Measurement Landscape

There are many types of 3D measurement and inspection systems available, all addressing different applications and needs. Most older technologies are contact based, which are slow but accurate; newer technologies, including Phase Vision products, are non–contact, delivering far greater performance.

Even within these broad categories, there are sub divisions. In terms of performance, point based scanning systems (like CMM or laser trackers) are the slowest; line based systems (like laser scanners) are faster, and are often low cost and conveniently portable; while the area scanners offer the highest performance and good accuracy.

Point-based scanners and line scanners are available in both contact and non-contact forms, while area scanners are restricted to the non-contact world:

Manufacturers of CMM equipment include LK / Metris / Nikon Metrology, Hexagon, Mitutoyo… while Renishaw are probably the biggest manufacturer of the mechanical probes used on the CMM.

The perceived leaders in the measurement arm arena are Faro, but products are also available from Metris / Nikon Metrology, Romer, Hexagon and many others.

Similarly, the biggest name in laser trackers is Leica, but laser trackers are available from companies such as Advanced Precision Inc (API), Faro and others.

Laser scanners are available from many suppliers; handheld lasers are available from Creaform, while Metris / Nikon Metrology, Faro and Hexagon Metrology also have innovative products.

Area scanning is dominated by white light companies such as Phase Vision, one of the most innovative players in the industry; their Quartz scanners overcomes many of the issues of grey-code fringe projection, upon which all the older white-light scanners are based.