Scientists and engineers use the ASAME Target Model to obtain the 3-D geometry and surface strain data over critical areas of sheet metal or plastic parts efficiently and accurately. First, a grid pattern of squares or circles is applied to the surface of an undeformed sheet of metal or plastic, and the gridded blank is formed. A small photogrammetry target is placed in the view of the desired measurement area, and two or three photographs are taken of the area including the target. The ASAME software processes these images, and calculates the area's geometry and strain data. Data display features offer the capability to analyze data for specific forming applications.

The GPA (grid pattern analyzer) enables the operator to measure strain data, one point at a time, over an area of a formed metal or plastic part. First, a grid pattern of squares, circles or a combination of these, is applied to the surface of an undeformed sheet of metal or plastic, and the gridded blank is formed. Strain data is obtained by using the GPA's handheld video camera to capture an image of one grid element. Seconds after image capture, the strain is calculated and displayed on a forming limit diagram.