Before decades it was difficult to accurately measure the shape of an object in many large-scale industrial sectors. However, invention of 3D metrology has solved this problem by offering enhanced resolution, accuracy, and speed. The widespread benefits of this advanced technology for measuring objects has grabbed the attention of several manufacturers in various industrial fields.

The industrial sector is revolutionizing at a rapid pace in this modern era. Growing technological developments is the major reason behind more advanced industrial processes. The invention of 3D metrology techniques has proven a blessing to various industries which need precise physical measurements.

What is 3D Metrology?

3D metrology is the technological study of physical measurement. Yet in its simpler term, it is nothing but a field which caters accurate measurement within production sites. In other words, applying 3D metrology is precisely acquiring an object’s geometrical information in three axes. These measurements are generally acquired by using a CMM (coordinate measuring machine); however any other type of precise ‘3D capture system’ can be used. 3D scanners, which capture the geometries, shape, colours, and textures of an object in the real world, collect that information into the digital realm.

What is the History of 3D Measurements?

3D measurements are in fact one of the best among the current technologies used in metrology, which is the standardization and science of measurements. The first measurements date back to the prehistoric Egyptians to facilitate commerce, record human activity, and build infrastructure. Current metrology, however, obtains its origins from the French revolution.

Types of 3D Measurement Technologies

3D measurements processes are of two main types: contact 3D measurement and non-contact 3D measurement.

1. Contact 3D Measurement Solutions: In this method, objects are examined through physical touch such as articulated arms, certain coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), and touch probes.
2. Non-Contact 3D Measurement: As the name indicates, this technology offers a means to gather 3D information without touching an object. It contains structured light scanners, photogrammetry solutions, optical CMM scanners, and 3D laser scanners. Based on acquisition type, 3D measurement solutions can be further broken down as:
   1. Laser-based 3D scanners: Laser-based 3D scanners emit a laser beam on top of the object and further evaluates it so that a camera is capable of recording the point where the object and beam interconnect. They use a process called trigonometric triangulation to precisely capture a 3D shape. In this type of scanners, sensors are places at a known distance from the laser's source. Exact point measurements can then be obtained by calculating the reflection angle of the laser light. These scanners are less sensitive to fluctuating light conditions and ambient light.
      • Benefits of Laser-based 3D Scanners: High-class laser-based 3D scanners generate quality data and also provide first-rate resolution, accuracy, and speed. Moveable laser-based 3D scanners enable operators to scan all varieties of objects, no matter where they are situated (on the shop floor, on the field or in a lab).
   2. Structured-light 3D scanners: Structured-light 3D scanner is also known as white-light. It is different from laser-based 3D scanners, which project one or several laser lines on the object. A structured-light 3D scanner projects light and shades patterns—all while capturing pictures with a camera. The 3D scanner identifies dissimilarities in the pattern and depends on the texture (colour) and geometry of the object to position the data. In this type of scanner, numerous pictures are captured from several positions until the mesh is complete.
      • Advantages of Structured-light 3D Scanners: A structured-light 3D scanner is fast and does not need much time to set up. In addition, handheld structured-light 3D scanner is much convenient as it is portable and can be used to scan an object anywhere in any position.
   3. Contact-Based Handheld 3D Measurement Solutions: Contact-based handheld 3D solution is also called as PCMMs (portable optical coordinate measuring machines). They physically examine the surface of an object and are held firmly on the place to be measured. Since these devices come into contact with an object, they can also efficiently measure any rigid surface.
      • Advantage of Contact-based handheld 3D solution: The modern age contact-based 3D solution probing device is much more unresponsive to instabilities than their antecedents.

What are Different Uses of 3D Metrology in Various Industrial Areas?

Since the very beginning, human beings have been curious about observing, analysing, and exploring the world. The need for measuring objects fuelled even more after various discoveries were made. 3D metrology’s applications in the industrial world has been rising with the same pace as that of technology advances, increasing need for human safety, and sustainability in the workplace.

Industrial metrology is the usage of “the science of measurement” in practicality and theory, and in the manufacturing processes for confirming accuracy and quality of manufactured components and parts. This technique is used to test the reliability of the manufactured part. Moreover, the manufactured product’s accuracy must be standardized as per industry and/or national standards.

3D metrology scanning solutions can be used in varieties of different organizations and for several applications.

• Aerospace: Structured blue light 3D scanners can be used to improve manufacturing processes with swift precision measurements in the aerospace sector.
• Automotive and Transportation: Capture 3D metrology solutions are used for a wide range of applications for automotive and transportation departments. For instance, tool building, functional build / pilot production, marketing, and design.
• Consumer Products: Shaping products with 3D Metrology can help in better product development.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing organization are outsourcing their 3D metrology measurement work to service workers to reduce measurement uncertainty, process stability, and fast-track measuring processes.
• Healthcare: 3D metrology can be used for the precise measuring of patient's body size, shape, and skin surface area or a specific part of the body.
• Oil and gas: 3D metrology can check whether spare parts will be suitable for existing equipment as well as provide a clear tooling erosion documentation to advance product design and reproduce tooling components.
• Power generation: 3D metrology solution accelerates upgrading, service and maintenance of turbines by recognizing parts to be replaced or faulty areas, inspecting the post-processing procedure, and checking that adequate material has been applied.
• Education: 3D metrology solution for education gives the chance to work with deformation analysis, validation of simulation, and material science. It also aids students in gaining practical understanding of manufacturing mechanics.

Diving into the Future of 3D Metrology

There are almost no limits to what 3D metrology can do with more inventions in the coming years. From fast-tracking product development, improving manufacturing procedures, enhancing quality control and inspections to growing product quality, reverse engineering, preserving artifacts, understanding future engineering about metrology, and much more, it can do wonders in various fields. In a nutshell, 3D metrology is progressively becoming the go-to technology for dimensional quality control in various manufacturing industries.