The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence have expanded their long‑standing technology collaboration to increase regional access to advanced metrology training and contract inspection services.
Through this collaboration, NIAR’s Advanced Machining and Prototyping Lab (AMP) will provide training for Hexagon metrology systems and software, enabling manufacturers to enhance inspection capability, improve workforce proficiency, and support the growing requirements of advanced manufacturing. Training offered through NIAR includes:
- Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) programming with Hexagon PC‑DMIS software
- CMM operation using PC‑DMIS
- Hexagon portable measuring arm training using PC‑DMIS and Spatial Analyzer
- Leica laser tracker training using PC‑DMIS and Spatial Analyzer
“This initiative directly supports NIAR AMP’s mission to help manufacturers improve capability, quality and confidence,” said Denny Deegan, NIAR AMP general manager. “Hexagon’s technology, paired with NIAR’s applied training environment, allows manufacturers to strengthen their workforce, solve complex inspection challenges and adopt modern manufacturing practices.”
In addition to training, NIAR will deliver regional contract metrology services, offering dimensional inspection, programming support, portable measurement, laser tracker services and advanced inspection planning for Hexagon customers and industry partners.
“Our manufacturing partners need more than reliable, user-friendly equipment,” said Deegan. “They also need skilled people, dependable processes and access to technical expertise. NIAR AMP is committed to being that resource for our region.”
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence currently leases 3,000 square feet within the John Bardo Center on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus. The technology collaboration, established in 2017, provides NIAR faculty, staff and students with access to Hexagon software and precision metrology systems used across aerospace, automotive, energy and medical industries. The expanded relationship builds on this foundation by extending Hexagon capabilities directly into regional workforce development and industry support.
NIAR AMP specializes in high‑precision machining, prototyping and inspection services for the aerospace, defense and manufacturing sectors. The lab supports the transition of new materials and technologies from development to production using state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing processes and equipment for both small‑scale and large‑scale applications.
About NIAR
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University provides
research, testing, certification and training services support the aviation, defense
and advanced manufacturing industries. NIAR’s mission is to strengthen university
research capabilities; provide applied learning opportunities for students; and support
the aviation and manufacturing industries – while driving innovation and prosperity
for the community, region and state. Established in 1985, NIAR’s yearly R&D expenditures
exceed $400 million, with more than 2,000 personnel and 2 million square feet of laboratory
and office space in six locations across Wichita, Kan., and one in Huntsville, Ala.
www.niar.wichita.edu
About Hexagon
Hexagon is the global leader in measurement technologies. We provide the confidence
that vital industries rely on to build, navigate, and innovate. From microns to Mars,
our solutions ensure productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability in everything
from manufacturing and construction to mining and autonomous systems. Hexagon (Nasdaq
Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,800 employees in 50 countries and net sales
of approximately 5.4bn EUR. hexagon.com