, consider a B or D configuration. What is a touch probe? A touch probe is a precision sensor that physically contacts the part to measure features that cannot be accurately measured using optics alone, such as depths, heights and complex 3D geometries. What is a confocal laser sensor? A confocal laser sensor measures height and surface profiles without touching the part. It is ideal for delicate, polished, coated or highly reflective surfaces where contact measurement may be unsuitable. What is the difference between V3 and A6 Series machines? The V3 Series is designed for small to medium-sized components and automated production inspection. The A6 Series uses a bridge-style CNC structure and is designed for larger parts, moulds, tooling and fabricated assemblies. How do I choose the correct measuring capacity? Select a machine with an X and Y measuring range larger than your largest component. It is generally recommended to allow additional capacity for fixture positioning and future inspection requirements. Which configuration provides the most measurement capability? D Configuration systems combine optical vision measurement, touch probe measurement and confocal laser measurement in a single platform, providing the broadest range of measurement capabilities. Can Vision Measuring Machines generate inspection reports? Yes. Vision Measuring Machines can automatically generate measurement reports, first article inspection reports, SPC data and custom quality documentation depending on the software package used. Still not sure which system is right for your application? Contact our technical team with your largest part size, required measurements, inspection volume and automation requirements, and we'll recommend the most suitable Vision Measuring Machine configuration for your application.