InnovMetric PolyWorks Metrology Suite 2025 IR4: The Universal 3D Metrology Platform

InnovMetric PolyWorks Metrology Suite 2025 IR4 is the latest iteration of the industry-leading software platform for 3D dimensional control and metrology data management. The "IR4" designation stands for "Issue Release 4," indicating it is the fourth update and stability release for the 2025 version, incorporating customer feedback and refinements.

Its core philosophy is to be a universal and collaborative platform that unifies the entire measurement workflow, regardless of the 3D measurement device used (portable CMMs, laser scanners, structured light scanners, CT scanners, or stationary CMMs).

Core Components of the Suite

The PolyWorks Metrology Suite is not a single tool but an integrated ecosystem:

1. PolyWorks|Inspector™

• The Core Analysis Engine: This is the flagship application for 3D dimensional inspection and comparison.

• Universal Compatibility: Works with point clouds and meshes from any 3D scanning device, as well as data from traditional touch-probe CMMs.

• Digital Twin Comparison: Compare as-built scan data of a manufactured part directly against its CAD nominal model (GD&T analysis, 3D color deviation maps).

• Advanced GD&T: Fully-featured Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing analysis, adhering to ASME Y14.5 and ISO GPS standards.

• Cross-Sectioning & Wall Thickness Analysis: Critical for analyzing complex castings, moldings, and fabricated parts.

2. PolyWorks|Modeler™

• Model Preparation & Reverse Engineering: Used to create, edit, and prepare 3D models for the inspection process.

• Scan-to-CAD: Tools to convert dense point clouds into clean, usable CAD surfaces for reverse engineering or model re-creation.

• Alignment Object Creation: Create reference objects and coordinate systems that are used in the inspection workflow.

3. PolyWorks|DataLoop™

• Metrology Data Management (MDM): This is the revolutionary component that makes PolyWorks a collaborative platform.

• Centralized Project Database: Stores all inspection projects, measurement data, reports, and configurations in a single, searchable database.

• Process Standardization: Ensures every user, across different shifts or global locations, follows the same approved measurement protocols.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Provides live dashboards and SPC (Statistical Process Control) charts for monitoring production quality in real-time.

Key Features & Advancements in the 2025 IR4 Release

While specific patch notes are key to IR4, the 2025 series focuses on several strategic areas:

1. Enhanced Usability and Automation

• Guided Workflows: Simplified interfaces and wizards for common tasks, reducing the learning curve for new operators.

• Automated Alignment & Analysis: More intelligent algorithms for automatically aligning scan data to CAD and extracting standard features for analysis.

2. Expanded Hardware Support and Performance

• Support for New Scanners: Certified support for the latest versions of laser scanners, structured light scanners, and CT systems from manufacturers like Zeiss, Hexagon, GOM, and Creaform.

• Faster Processing: Optimizations for handling ever-larger datasets from high-resolution scanners, reducing computation time for alignment and deviation analysis.

3. Deeper DataLoop Integration and Analytics

• Enhanced SPC & Reporting: More powerful and customizable real-time dashboards for tracking key quality indicators (KQIs) and generating automated reports.

• Improved Connectivity: Strengthened links with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for a seamless digital thread.