| 3D |
Three-dimensional. Having or appearing to have length, breadth, and depth. 3D models show an object's shape better than two-dimensional (2D) drawings. |
| 3D optical scanning |
Capturing the geometric surface data of an object using a combination of light and sensors. 3D optical scanning collects data to be turned into digital 3D models. |
| 3D scanner |
A portable measuring device that uses light and sensors to measure an object's geometric shape. 3D scanners collect large amounts of surface data quickly. |
| ambient |
Coming from the surrounding area. Ambient lighting is light that normally occurs in the environment or space, like room lighting or natural lighting. |
| automated |
Controlled by machines or computers with little human interaction. Automated robots can use structured light scanners to measure parts. |
| blue light |
A visible, short-wavelength light. Blue light is less likely to be affected by other light sources. |
| CAD |
Computer-aided design. A computer software program that aids in the automated design and technical precision drawing of a part, product, process, or building. CAD models can be used in part inspection. |
| cameras |
A device used to capture still images, such as photographs, or moving images, such as videos. Cameras capture surface data when 3D scanning a part. |
| climate-controlled |
Having artificially regulated air temperature, humidity, and movement. Climate-controlled environments are not necessary for portable metrology devices. |
| CMM arms |
A portable measuring device consisting of segments connected by joints. CMM arms operate using either contact or noncontact methods. |
| color map |
A data visualization tool that displays the differences between a scanned object and nominal CAD model using colors to represent deviations. Color maps allow designers to make adjustments to the actual part design. |
| computer-aided design |
CAD. A computer software program that aids in the automated design and technical precision drawing of a part, product, process, or building. Computer-aided design models can be used in part inspection. |
| contact probes |
A type of probe consisting of a synthetic ruby-tipped stylus that makes physical contact with a workpiece. A contact probe records one single point each time it touches a part's surface. |
| coordinate measuring machines |
CMM. A sophisticated measuring instrument that uses a suspended probe to measure parts in three-dimensional space. Coordinate measuring machines operate using either contact or noncontact methods. |
| deviations |
The difference between a standard and a result. Deviations can lead to parts that do not meet specifications. |
| digital light processing |
DLP. Technology that uses micro-mirrors to project images from a monitor onto a large screen. Digital light processing projectors allow patterns to be quickly projected onto objects. |
| first-off |
Occurring before all others in a series. First-off parts are the first finished parts created by a new manufacturing setup. |
| fixed CMM |
A stationary coordinate measuring machine. A fixed CMM has a large base with a suspended probe and is operated in a controlled environment. |
| fluorescent |
Emitting absorbed light by a substance. Fluorescent lighting is less intense than LED lighting. |
| fringe projection |
The process of projecting a series of two-dimensional patterns of lines onto a surface. Fringe projection shows an arrangement of lines that vary in size and quantity. |
| geometric dimensioning and tolerancing |
GD&T. An international standard for communicating instructions about the design and manufacturing of parts. Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing emphasizes the function of the part. |
| geometry |
The measurement, properties, and relationships of the lines and points of an object that make up its shape. Geometry is used when measuring and designing parts. |
| image sensors |
A device that detects and conveys information used to make an image. Image sensors capture surface data when 3D scanning a part. |
| incandescent |
Emitting light as a result of being heated. Incandescent lights use wire filaments to produce warm, glowing lights. |
| infrared |
Invisible light energy emitted by heated objects. Infrared light can be used to capture a visual representation of an object's surface geometry. |
| in-process |
Currently being produced by manufacturing. In-process parts are found throughout the process of turning raw material into finished products. |
| inspection |
The examination of a part during or after its creation to confirm that it adheres to specifications. During inspection, defects may be identified and corrected. |
| laser |
A device that generates an intense beam of light that can be precisely aimed and controlled. Laser beams are used to measure and capture surface data. |
| laser scanners |
