Bruker Alicona Unveils µCMM NEO

Next-Generation Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine Marks 25 Years of Innovation

Bruker Alicona has introduced the µCMM NEO, the next generation of its optical coordinate measuring machine, at a special event held at its headquarters in Raaba-Graz. Timed to coincide with the company’s 25th anniversary, the launch represents a decisive technological step forward in coordinate metrology, driven by growing demands for precision, efficiency, and full-surface data acquisition in manufacturing.

From Point to Surface: A Fundamental Shift in Measurement Philosophy

Conventional coordinate metrology has long relied on tactile probing — capturing geometry point by point and reconstructing surfaces from limited data. As component geometries grow increasingly complex, the limitations of this approach become more pronounced.

The µCMM NEO replaces this paradigm with high-density optical measurement. Entire geometries are captured as complete 3D datasets within seconds, fundamentally changing how components are evaluated in quality assurance.

Engineered from the Ground Up

With the µCMM NEO, Bruker Alicona has not simply refined an existing platform — it has re-engineered it entirely. Compared to its predecessor, the new system delivers up to twice the measurement speed, significantly reducing cycle times in both lab and production environments. Axis accuracy has been further improved to EUni:Tr:ODS,MPE = (0.7 + L/600) μm (L in mm). A redesigned industrial architecture and wear-free axes ensure long-term stability and consistent performance under real production conditions.

Multiple Measurement Capabilities in a Single System

A key differentiator of the µCMM NEO is its ability to consolidate multiple measurement tasks within one platform. By integrating four complementary optical technologies — Advanced Focus-Variation, Vertical Focus Probing, Focus Probing, and Real3D — the system enables dimensional, positional, form, and surface analysis without changing setups or instruments. This eliminates typical error sources such as repositioning or system-to-system variation, while significantly simplifying measurement workflows.

Optical Metrology Where It Matters Most

Bruker Alicona General Manager Urban Muraus explains: “For a long time, coordinate metrology has been about sampling reality — capturing individual points and reconstructing geometry from them. What we see today is a clear shift: manufacturers want to understand complete surfaces, not approximations. With the µCMM NEO, we are enabling exactly that — moving from selective probing to full-surface data as a new standard in precision measurement.”

The system’s five-axis kinematic design maintains consistent accuracy throughout the full measurement volume. In micro-scale applications, where tactile probing faces inherent limitations around probe size, accessibility, and surface interaction, the µCMM NEO captures fine structures and functional details without mechanical contact. Micro holes and deep features — geometries that have historically challenged tactile systems — are among the clearest examples of where the optical approach delivers a meaningful advantage.

A 25th Anniversary That Looks Forward

Although the µCMM NEO launch coincides with Bruker Alicona’s 25th anniversary, the system is less a retrospective statement than a forward-looking one. Over recent decades, optical metrology has evolved from a niche technology into a production-ready standard for high-precision applications. The µCMM NEO reflects this maturity — not as an alternative to established methods, but as a system built for the increasing complexity of modern manufacturing.

Free Webinar: Solving Micro-Scale Measurement Challenges – Introducing the New µCMM NEO

On June 24, 2026, Bruker Alicona will host an online event demonstrating how the µCMM NEO addresses measurement tasks that push conventional coordinate metrology to its limits. The session will cover micro holes, complex microgeometries, contour measurements, and full 3D capture. Registration is free: www.alicona.com/en/online-event/introducing-the-new-cmm-neo

First Order and Delivery Timeline

The first µCMM NEO system has already been ordered by a long-standing customer in high-precision toolmaking and stamped parts production — the same partner that was first to adopt the original µCMM at its introduction. Series deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q4 2026.

Made in Austria

In line with Bruker Alicona’s manufacturing philosophy, the µCMM NEO is developed and produced entirely at the company’s headquarters in Raaba-Graz. All systems are manufactured exclusively at this location, ensuring consistent quality standards and close alignment between development and production.

About Bruker Alicona: Bruker Alicona is a global provider of high-resolution optical 3D metrology solutions for quality assurance in research and production. As part of the Bruker Group, the company develops measurement systems based on Focus-Variation technology, serving leading manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, medical technology, tooling, and other high-precision industries.