Manufacturing Metrology KU Leuven

The Manufacturing Metrology Research Group @KU Leuven investigates, develops, optimizes and implements measurement solutions for manufacturing quality control. Our expertise covers surface and 3D coordinate metrology using tactile and optical probes as well as X-ray Computed Tomography (CT). We target Industry 4.0 readiness of measurement solutions by increasing speed, reducing measurement errors, and establishing traceability, to realize in-line and in-process capabilities with intelligent feedback inspection for first-time-right and zero-waste manufacturing. We put our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment at the disposal of manufacturing companies to address complex metrology challenges and to improve manufacturing process understanding and performance. Our History: The research activities in Manufacturing Metrology at KU Leuven date back about 90 years, initiated by the founder of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Prof. Oscar Peters. Prof. Jacques Peters and Prof. Paul Van Herck later made significant contributions to advancing the international state of the art, particularly through their pioneering work on tactile surface metrology and the measurement of machine tool misalignments. Under the coordination of Prof. Jean-Pierre Kruth, the research group expanded its focus to include optical probing, which ultimately led to the creation of two spin-off companies: Metris and Krypton Electronic Engineering. After merging in 2005, the company was acquired by Nikon in 2009, becoming what is now known as Nikon Metrology. Since then, with the joining of Prof. Wim Dewulf, Prof. Han Haitjema, and Prof. Wenjuan Sun to the group, the research activities have broadened to encompass X-ray computed tomography and surface metrology. The group is well-integrated into international networks through various EU projects and membership in CIRP, the International Academy for Production Engineering.