Metrology and not meteorology, is the science of measurement that deals in measurement theory processes, procedures and methods. The science is divided into scientific, industrial and legal metrology, with different levels of complexity and accuracy across each sector. Although this market is quite obscure, unless you're an industry insider, it provides an extremely valuable service in our society. Every manufactured good we use was created by measuring many different parameters in order to end with the final product. A report by Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) titled, "Product Introductions Boost the Global Metrology Probes and Scanners Market", highlights the challenges and opportunities the market is going to be facing in the next three years.

According to the new analysis, Frost & Sullivan estimates the market will reach $398.3 billion in 2017. The growth is going to be driven by the Asia Pacific market, as traditionally strong North American and European regions experience economic uncertainty.

The market as a whole is facing challenges because of the development of new technologies in all but the premium end of the market. This stagnation is having negative impact as manufacturers are increasingly becoming a one-stop shop providing complete solutions in the industry.

According to Frost & Sullivan Measurement & Instrumentation Research Analyst Prathima Bommakanti, companies have to continue improving on issues related to end-users to keep pace with newer technology.

By placing greater importance in software capability as well as increased R&D investments for developing accurate roving systems the market will experience some growth. Additionally the technology of the future in metrology must implement solutions that simplify the operation of scanners and probing systems.

The challenge also comes in having price points that ensure profitability and growth without alienating developing markets that are growing at a very fast rate. Some of the regions include Eastern Europe and Latin America as well as China and India.

"Customers across end-user industries need several types of touch trigger probes, scanners and multisensor probes, and are looking for single-source suppliers that can provide these services – on their own or through partnerships. This gives manufacturers a chance to offer integrated measuring machines along with the probing systems and garner a larger share of the user budget," said Bommakanti.

The key vendors controlling this market are Hexagon AB, Carl Zeiss AG, Mitutoyo Corp., Nikon Corp., Renishaw plc, Trescal Inc., and FARO Technologies Inc. Other vendors in the report include, Danish Micro Engineering A/S, Optical Metrological Services and Optical Gaging Products Inc.