Bringing Dimensional Metrology and Non-Destructive Testing Closer Together

Industrial quality control is moving beyond the inspection of external dimensions. In sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy and advanced manufacturing, engineers increasingly need to understand both the geometry and internal integrity of components.

Hexagon has completed its acquisition of Waygate Technologies from Baker Hughes in a transaction valued at approximately $1.45 billion.

The acquisition expands Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence’s portfolio into non-destructive testing (NDT), industrial imaging and maintenance, repair and operations applications.

What Waygate Technologies Brings to Hexagon

Waygate Technologies provides inspection technologies used to examine components without damaging them.

Its portfolio includes:

• Industrial radiography
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Remote visual inspection
• Ultrasonic testing
• Industrial imaging solutions

These technologies are used to detect internal defects, discontinuities, material inconsistencies and other conditions that may not be visible through conventional dimensional inspection.

Waygate brings approximately 1,500 employees across 25 locations and reported around $630 million in revenue for fiscal year 2025, according to Hexagon’s announcement.

From External Measurement to Internal Inspection

Traditional coordinate measuring systems focus on the external geometry of a component.

A CMM can measure dimensions, geometric tolerances and surface-related characteristics. However, it cannot independently reveal every internal defect within a complex casting, additive-manufactured part or assembled component.

Industrial CT provides a different perspective.

By using X-ray imaging from multiple angles, CT systems can generate three-dimensional representations of internal and external structures. Engineers can use these datasets to investigate porosity, inclusions, internal geometry and manufacturing defects.

When combined with dimensional metrology software, CT inspection can help connect internal quality assessment with the measurement of external geometry.

Why the Acquisition Matters for Manufacturing Intelligence

Hexagon states that combining Waygate’s CT systems with its Volume Graphics software and metrology portfolio will create a more comprehensive inspection offering across the product lifecycle.

This could be particularly relevant for manufacturers working with complex components that require both dimensional verification and internal inspection.

Potential applications include:

• Aerospace castings and structural components
• Automotive powertrain and safety-critical parts
• Battery manufacturing and inspection
• Metal additive manufacturing
• Industrial components and assemblies

The combination could support a more connected workflow from design verification to production quality assurance.

NDT and the Digital Manufacturing Workflow

Non-destructive testing is an important part of industrial quality management because it allows components to be evaluated without destroying or altering them.

However, inspection technology alone does not guarantee product quality.

Reliable results depend on inspection procedures, calibration, defect-detection capability, acceptance criteria, operator competence and applicable industry standards.

Different NDT methods also have different capabilities and limitations. Radiography, CT, ultrasonic testing and visual inspection are not interchangeable; each is suited to particular materials, geometries and defect types.

A Broader Industrial Inspection Strategy

The acquisition represents a strategic expansion of Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence portfolio.

By bringing dimensional metrology, industrial CT and other NDT technologies closer together, the company is positioning itself to support a broader range of quality and inspection requirements.

For manufacturers, the most important potential benefit is a more connected approach to understanding component quality, from external dimensions to internal material integrity.

Source: Hexagon, completion of the acquisition of Waygate Technologies, 2 November 2026.