ABOUT IMS
Precision Measurement for Problems That Don't Have Simple Answers
Innovative Measurement Solutions provides advanced 3D metrology and dimensional measurement for complex engineering, manufacturing and industrial applications.
From aerospace assemblies and precision tooling to machinery, piping, existing facilities and large scale structures, IMS helps customers understand what is actually happening dimensionally so they can make informed engineering, manufacturing and production decisions.
Experience Behind IMS
Innovative Measurement Solutions is led by Zachary S. Ensley, a metrology professional whose career in portable measurement began in 2010.
Zachary holds the Coordinate Metrology Society credential:
Portable 3D Metrologist, Level 1
Coordinate Metrology Society
IMS approaches each project by first understanding the engineering requirement, then selecting the measurement method and workflow appropriate for the application.
Measurement Is Only Valuable When You Can Act on It
IMS approaches metrology as more than collecting coordinates or producing a report.
01 — Define the Problem
Every project begins with the engineering problem: what needs to be inspected, aligned, verified, reconstructed or documented, how accurately the result must be understood, and what decision will be made from the measurement.
02 — Select the Strategy
The measurement technology, coordinate strategy, analysis and deliverable are then selected around that requirement.
03 — Support the Application
IMS supports projects ranging from individual components and production tooling to aerospace structures, machinery, piping systems, shipboard environments and large industrial facilities.
The Right Measurement Strategy for the Actual Problem
Understand
Define the engineering requirement, tolerance, geometry, environment and required deliverable. A measurement approach cannot be developed properly without understanding what the result will be used for.
Measure
Select the appropriate portable metrology technology and establish a defensible coordinate framework. Instrument choice, control strategy, network design and measurement sequence are all part of the plan.
Analyze
Turn measured data into useful engineering information through dimensional inspection, CAD comparison, alignment, reverse engineering, modeling, fit up analysis or other project specific analysis. Data without interpretation is rarely the final answer.
Verify
Check the result, document the measured condition and provide information the customer can use confidently. The deliverable should answer the engineering question that started the project.
Multiple Technologies. One Measurement Strategy.
IMS works across laser trackers, metrology grade 3D scanners, photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, total stations and conventional precision measurement tools.
For complex applications, multiple technologies can be combined within a controlled measurement framework. This allows the measurement strategy to be developed around the required accuracy, scale, geometry and access rather than the limitations of a single instrument.
The instrument is a tool. The measurement strategy is what determines whether the resulting data is useful.
More Than Knowing Which Buttons to Press
Professional metrology requires more than operating an instrument. The value comes from knowing how to develop a measurement strategy around the engineering problem and understanding the factors that affect whether the result is reliable.
A Broader View of the Dimensional Problem
A measurement result can identify an error without explaining its cause.
IMS looks beyond isolated coordinates when the application requires it. A dimensional condition may involve the part, tooling, machine, installation, surrounding structure, thermal behavior or the relationship between multiple components.
The goal is to provide enough dimensional context for engineering, quality, production and maintenance teams to understand the larger condition and determine what should happen next.
Experience Across Demanding Industries
Aerospace & Space
Experience includes aircraft, aerospace structures, launch vehicles, spacecraft hardware, propulsion systems, tooling, assembly, integration, inspection and large volume dimensional control.
Explore Aerospace & Space MetrologyNaval, Marine & Shipbuilding
Experience includes naval surface ships, submarines, shipbuilding, machinery, alignment, dimensional inspection, virtual fit up, installation planning and large scale coordinate control.
Explore Naval, Marine & Shipbuilding MetrologyNuclear & Power Generation
Experience includes commercial and naval nuclear environments, power generation equipment, outages, facility measurement, piping, alignment, dimensional inspection and replacement planning.
Explore Nuclear & Power Generation MetrologyManufacturing & Industrial
Experience includes machinery, tooling, fabrication, CNC equipment, dimensional inspection, alignment, manufacturing troubleshooting and large industrial assemblies.
Explore Manufacturing & Industrial MetrologyDedicated industry pages provide more detail on the applications, measurement strategies and project environments associated with each sector.
Measurement You Can Defend
CMS Certification
Portable 3D Metrologist, Level 1 — Coordinate Metrology Society. CMS certification reflects demonstrated competency in portable coordinate metrology.
Calibrated Measurement Equipment
Measurement equipment is maintained within applicable calibration requirements, with calibration documentation and traceability information available when required by the project.
Measurement Uncertainty When Required
For applications where uncertainty must be evaluated more formally, IMS can incorporate measurement network design and uncertainty analysis into the measurement strategy. Detailed methods, including SpatialAnalyzer USMN, are addressed on the applicable technical service pages.
Engineering Focused Reporting
Reports are developed around the engineering question and the information the customer needs to make a decision. Deliverables can include dimensional results, coordinate data, deviation graphics, alignment corrections, GD&T, fit up information, CAD, drawings and other project specific documentation.
Field Experience Changes the Measurement Plan
Measurement conditions in a laboratory are not the same as measurement conditions inside an active manufacturing facility, ship, power plant, hangar, clean room or congested industrial environment.
IMS has experience working around difficult access, changing temperatures, line of sight restrictions, large measurement volumes, production schedules and controlled work environments.
Those conditions are considered when the measurement strategy is developed, not discovered after the data has already been collected.
Why Customers Bring IMS the Difficult Work
Field Experience
Experience across active manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, nuclear and industrial environments helps IMS anticipate practical measurement problems before they compromise the work.
Application Driven Technology Selection
IMS is not committed to solving every problem with one instrument. The measurement technology is selected around the engineering requirement, tolerance, measurement volume, geometry and access.
Engineering Context
The objective is not simply to report coordinates. IMS works to understand what the measured condition means for the part, assembly, machine, tooling, installation or facility.
Large Volume Capability
Portable metrology allows IMS to work beyond the measurement envelope of conventional fixed inspection equipment, from small components through machinery, assemblies and structures spanning hundreds of feet.
Clear Technical Communication
Measurement results are organized so engineering, manufacturing and quality teams can understand the condition and use the information to determine the next action.
Contact IMS
Have a measurement challenge or upcoming project? Contact IMS to discuss the application, project requirements and appropriate measurement strategy.
Metrology Software & Analysis
IMS works with major metrology and analysis platforms including SpatialAnalyzer, PolyWorks, Geomagic Design X and Geomagic Control X.
Software is selected according to the measurement and analysis requirement rather than treated as the defining capability. The engineering result remains the priority.
Florida Based. Mobile Nationwide. International.
Based in Rockledge on Florida's Space Coast, IMS provides onsite metrology services throughout Florida and across the United States.
International project support is available when appropriate.
Portable metrology means the measurement capability travels to the work, whether the project is located in a manufacturing facility, shipyard, aerospace environment, power facility, machine shop or other field location.
Get In Touch
General Inquiries
[email protected]Contact Zach Directly
[email protected]Phone
(321) 626-7999Location
Rockledge, FL 32955
Service Area
Florida's Space Coast — serving Florida and the United States. International support available when project requirements justify it.