What to Look for When Buying a Used Hexagon CMM
Hexagon CMMs are precision instruments built to measure at the micron level. These machines represent significant capital investments, and proper inspection ensures the accuracy you need from day one.
Verify accuracy with a calibration artifact. Run a ball bar, gauge block, or ring gauge test and compare to the published MPEE specification. Accuracy degrades over time due to scale wear, air bearing condition, and environment. Request the most recent calibration certificate.
Inspect the air bearing system and granite surface. CMMs float their moving structures on air bearings for frictionless motion. Listen for hissing (air leaks) and verify smooth travel across all axes. Inspect the granite table and guideways for chips or scratches. Granite must be flat and intact.
Test the probe system and controller. Hexagon CMMs use various probe heads (PH10M/PH20, SP25, HP-S) with touch-trigger or scanning probes. Verify head indexing accuracy, qualification repeatability, and stylus condition. Test the controller for clean startup and proper axis drive across the full volume.
Evaluate the software and environment. Most Hexagon CMMs run PC-DMIS or QUINDOS. Confirm licensing is active and transferable. CMM accuracy depends on stable temperature (typically 20°C ± 1°C for lab machines). Shop-floor models include thermal compensation; verify it is calibrated.
Hexagon Bridge CMMs
GLOBAL S & GLOBAL Advantage
The GLOBAL S is Hexagon's most versatile bridge CMM, available in multiple sizes with green measurement technology for reduced air consumption. Configurable with touch-trigger, scanning, or multisensor capability. The GLOBAL Advantage combines speed and accuracy for aerospace, including the HTA variant for turbine blade inspection. Legacy Brown & Sharpe GLOBAL and MicroVal models remain widely available.
Leitz Reference & MAESTRO
The Leitz Reference series delivers ultra-precision measurement with the Xi variant offering extended temperature range (15 to 30°C) for production use. High-rigidity construction and advanced thermal compensation enable sub-micron accuracy. The MAESTRO is Hexagon's newest platform with all-digital architecture, cloud-connected operation through Nexus, and simplified programming.
Hexagon Gantry & Large-Volume CMMs
The Leitz PMM-G provides high-accuracy, high-throughput measurement for large workpieces in dedicated measuring rooms. The Leitz PMM-F is a monolithic gantry CMM for medium-to-large parts. The ALPHA 2.0 handles large castings and machined components on the production floor. The LAMBDA SP serves very large measurement applications. The DELTA OPERA combines half-bridge and half-gantry construction for open access to oversized workpieces. Legacy DEA gantry machines remain in active service on the secondary market.
Hexagon Shop-Floor & Horizontal Arm CMMs
The TIGO SF is a fully protected, shop-floor CMM with advanced thermal compensation and vibration resistance. The 7.10.7 SF and 4.5.4 SF bring measurement directly into production cells with hardened construction, covered ways, and environmental protection. Horizontal arm CMMs (Sheffield and DEA heritage) provide open-structure access for inspecting sheet metal, body panels, and large fabricated components.
Hexagon Portable Measuring Systems
The ROMER Absolute Arm series provides 6 and 7-axis portable coordinate measurement with integrated laser scanning, bringing CMM-grade inspection to the part. Leica Absolute Tracker laser trackers enable large-volume 3D measurement for aircraft assembly, tooling verification, and machine alignment. Both integrate with PC-DMIS.
How to Sell Your Used Hexagon CMM
Hexagon CMMs hold strong resale value thanks to the GLOBAL brand's massive installed base, PC-DMIS standardization, and consistent quality department demand.
Resell CNC buys used Hexagon metrology equipment: every model, every generation, nationwide.
- Contact us — call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours — no obligation.
- Accept the offer — we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Used Hexagon CMMs
Are used Hexagon CMMs reliable?
Yes. Hexagon CMMs are built for long service life with granite bases, precision air bearings, and robust drive systems. Heritage brands (Brown & Sharpe, DEA, Leitz, Sheffield) have proven track records spanning decades. With proper calibration and environmental control, used machines deliver factory-grade accuracy for years.
What is the relationship between Hexagon, Brown & Sharpe, and DEA?
Hexagon AB acquired Brown & Sharpe's metrology assets in 2001 (including DEA of Italy). Sheffield was added in 2004, ROMER and Leica in 2004/2005, and Leitz integrated alongside them. All operate under Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Used machines may carry any of these legacy brand names.
What should I inspect before buying a used Hexagon CMM?
Run an accuracy verification with calibration artifacts and compare to the MPEE specification. Inspect air bearings for leaks, check granite for damage, test probe head indexing, and verify PC-DMIS licensing. Request the most recent calibration certificate.
What Hexagon CMM models hold their value best?
GLOBAL S bridge CMMs, Leitz Reference machines, ROMER Absolute Arms, and Leica Absolute Trackers maintain strong resale values. Machines with current PC-DMIS versions and recent calibration certificates command premiums. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
What software do Hexagon CMMs use?
Most Hexagon CMMs run PC-DMIS, the world's most widely installed metrology software. High-precision and gear measurement may use QUINDOS. The newer MAESTRO platform introduces cloud-native apps through Nexus. Verify licensing and version compatibility when purchasing used.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used Hexagon CMMs?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options to help your business acquire the metrology equipment it needs. Contact us at (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used Hexagon CMM?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every Hexagon, Brown & Sharpe, DEA, Leitz, Sheffield, and ROMER model nationwide. Free appraisal within 24 hours.