LK Metrology
Defining Accuracy Since 1963
LK Metrology is renowned for its innovative industrial metrology solutions. The company’s portfolio includes a comprehensive range of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), advanced multi-sensor technologies, and industry-leading metrology software platforms. Its precision technologies support the entire product lifecycle—from design and development through production, assembly, and quality assurance—serving global industries including automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, medical, and electronics.
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, LK Metrology operates offices in the UK, USA, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Mexico, Japan, India and China. Supported by a global network of subsidiaries, distributors, and authorised service partners, the company provides installation, calibration, training, and technical support services worldwide. This international network enables LK Metrology to deliver responsive local expertise and consistent customer care, helping organisations maximise the performance, reliability, and operational life of their metrology solutions.
Committed to innovation, engineering excellence, and quality, LK Metrology draws on more than 60 years of expertise to develop advanced technologies that help customers accelerate product development, improve manufacturing quality, increase productivity, and achieve their business objectives. LK Metrology is part of the International Metrology Group (IMG).
A tradition of firsts in metrology
Our comprehensive range of products, including coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), portable measuring arms, and metrology software, are pivotal in ensuring the quality of manufactured components across the globe. We support critical industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, motorsport, energy, medical, and contract inspection, driving forward the standards of precision manufacturing.
Expanding our reach
A legacy of market-leading innovations
LK Metrology has been at the forefront of metrology advancements, achieving numerous industry-first milestones:
- First to design a Bridge Type CMM.
- First OEM to integrate a computer with a CMM.
- First to develop inspection software specifically for CMM use.
- First to use all air bearing and granite guideways, enhancing stability and stiffness.
- First to innovate with carbon fiber composite spindles and microprocessor-controlled drive systems.
- First to produce a High Accuracy, Horizontal Spindle CMM and a truly thermally stable CMM.
- In partnership with Rolls-Royce Ltd, developed Renishaw’s First Touch Trigger Probe for CMMs.
Explore the story of our company
1963
Foundation
Founded by Norman Key, a former Rolls-Royce engineer, LK (formerly named as LK Tool) were a supplier of granite inspection tooling and inspection components to the engineering industry.
The name LK was formed by using the initials of Jim Lowther, his father-in-law and owner of Notsa Engineering, and Normans surname, Key.
1969
First Manual CMM
The first LK Maxi-Check manual CMM was supplied to Rolls-Royce Bristol.
1971
Complete System
LK continued to expand the size of Coordinate Measuring Machines and became the first manufacturer to offer a system complete with mini-computer and in-house written inspection software.
1972
First Touch-Trigger Probe
LK worked in partnership with Rolls-Royce developing the now industry standard Renishaw Touch-Trigger Probe.
Norman Key worked with the Chairman of Renishaw, Dave McMurtry and ordered the first 10 probes to fit to the Maxi-Check CMM replacing the original solid probes. Notice how these first probes carried the LK logo.
1974
Expansion in Derby (UK)
After the move to its current Derby site, LK purchased the company Control Systems from Rolls-Royce.
First Motorised/CNC Maxi Check CMM
The first motorised or CNC Maxi-Check machine was supplied to LK’s first overseas customer in Sweden.
1975
Largest Moving Bridge CMM
LK manufactured the world’s largest moving bridge co-ordinate measuring machine to inspect Mini Metro bodies at Rover Longbridge, England. Interestingly, this machine is still used to inspect car bodies to this day after many upgrades.
1975
First Horizontal Spindled CMM
LK designed and developed the world’s first horizontal spindled CMM named Metre 4. This machine incorporated a granite spindle. The first machine was sold to Rolls-Royce Hucknall in Nottinghamshire, England.
1976
New LK MICRO 4
The ‘little brother’ to the LK Metre 4, the LK Micro 4 was introduced. The first machine was infact manufactured by Leicester based, British United Shoe Machine Co. Ltd.
1977
1st Bridge CMM With Granite Slideways
LK manufactured the world’s first bridge machine incorporating all granite slideways. Replacing the Maxi-Check, the Granite 80 (or G80 as it was called) stayed in manufacture until it was superseded by firstly the ‘G80HA’ and then the ‘Axiom’ range some 12 years later.
1980
Large Granite Bridge CMM
A large all granite bridge style CMM was sold to I.U.G in Romania with a measuring volume of 9m x 3m x 2m.
This granite table was so large, two individual tables had to be mated and epoxy bonded together using a special LK developed process.
1980
First Carbon Fibre Spindled CMM
LK introduced another world’s first, the Carbon Fibre spindled Micro 4. This high accuracy horizontal arm machine was ideal for car body measurement.
