Step into the optical metrology world and one thing is clear. This vibrant business sector continues to innovate new designs of portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMMs) for the inspection of large components and fixtures. Large-scale manufacturers are still on the hunt for updated optical methods to address in situ 3D measurement over large surface areas found in aerospace, shipbuilding, automotive and other industries. The need to carefully analyze surfaces in detail is driving the trend for better optical measurement tools that provide bigger data sets, as opposed to the old-style check fixtures with hard gaging.
New camera-based optical photogrammetry systems are introducing new designs that are major departures from older versions of the traditional optical toolsets. As these systems are used in harsh industrial environments or in remote outdoor settings, engineers place a special design focus on the robustness and resistance of these systems to the impact of mechanical stress such as vibrations or shock. During the research and development phase, protracted testing is used to check system accuracy over an entire measuring volume. Newer systems embed two high-performance cameras inside a robust housing, allowing for inspection, tracking and positioning even in rough production environments with dust and vibrations.