As part of our trip to Japan, H Roberts & Sons also had the opportunity to visit Mitutoyo’s Kure facility, a key site responsible for some of the company’s most advanced measurement technologies.
While micrometers represent the foundation of precision, the Kure factory showcases how Mitutoyo continues to push forward into more complex and highly specialised measurement solutions.
A Hub for Surface Roughness Technology
The Kure facility is home to the production of the SJ-220 surface roughness tester, along with the wider 300 and 400 series roughness testing ranges.
Seeing these instruments being manufactured and assembled provided a real insight into the level of sophistication involved. Surface roughness measurement demands extreme sensitivity and consistency, and every component must work together to deliver accurate, repeatable readings.
From probe technology to drive units and internal electronics, each stage of production is tightly controlled. The calibration and testing processes in particular highlighted the precision required to ensure reliable performance in real-world applications.
Expanding Capabilities with New Technologies
In addition to roughness testing equipment, the Kure facility is also involved in the development and production of newer systems such as the QM-Fit measurement solutions.
These systems represent a move towards more integrated and efficient measurement setups, designed to improve workflow and reduce inspection time without compromising accuracy.
It reflects a broader shift within manufacturing towards smarter, more connected measurement environments.
Hardness Testing and Optical Measurement
The visit also included a look at Mitutoyo’s hardness testers and profile projectors, both of which remain essential in many inspection processes.
Hardness testers require absolute consistency in force application and measurement, and it was clear that the same level of attention to detail seen in other Mitutoyo products applies here.
Profile projectors, while a more established technology, continue to play a crucial role in many industries. Seeing their production reinforced how Mitutoyo continues to refine and support proven methods alongside newer innovations.
A Broader View of Precision Engineering
What stood out at the Kure factory was the diversity of technologies under one roof. From portable roughness testers to larger inspection systems, the facility demonstrates the breadth of Mitutoyo’s capabilities.
It also highlights how measurement requirements are evolving. It is no longer just about dimensional accuracy, but also about surface finish, material properties, and integrated inspection processes.
Final Thoughts
For H Roberts & Sons, visiting the Kure facility added another layer of understanding to the Mitutoyo product range.
It showed how the same principles of precision and reliability are applied across a wide spectrum of measurement technologies, from handheld instruments to more advanced inspection systems.
Experiences like this reinforce the confidence we have in the products we supply and the importance of working with manufacturers who continue to invest in innovation.
Precision is not just about measurement. It is about understanding every aspect of a component, and Mitutoyo continues to lead the way in making that possible.