Connecting Hexagon CMMs via MTConnect

1. Overview

This guide explains how to enable MTConnect connectivity on Hexagon Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to integrate with MachineMetrics or other MTConnect-compatible systems.

The process involves licensing and enabling Hexagon’s MTConnect interface, which allows metrology data from PC-DMIS or QUINDOS to be exposed in real time.

Who should use this: Site engineers, IT administrators, or metrology specialists.
Why it matters: MTConnect enables standardized data streaming, unlocking live visibility into CMM status, utilization, and measurement events for continuous improvement and digital transformation.

2. Feature Availability

3. How It Works

The Hexagon MTConnect interface runs as a background service that converts CMM operational data from PC-DMIS or QUINDOS into MTConnect XML streams.

Data Flow:

1. The CMM’s control PC runs PC-DMIS or QUINDOS.
    
2. The MTConnect Exporter service translates machine state, probe, and job data.
    
3. Data is served locally at a defined HTTP endpoint (e.g., http://<CMM-PC-IP>:5000/current).
    
4. MachineMetrics or any MTConnect-compatible agent connects to this endpoint to ingest live data.
   
    

4. How to Add the Machine

A. Prerequisites

• Hexagon CMM running PC-DMIS 2019 R1+ or QUINDOS 8.1+.
   
• Valid MTConnect Exporter License (purchased from Hexagon).
   
• Windows-based CMM controller with network access to the MachineMetrics Edge device.
   

• Administrator permissions to install Hexagon software.\

   

• See guide on Hexagon.com
  
   

B. Configure on the Machine

1. Obtain MTConnect License:
   • Contact Hexagon support or your reseller to purchase and activate the MTConnect Exporter license.
      
   • You will receive a license key or entitlement file tied to your PC-DMIS/QUINDOS installation.
     
      
2. Install MTConnect Exporter:
   • Download from Hexagon Nexus or installation media.
      
   • Follow the installer prompts and specify your CMM’s network configuration.
     
      
3. Activate the Service:
   • Launch the “MTConnect Exporter Configuration Utility.”
      
   • Enter your license credentials.
      
   • Verify endpoint availability by visiting the MTConnect agent URL in a web browser (you should see XML output).
     
      

C. Configure in MachineMetrics

1. On the MachineMetrics Edge portal, create a new MTConnect connection.
    
2. Enter the endpoint URL from your CMM (e.g., http://192.168.1.45:5000/current).
    
3. Save and test the connection.
    
4. Verify that live CMM state and cycle data appear in the Device Data view.