1981
The Evolution of the Micro 4
The Micro 4 was redesigned incorporating all granite slideways and all air-bearing construction.
1982-3
LK US
LK moved into the American market with the formation of LK Tool USA Inc. initially based in Chicago and then moving on to Phoenix.
A second USA location was opened in 1983 in Flint, Michigan to service the Automotive Industry.
1984
Ford purchased Twin Column CMM
The Ford Motor Company ordered two high speed ‘Twin Column’ Micro 4 CMM’s with automated part loading systems.
1985
LK supplies to General Motors
LK were chosen as a preferred supplier of coordinate measuring machines for General Motors. Over 50 machines were supplied between 1984 and 1987.
1986
Largest Twin-Bridge CMM for Boeing
Boeing ordered the world’s largest twin-bridge machine for the measurement of 747 wing structures. This machine, being too large for manufacture in-house, was built at the British Rail Engineering workshops in Derby.
1988
Queen’s Award
Following continuing success in the world market, LK were awarded the Queen’s Award for Export.
1989
LK Axiom
Again, LK were leading the world with it’s use of materials technology and the Axiom range of ceramic spindle machines were introduced.
1989
First CF90 CMM with Ceramic, Invar and Carbon Fibre
Another first for LK: the CF90 machine range was introduced. This machine was designed as a truly thermally stable machine utilising Ceramic, Invar and Carbon Fibre in its construction.
The first two machines were sold to GM in Buick City and Hamtrack in the USA. This machine was designed and developed to meet the GM specification for speed, accuracy and shop-floor use.
1991
Ultrasonic NDT Inspection Machines
With the Aerospace Industry using more carbon fibre components, LK introduced the Ultrasonic NDT inspection machines to test for de-lamination.
1993
HC-90
The re-designed Micro/Metre 4 horizontal arm machines, re-named the HC90, were introduced with a four column machine installed at Rover Longbridge in Birmingham, England.
In the same year, LK Tool USA Inc were relocated in a new facility in Brighton, Michigan.
1994
Introduction of G-90C Range
The Axiom range of bridge machines were re-designed with ceramic beam and spindle components and introduced as the G-90C range.
1995
LK G90K and G-90C
Another first for LK, the G90K was redesigned using an ‘H’ section ceramic beam and ceramic spindle.
The manufacturing process for the bridge utilised specialist bonding technology for the assembly of the beam.
The first machine was supplied to Argentina (Fric Rot Automotive) and now LK’s global presence covers 37 countries.
1996
FMS CMM and LK HK office
Automation reached new heights with the installation of five fully integrated FMS CMM’s in CDC.
LK world support continued to grow with the opening of the LK Hong Kong office.
1997
CAMIO Software
CMM programming was revolutionised with the use of CAD data. LK introduced the first release of the now world famous CAMIO software incorporating full DMIS support.
Based upon Spatial Technologies ACIS solid modelling kernel, CAMIO software offered both on-line and off-line programming capability.
1998
ULTRA Range
Increasing the machine portfolio, LK introduced the Ultra range of high accuracy bridge machines. The Ultra offered standards room accuracy at a reduced cost.
1999
LK LY90S Horizontal Arm CMM
Introducing yet another machine range, the LY90S Layout style of horizontal arm machines was released.
2000
LK4000 Controller
Machine controllers form an important part of the measuring system. The advent of continuous contact probing led LK to introduce the LK4000 controller. Controlling up to 9 axis, the LK4000 supported a new range of analogue probes from Renishaw.
2002
CAMIO STUDIO-INSPECT
After 5 years of continuous growth in the CAMIO software, a new product CAMIO Studio-Inspect introduced a new user-friendly interface with enhanced programming capability. This software paved the way for future-proofing the inspection software from LK.
2003
New Evolution & Integra CMM
LK celebrated 40 years of metrology expertise.
Incorporating all this knowledge into the machine design saw the bridge range of machines improved and the Evolution and Integra machines were born, both offering an unprecedented 10 year structural guarantee.
2003
14 machines for Land Rover
Land Rover placed an order for 14 car body machines for the quality control of the new Discovery.
2004
LK G-90C & LK Ascent Production in China
LK form a joint venture with Chinese company SMTC to produce CMM machines in China.
Shanghai Measuring and Cutting Tool Works begin to produce the LK G-90C range and also the new granite based LK Ascent.
2005
LK PT Scan
LK enter the automotive powertrain market to compete against Zeiss and the fixed probe.
Primarily designed for the USA market, the PT Scan machine was an evolution of the Ultra offering high-speed analogue scanning, but with volumetric accuracy as low as 1.4+L/500.
