The role of metrology is shifting. This is especially true in modern industrial settings and for increasingly exacting applications. Once perceived as a necessary evil residing in the quality control department validating the integrity of finished parts and components, today metrology is viewed more as an enabling technology that truly adds value.

Machined parts commonly have sharp edges and corners that are “broken” for a variety of reasons in a process called edge break.

Confocal sensors are increasingly used for fast distance and thickness measurements. Different sensor and controller models open versatile fields of application, e.g. in the semiconductor industry, glass industry, medical engineering and plastics production. 

You may be unfamiliar with the term “optical shaft metrology.” But you’ve no doubt experienced the advantages of this technology. Traveling by car or airplane, for example. In fact, it might surprise you to learn that anytime you’ve used a machine with an electric motor, a turbo charger, fuel injection, precision bearings, transaxles or spindles, chances are good you’ve benefited from optical shaft metrology.

Deciding whether to perform inspections in-house or to hire contract service providers is not solely a question of upfront investment versus long-term need. For some suppliers, a third-party contract service can also provide assurance that parts have been inspected and approved by an unbiased party.

The current trends in manufacturing can be summed up pretty much as they always have been: more for less. In other words, manufacturers always want to be able to do more with less.

Precisely measuring and validating parts made from low-density materials such as plastic can be tricky and time-consuming. For example, silicone parts readily bend and flex, leading to inaccuracies. Fixturing, the traditional solution to immobilize and align parts for measurement, is a lengthy process involving engineering, construction and validation of the custom fixture. 

 Optical, camera-based 3D metrology has become a standard in many industrial areas.  

Trend shows shift from traditional CMMs towards Optical Metrology Solutions.

Optical metrology is a crucial tool used in industrial automation to increase productivity and quality levels via 100% inspection rates.