As there is no industry-standard software application or programming language for CMMs and other measurement and inspection equipment, it is beneficial to have an overview of the main options that are available. For quality engineers and metrology technicians, understanding the various metrology and inspection software languages can help in making procurement decisions, as well as giving you a better overview of the market.

You can also get a deeper understanding of the capabilities of various metrology and inspection software languages to help you plan and implement process improvement strategies and initiatives.

Leading Metrology and Inspection Software Languages

Below, we have summarised the leading metrology and inspection software languages currently on the market, with a specific focus on the medical device industry. Those software languages are:

• Zeiss Calypso
• ZONE3 by OGP
• Renishaw MODUS
• PC-DMIS by Hexagon
• Mitutoyo MCOSMOS

Zeiss Calypso

Zeiss Calypso is a powerful metrology software platform developed by Zeiss, a global leader in precision measurement and inspection technology. Designed to work seamlessly with Zeiss coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and a wide range of tactile and optical sensors, Calypso simplifies the creation and execution of inspection programs while delivering accurate, reliable measurement results. Some of its key features and benefits include:

• Feature-Based Programming – CALYPSO uses an intuitive feature-based approach rather than relying on traditional DMIS or line based programming, making inspection programs faster to create and easier to maintain while ensuring that the correct nominal feature is referenced within the program.
• Powerful CAD Integration – Import CAD models directly and generate inspection plans from part geometry, significantly speeding up offline programming.
• Advanced Scanning Capabilities – Optimized for high-speed scanning, delivering more comprehensive measurement data and improved accuracy for complex geometries compared to point-to-point inspection methods.
• Flexible Reporting – Produces professional, customisable reports with graphical deviation displays, statistical data, and export options for quality documentation.
• Highly Automated – Supports automatic feature recognition, intelligent measurement strategies, and seamless execution, improving consistency and reducing operator intervention.
• Broad Hardware Compatibility – Designed to work across a wide range of Zeiss CMMs and supports numerous sensors, including tactile, optical, and scanning technologies, allowing a single software platform for multiple inspection applications.

A note from our Zeiss Calypso expert, Michaela Healy:

“Calypso software is fantastic for creating tactile measurement routines, it allows you to fully control every step and ensure each measurement is precise and accurate. Plenty of features like Curve are available to make complicated dimensions much more straightforward.

I’d recommend it for any projects that lean towards probing rather than optics and involves CAD.”

ZONE3 by OGP

ZONE3 is a metrology programming language from UK-based OGP, the metrology manufacturing arm of the Carfulan Group. It is part of a range of software applications designed to work with and optimise OGP’s metrology equipment. ZONE3 has been developed for use with the SmartScope range of multi-sensor metrology systems from OGP. The main highlights of ZONE3 include:

• Combines functionality that is often found in separate systems into one package
• 3D programming and animation capabilities
• Measurement routines are automatically generated by ZONE3’s algorithms
• It is user-friendly and flexible, so it is compatible with the laser, video, and scanning probes of OGP’s SmartScope systems
• Native CAD format compatible – just upload and start programming
• Animation-assisted alignment functionality
• Comprehensive reporting functionality, including dynamic reporting
• Minimised training requirement

Renishaw MODUS

British metrology equipment manufacturer Renishaw offers a suite of software applications that work with the equipment in its range. Its coordinate-measuring machines use MODUS. The main highlights of Renishaw MODUS include:

• CAD-driven programming capabilities plus full integration with a range of CAD applications, including Solidworks
• Can be programmed offline
• 5-axis measurement capabilities
• Built-in algorithms that assist with part alignment and feature measurement
• Automatic probe path creation with on-screen verification
• Flexible reporting

PC-DMIS by Hexagon

Hexagon is a global leader in metrology and inspection solutions, offering one of the industry’s most comprehensive software portfolios for measurement, analysis, reporting and quality management. PC-DMIS remains Hexagon’s flagship metrology software, providing a single platform that supports Hexagon inspection equipment as well as a wide range of third-party CMMs, portable measuring arms, laser trackers, vision systems and multi-sensor devices.
Some of the key benefits of PC-DMIS by Hexagon include:

• Modular architecture, allowing you to purchase only the functionality you need and expand as your requirements grow.
• A common programming environment across multiple measurement technologies, reducing operator training time and improving flexibility.
• Support for a wide range of tactile, optical, laser scanning and vision sensor technologies.
• Powerful offline programming, enabling inspection routines to be developed and verified without requiring machine time.
• Automatic collision-free path generation and intelligent measurement strategy tools to improve programming efficiency.
• A modern, customisable user interface with workflow enhancements designed to increase productivity.
• Comprehensive reporting with highly configurable report templates and cloud-connected metrology reporting options.
• Extensive CAD support, including direct import of native CAD formats and PMI-based workflows.
• Improved support for advanced scanning applications, freeform surfaces, rotary table inspection and multi-axis measurement strategies.
• Integration with Hexagon’s Nexus platform, enabling connected workflows, collaboration and access to cloud-based quality tools.
• Ongoing support for automation, operator-guided execution through PC-DMIS Inspect, and continuous feature updates delivered through regular software releases.

Whether you’re inspecting simple prismatic components or highly complex freeform surfaces, PC-DMIS continues to evolve as a flexible, scalable solution that helps manufacturers improve inspection efficiency, maintain quality and streamline their metrology workflows.

A note from our PC-DMIS expert, Luke Hennessy:

“I’ve used a lot of metrology software over the years, but what keeps bringing me back to PC-DMIS is its flexibility. Whether you’re programming offline, or supporting different machine platforms, it’s designed to solve real-world manufacturing challenges rather than force you into a single way of working.”.

Mitutoyo MCOSMOS

Mitutoyo is the leading Japanese manufacturer of metrology and measuring equipment. It offers a suite of software applications, including MCOSMOS. It is a modular system that can be tailored to requirements with highlights that include:

• Optimized for large CAD files & speed
• User defined quick access tools
• 64-bit support for all applications
• Run your programs virtually or on the machine
• Create conditional branching through the user interface
• User defined macros and dialog boxes
• Enhanced control centre for part programs and revision history
• Medical data governance and user rights security
• NIST certified algorithms

A note from our Mitutoyo MCOSMOS expert, Luke Hennessy:

“I find MCOSMOS is particularly useful when you have very big fixtures i.e. fixtures with more than 8 stations. It handles a lot of data well with the ability to store lots of different coordinate systems easily.

It is particularly well suited to ‘looping’ making it very easy to go from a program for 1 station to a multi station program.

In my experience, it is a very reliable software and the interface is user friendly.”

Conclusion: Powerful Software Applications, But Make Sure You Get the Right Support

The main metrology and inspection software languages all have modern features and powerful algorithms that automate critical parts of the programming process. They are also designed to be as easy to use as possible.

That said, there is still a learning curve and, more often than not, there is a need for expert support and advice. This particularly applies if you need to inspect and measure a complex medical device with small and/or intricate components.

At Verus Metrology, we have experience and detailed knowledge of all the software languages highlighted in this blog. We also have equipment in our metrology labs from all the software vendors.

This means we can provide the expert support that you need, from deciding on the right solution for your requirements to programming a CMM for the inspection of a new device to troubleshooting problems. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.