Measuring Instruments

 The largest provider of measuring instruments in Canada is Canadian Measurement - Metrology, and by referring to measuring instruments we mean dimensional measuring instruments.

Canadian Measurement - Metrology or CMM as it is called is unique in that it offers an extremely wide range of pre-owned equipment.  Used measurement equipment is most likely found in optimum condition, mainly because the former users kept the equipment in lab conditions and were required to regularly calibrate and maintain the equipment. Measuring instruments of all kinds are available over the Internet, for instance optical systems such as OGP, Mitutoyo, View and Microna are available in first rate condition. Coordinate measuring machine brands such as Brown & Sharpe, DEA, Wenzel, Zeiss, Mitutoyo, LK are often in stock and available with a variety of software. Articulating arms are also very popular, Romer and Faro arms are generally in stock and available at great prices. Popular brands of optical comparators (optical projectors) can generally be found at Canadian Measurement - Metrology. In fact customers in search of expensive measuring instruments are able to find them usually at less than 50% of new.

It's interesting to note that coordinate measuring machines account for 80% of all used measuring instruments sold in North America. The main reason for this is the tremendous investment required for a new system.  A mid-size bridge style coordinate measuring machine will sell brand-new for $110,000-$150,000. A good used CMM can be acquired for less than half of that. Most CMMs ride on air bearings so there is generally little or no wear even after 15 years of service! Often it is necessary to either replace or upgrade the resident software but it must be noted, that this is only a minor investment relative to the overall savings.

Portable arms which today have become an increasingly versatile tool on the shop floor can now be purchased for $7,000-$15,000 used. This represents an exceptional bargain when one considers the investment required to procure the most versatile measuring instrument on the shop floor today. Most of the software resident on used arms is laptop based and CAD proficient enabling the qualified user the ability to download CAD files to the laptop and program relative to nominal.  A tremendous boon in the modern plant.

It is now easy to see that the price of entry for a sophisticated piece of measuring equipment is extremely reasonable. This opens the door wide to small start-up companies wishing to take advantage of sophisticated measuring instruments whilst not breaking the bank in the process! Often as not the biggest purchasers of used equipment are generally mid-size companies.  These companies wish to spend their money on production equipment and not tie up large amounts of cash for measuring instruments that although are invaluable in the manufacturing process don't really produce anything. Our advice is simple, find a reputable company who understands and deals in used measuring instruments and put your trust in them to find you an accurate and reliable measuring tool to fit your process. It's the better way to buy!