Chameleon Retrofit CMM controller in the Wenzel CMM cabinetSerbia-based
PWO SEE d.o.o., a manufacturing company with a facility in Kragujevac, encountered critical challenges with its ageing Wenzel Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). The machine’s technological limitations threatened to disrupt its quality control processes and impede operational efficiency.
Problems included: a deteriorating original controller compromising machine reliability; outdated software incompatible with modern manufacturing standards; and the need for alignment with new organisational technology infrastructure following an ownership change. A traditional retrofit approach was not considered to be the best solution as extensive software rewrites would have been required and this would have caused further operational disruptions.
NM3Diberica, a specialised CMM service provider, proposed retrofitting a Chameleon Type R controller as it offered direct replacement of the failing original controller; seamless integration with PC-DMIS software; minimal disruption to existing measurement processes; and compatibility with Hexagon CMM network standards.
The retrofit process was seamlessy carried out with precise controller replacement, software configuration and calibration, and comprehensive system validation — as a result, total implementation time was minimised, ensuring rapid return to full operational capacity.
The Chameleon Type R retrofit delivered significant benefits, including: operational continuity — transformed an aging CMM into a modern, high-performance measurement system; technological alignment — achieved full compatibility with organisational CMM network; cost efficiency — avoided expensive machine replacement; and long-term reliability — demonstrated consistent performance over a year of continuous operation.
The Chameleon controller provided PWO SEE d.o.o. with a strategic solution that extended the life of its Wenzel CMM, aligning technological capabilities with organisational requirements while minimising capital expenditure.