UNICAL

UNICAL accelerates machine tool calibration with multilateration for rapid verification and traceable full-volume accuracy

Calibrate smarter, verify faster.

Volumetric accuracy in hours, not days. Time savings of up to 80% and accuracy boosts across your machine’s workspace.

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Faster, traceable machine calibration.

UNICAL is Hexagon’s new software for machine tool and CMM calibration, compensation and verification. Using a patented interferometric, multilateration method, it measures directly at the tool/probe tip to capture 6degrees of freedom (DOF) per axis plus squareness—delivering full-volume accuracy. In practice, manufacturers can cut measurement time by up to 80% vs. traditional interferometers, completing calibration in hours instead of days. UNICAL works with ETALON LASERTRACER, X-AX LASERBAR and Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and AT930, outputs controller-specific tables, and verifies to ISO 230-2/-6, VDI/DGQ 3441, and ISO 10360-2.

UNICAL capabilities

Explore calibration, compensation, and verification in one workflow.


UNICAL applies a patented interferometric method with multilateration to analyse the entire machine volume. Unlike single-axis methods, it measures combined axis effects at the tool tip, determining 6 DOF per axis and squareness for comprehensive error detection.

Automated workflows guide setup and measurement; operators can run complete volumetric with minimal training. Typical outcomes: hours not days, and sub-micron resolution from the self-tracking laser interferometer. 
Generate correction tables for Siemens Sinumerik, Heidenhain, Fanuc and more—or use open exchange.
Generate correction tables for Siemens Sinumerik, Heidenhain, Fanuc and more—or use open exchange. Volumetric Lite lets you minimise parameters and cost while showing residual error effects before export.
Execute verification routines quickly, with automatic fine alignment to run multiple lines without repositioning.
Execute verification routines quickly, with automatic fine alignment to run multiple lines without repositioning. Compare against ISO 230/10360 or VDI/DGQ standards and create standard conformant documentation and simplified compensation from verification data. 
Works with ETALON LASERTRACER-NG, X-AX LASERBAR and Leica AT930/960
Works with ETALON LASERTRACER-NG, X-AX LASERBAR and Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and AT930 across machines from ~0.3 m to 30 m+ (hardware-dependent). No special machine interfaces are required to compute volumetric deviations and generate correction tables.
Multi-language support is built in, with reviewed languages flagged for operators.
Modern UI, configurable reports with logos/images, project libraries, and guided content (text, pictures, videos). Multi-language support is built in, with reviewed languages flagged for operators.

Features and benefits

Full-volume insight

Capture 6 DOF per axis plus squareness at the tool/probe tip for complete volumetric understanding, not single-line snapshots.

Up to 80% faster

Cut measurement time from days to hours versus traditional interferometer workflows, recovering valuable machine time.

Automated workflows

From setup to report, UNICAL guides operators and can be configured down to near one-click execution with protected workflows and user guidance.

Flexible compensation

Export controller-specific (Siemens, Heidenhain, Fanuc) or open formats; apply Volumetric Lite when full volumetric isn’t available.

Rapid verification

Run ISO 230-2/-6, VDI/DGQ 3441, and ISO 10360-2 checks; up to seven test lines without repositioning thanks to automatic fine alignment.

Proven accuracy gains

Real examples show >90% error reduction after volumetric compensation (e.g., 189 µm → 18 µm; 350 µm → <30 µm).

Device choice, same platform

Use LASERTRACER-NG, X-AX LASERBAR or Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 or AT930 with the same software to suit range and application.

Scales to large machines

Calibrate from ~0.3 m to 30 m+ depending on hardware, ideal for everything from compact to gantry systems.

Modern UX & reporting

Configurable report generators, previews, and reusable project libraries improve consistency and speed.

Multi-language ready

Built-in multi-language with review indicators supports global usage and operator confidence.

Traceable results

Methods and outputs align to key standards, supporting audits and customer requirements.

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