PolyWorks is InnovMetric's universal 3D metrology software platform used by over 26,000 manufacturers worldwide as their standard digital inspection environment. Its defining architectural principle is hardware independence: the Universal Digitizing Hub provides plug-and-play interfaces to portable measuring arms, laser trackers, handheld 3D scanners, and CNC CMMs from every major manufacturer—Faro, Hexagon, Nikon, Zeiss, Leica, Creaform, Mitutoyo, and dozens more—so that inspection projects authored once run on any connected device without reformatting or software switching.

What makes the PolyWorks metrology workflow universal?

A single Universal Inspection Project file captures the complete measurement sequence: CAD nominals, GD&T callouts, data alignment references, and reporting templates. The same project deploys to a portable arm on the shop floor, a laser tracker in the QA lab, or a CNC CMM in the production cell—the operator sees a consistent interface regardless of the hardware underneath. For CNC CMMs, PolyWorks automatically generates collision-free probing paths from the universal project. For multi-line portable scanners, real-time scan data streams directly into the active project without file transfers or intermediary processing.

How does Smart GD&T ensure standards-compliant dimensional analysis?

PolyWorks' Smart GD&T engine is certified by PTB (Germany's national metrology institute) and implements the full ASME Y14.5 and ISO 1101 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards, including datum reference frames, material condition modifiers (MMC/LMC/RFS), composite tolerance zones, and simultaneous requirements. The software computes surface, boundary, cross-sectional, and thickness deviation colour maps against CAD nominals and reports feature-based dimensions—diameters, positions, orientations, distances, and angles in 2D and 3D—with automatic pass/fail flags against specified tolerances. Integrated SPC tracks trends across production batches with multipiece statistics.

How does DataLoop connect measurement data across the enterprise?

PolyWorks|DataLoop centralizes all 3D measurement data on a shared server—on-premise or SaaS cloud (DataLoop Cloud, introduced in 2026)—creating a digital thread that interconnects measurement data producers (shop-floor inspectors) with consumers (design engineers, quality managers, supplier quality teams). Inspection project templates enforce enterprise-wide metadata and methodology standards. View-only Reviewer projects enable secure sharing without exposing editable data. Role-based access control, piece-locking, and web-based approval workflows ensure that only authorized personnel can modify or approve inspection results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PolyWorks create CAD models from scan data?

Yes. PolyWorks|Modeler provides reverse-engineering tools for creating parametric CAD surfaces and solid models from point-cloud and polygonal scan data, supporting export to all major CAD formats including CATIA, NX, Creo, SolidWorks, STEP, IGES, JT, and Parasolid.

Does PolyWorks support CT scan data?

Yes. The CT Scanning Module, introduced in PolyWorks 2026, automates multipiece CT-based dimensional inspection for production environments, handling the full workflow from volume reconstruction import through part separation, alignment, and GD&T evaluation.