Non-contact optical three-dimensional measuring, scanning and digitising are increasingly present in quality assurance systems. Simple scanning procedures, high density of data acquired in a single scan, and the possibility of integrated reverse engineering and inspection, are all advantages of optical scanning compared to conventional measuring methods. Due to the three-dimensional acquisition of measuring data, an optical scanner is often considered to be an alternative possibility for coordinate measuring machines. However, the accuracy of the measured data acquired by optical scanning (even with a high-end system) is still far below the level achieved by high-level coordinate measuring machines. This paper examines the possibilities of using a three-dimensional scanner for workpiece inspection. The first part presents a special field of workpiece inspection in which, even with currently achievable accuracy, optical scanning is a viable solution for the inspection of manufactured parts. In addition, the achievable dimensional accuracy of an optical scanner is tested by scanning several gauge blocks. In conclusion, a head to head comparison with a coordinate measuring machine is made by scanning and verifying a sphere.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.