2007
LK Libero
LK Libero replaces the PT Scan offering improved accuracy, repeatability and speed performance for powertrain measurement
2008
LK Supplies The Widest CMM
LK supply, what is still thought to be at 6m, one of the widest CMM ever manufactured. With a working volume of 6m x 6m x 3m, this massive CMM still manages to achieve accuracies of less than 5 microns due entirely to the design and ceramic material technology that has been the trademark of LK for over 20 years.
2010
CAMIO 7
LK CAMIO software enters into its 7th generation of development. With full simulation, collision detection and multi-sensor support, CAMIO is proving to be the forerunner in multi-sensor DMIS programming
2012
LK ALTERA Range
The LK Altera replaces the small volume Integra model. With a major re-design incorporating improved performance, productivity and reliability, the Altera is the first fully Nikon branded CMM.
2013
LK Celebrates 50 Years
The LK brand reaches 50 years of age. After 50 years of development, the LK CMM has come a long way since the early days of fixed probe and solid granite construction.
2014
NMC100 & NMC300
LK controllers update to the latest electronics with the introduction of the NMC300 and the NMC100
2015
LK ALTERA for Turbine Blade Inspection
LK Altera CMM machines are selected by American aircraft engine manufacturer for turbine blade inspection.
2016
Twin-Probe Solution
LK design and develop a twin-probe solution for >1.2m deep bore measurement using SP80 and PH10M probe heads for laser/touch probe measurement
2017
LK ALTERA M Replaces Evolution & Libero
The LK Altera M replaces the Evolution and Libero models. The Evolution and Libero also get a re-design incorporating many of the successful innovations from the Altera S, and continue to showcase LK as a world-competing CMM brand.
2018
Acquistion By ASF Metrology
After Nikon decided to concentrate on non-contact technology, ASF Metrology owner Angelo Muscarella seized the opportunity to purchase the CMM division from Nikon and lead the newly created LK Metrology into it’s next exciting chapter…
2018
5-axis Solution: SCANTEK5
LK introduce Scantek5 with Renishaw Revo-2 scanning system and multisensor technology to offer 5-axis solution.
2019
Multisensor Compact CMM: ALTERA C
LK launch its budget CMM, maintaining its unique 10-year accuracy guarantee. LK also introduce a new version of its CAMIO software, 8.5, designed to raise productivity in the inspection department, improve the quality of data collected, reduce measuring cycle times and accelerate time to market for new products.
2019
LK China New Tech Centre
LK China opened its New Tech Centre in Shanghai (China), LK Europe opened its office in Turin (Italy) and LK US relocated to its new premises in New Hudson in Michigan.
2020
Freedom Portable Measuring Arms
LK Metrology has for the first time diversified into the supply of 3D articulating arm metrology systems with the launch of a range of 24 portable measuring arms called “FREEDOM”, offering a 6-axis model for touch probing and a 7-axis version for multi-sensor metrology including laser scanning.
2020
LK Launch Contract CMM Inspection Service
Located in the new North American Technical Center, LK US built a new CMM Measurement Services Department for performing contract dimensional inspection using the latest metrology software with state-of-the-art multi-sensor technology applied to the newest LK Metrology CMM designs.
2021
LK StyliCleaner
LK launch a new product to the marketplace – the LK StyliCleaner – an automated stylus tip cleaning system.
2021
LK acquires an Italian CMM manufacturer
www.coord3.com
2022
VIVID laser scanner
LK launches its first high accuracy, high resolution blue Laser CMM scanner
2022
LK Metrology and Wenzel Technologies enter into a Strategic Partnership
In addition to a joint technological cooperation, Wenzel Technologies will sell LK’s innovative, high-performance coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and other metrological products in southern Germany.
2023
60 Years of Metrology
The LK brand celebrates it 60 years as a prime purveyor of high quality CMMs
2024
LK Metrology acquires Nikon Metrology's laser scanning & Focus software assets
All Nikon Metrology laser scanning R&D, service and production resources will be transferred to LK Metrology to support existing customers, and to further develop the laser scanning portfolio and related Focus inspection software to provide new and innovative metrology solutions.
Ensuring Your Success
Global footprint, local impact
Our headquarters in the UK and our development and production center in Castle Donington are the heart of our operation. LK Metrology’s global presence is bolstered by sales and support offices in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and China, complemented by an extensive worldwide distributor network. This strategic footprint ensures that we deliver unparalleled metrology solutions and support to our clients, wherever they operate.
Our strategic partners
Beyond Metrology
A commitment to excellence
At LK Metrology, we pride ourselves on being more than just a metrology company; we are a partner in our clients’ pursuit of excellence. Our mission is to equip businesses with innovative solutions that ensure precision, quality, and efficiency in manufacturing, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the field of metrology.