From a WENZEL LH Gantry coordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufactured in 2015, Jintongling Technology Group chose a modernization solution instead of investing in a completely new system. The project expanded the machine’s measuring range, increased its load capacity, and added gear inspection capabilities for large drive components.
In precision manufacturing, as product dimensions increase and inspection requirements become more complex, measurement systems also need to evolve to meet new demands.
This was the challenge faced by Jintongling Technology Group Co., Ltd., a high-tech equipment manufacturer producing components for the wind energy industry. As the size of components increased, the company’s existing measurement system could no longer fully meet its requirements for measurement accuracy, efficiency, and inspection capability.
The company therefore worked with WENZEL to modernize its existing LH Gantry CMM rather than replace the entire system.
1. The Challenge of Measuring Large Components
Jintongling specializes in high-tech equipment and components, including components used in the wind energy sector.
As the market developed, component sizes continued to increase. This created greater demands on the coordinate measuring machine (CMM), not only in terms of measuring range but also accuracy, stability, load capacity, and the ability to inspect complex geometrical features.
The company’s existing CMM was a WENZEL LH Gantry manufactured in 2015. In response to its new measurement requirements, the system needed to be upgraded to continue supporting quality inspection activities in the future.
Instead of completely replacing the machine with a new CMM, Jintongling chose to modernize the existing WENZEL CMM with support from WENZEL.
2. WENZEL LH Gantry CMM Modernization Solution
Before developing the upgrade solution, the WENZEL technical team carried out a comprehensive assessment of the existing measurement system.
The process included inspecting key machine components and evaluating the system’s performance to determine an appropriate modernization approach for Jintongling.
Following technical discussions, a customized modernization solution was developed for the existing CMM.
Conversion from Bridge CMM to Portal CMM
One of the key changes in the project was the conversion of the machine configuration from a Bridge CMM to a Portal CMM.
This solution was designed to improve measurement accuracy and stability, while also making the system more suitable for inspecting large components.
Expanded Measuring Range
Following the modernization, the CMM’s measuring range was expanded:
- X-axis: from 2 m to 2.5 m
- Measuring height: from 1.5 m to 2.8 m
- Improved load capacity through an underfloor installation structure.
These modifications enabled the system to better meet the requirements for measuring large components used in fluid technology and wind energy applications.
3. Additional Gear Inspection Capability
Another important aspect of the project was the expansion of the CMM beyond conventional coordinate measurement.
After modernization, the system also gained gear inspection capabilities.
This enabled Jintongling to inspect large gearboxes used in wind turbines with a high level of measurement accuracy.
Combining coordinate measurement with gear inspection expanded the application range of the measurement system, particularly for large mechanical components and complex drive assemblies.
4. Modernizing a CMM Instead of Purchasing a New Machine
One of the key benefits of the project was that the company could make use of its existing CMM platform while gaining additional measurement capabilities through modernization.
According to the WENZEL case study, this approach enabled Jintongling to avoid investing in a completely new measurement system while improving the measurement capabilities of its existing equipment.
This demonstrates that CMM modernization can be an option worth considering for companies that already operate a CMM but are facing limitations related to:
- Measuring range
- Load capacity
- Inspection capabilities
- Requirements for new products
- Measurement performance and accuracy
5. More Than a Hardware Upgrade
The project was not limited to changes to the machine hardware.
WENZEL supported the project throughout the process, including technical consulting, planning, installation, commissioning, and training.
According to the case study, technical cooperation between the two companies played an important role in implementing the modernization solution and optimizing the measurement process.
This is also an important factor for companies evaluating a CMM upgrade project: the effectiveness of modernization depends not only on the hardware itself, but also on the ability to assess the existing system, design an appropriate upgrade solution, and provide technical support after implementation.
6. Key Results of the CMM Modernization Project
Following the modernization, the WENZEL LH Gantry CMM was upgraded to better meet the company’s measurement requirements.
Improved Accuracy and Stability
The machine configuration was modified to improve its measurement performance.
Larger Measuring Range
The X-axis measuring range was expanded to 2.5 m, while the measuring height was increased to 2.8 m.
Improved Load Capacity
The underfloor structure provided improved support for large components.
Expanded Inspection Capabilities
The system gained additional gear inspection capabilities, including the inspection of large wind turbine gearboxes.
Optimized Investment
The company was able to make use of its existing CMM rather than replacing the entire system with a new machine.
Extended Value of the Existing CMM
The modernization enabled the existing measurement system to better respond to future production and inspection requirements.
7. What This Case Study Means for Companies Using CMMs
When a coordinate measuring machine has been in operation for many years, the fact that it no longer fully meets new requirements does not necessarily mean that the entire machine must be replaced.
Depending on the equipment condition, existing configuration, and new measurement requirements, companies can evaluate a CMM modernization or CMM upgrade as an alternative approach.
A suitable evaluation process can begin with:
Current condition assessment → Identification of system limitations → Analysis of new measurement requirements → Development of an upgrade solution → Implementation → Calibration/verification → Training and operation
The Jintongling case study demonstrates how an existing CMM can be further developed in terms of measuring range, load capacity, and inspection capabilities, rather than immediately being replaced by a completely new measurement system.
GERA HI-TECH VIETNAM | MEASUREMENT AND QUALITY CONTROL SOLUTIONS
GERA Hi-Tech Vietnam shares CMM case studies, measurement solutions, and real-world industrial applicationsto provide companies with practical information when evaluating ways to improve their quality inspection capabilities.
For companies currently using WENZEL CMMs and considering CMM modernization, CMM upgrades, expanded measuring ranges, or additional inspection capabilities, GERA Hi-Tech Vietnam can support the evaluation of requirements and help identify a solution based on the existing equipment and measurement needs.