A portable measuring device that uses a beam of light to measure an object's geometric shape. Laser scanners collect large amounts of surface data quickly. |
| laser trackers |
A portable measuring device that projects a beam of light at a retroreflective target to measure large objects. Laser trackers require a person to hold a target on the object being measured. |
| LED |
Light emitting diode. A semiconductor device that emits a narrow spectrum of light in a forward direction. Structured light scanners use LEDs to produce light patterns. |
| legacy |
Relating to a previous technology. Legacy models are typically archived or obsolete. |
| lenses |
The light-gathering component of a camera. Lenses determine the camera's field of vision. |
| measurement field |
The entire area that can be observed from a fixed position. A structured light scanner's measurement field is viewed by cameras to either side of the projector. |
| metrology |
The science of measurement. Metrology strives for accuracy, precision, and repeatability. |
| noise |
Unwanted surface data caused by light interference. Noise affects the accuracy of data collection. |
| nominal |
A stated measurement that may not correlate exactly with a physical part. Nominal measurements for a part indicate the size specified in the print or CAD model, which may differ from the size of the actual part. |
| noncontact probes |
A type of probe that consists of a laser or scanning system that does not physically contact the part surface. Noncontact probes are used to streamline surface inspection. |
| on-machine |
Relating to or being on a machine. On-machine parts can easily be measured with portable metrology devices. |
| point cloud |
A large collection of data points of a three-dimensional object. Point clouds are typically used to create CAD models of objects. |
| polygon mesh model |
A collection of vertices, edges, and faces that defines the shape of an object in 3D space. A polygon mesh model lacks precise surface details. |
| polygons |
A two-dimensional figure with at least three straight sides and angles. Polygons are used to make basic 3D models of objects. |
| portable CMMs |
A coordinate measuring machine that can be easily carried or moved. Portable CMMs can be used on the factory floor. |
| projector |
A device that creates a two-dimensional layer of light. Projectors are used to create reference points for scanners to record. |
| prototypes |
A preliminary model of a part or a machine used to evaluate the look and performance of a design. Prototypes are used to determine the specifications for the final part. |
| quality reports |
A document of measurement data used for inspection. Quality reports provide the information needed to determine the dimensional accuracy of parts. |
| red green blue |
RGB. Three hues of light that can be mixed together to create different colors. Red green blue projectors can create full-color patterns. |
| resolution |
The amount of pixels and detail in an image. High-resolution images have better details than lower-resolution images. |
| reverse engineering |
A process that captures geometric data of an existing object to convert it to a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model. Reverse engineering can be used to create a reproduction based on a part's composition. |
| single slide projection |
The process of projecting a two-dimensional pattern onto a surface. Single slide projection usually displays a projected pattern that is randomly generated. |
| STL |
A file format type used for making 3D models that provides the surface geometry of an object. STL models are used in rapid prototyping and reverse engineering. |
| structured light |
A contrasting light pattern projected onto a scene or object. Structured light is used to capture 3D geometric data during optical scanning. |
| structured light scanners |
A portable measuring device that projects a pattern of light on an object and scans an image of it to record 3D surface measurements. Structured light scanners may take several scans before gathering all the dimensional data. |
| three-dimensional |
3D. Having or appearing to have length, breadth, and depth. Three-dimensional models show an object's shape better than two-dimensional (2D) drawings. |
| tolerance |
An unwanted but acceptable variation or deviation from a desired dimension. A part within tolerances will meet specifications and pass inspection. |
| triangulation |
The process of determining the location of a point by forming triangles from the light source to a known point to a sensor. Triangulation is the main process used for capturing data with 3D scanners. |
| two-dimensional |
2D. Having length and width, but not depth. Flat shapes are two-dimensional. |
| wavelengths |
The length of a light wave. Wavelengths determine the color and visibility of the light. |
| white light |
The combination of all wavelengths of the visible spectrum of light. White light tends to create 3D scans with a lot of noise. |