Non-contact measurement steps into the light

Available from exclusive UK agent, Finishing Techniques, the optical measuring device is manufactured by metrology specialist, GFMesstechnik. Optical 3D measuring systems are based on the advanced technology of phase measuring fringe projection, an innovative development in non-contact optical 3D metrology. MikroCAD's digital light processing (DLP) technology uses micro mirror displays to provide results with high light intensity and short exposure times, resulting in measuring systems that are distinguished by rapid data acquisition and high accuracy. By exploiting the intensity gradients of projected stripe patterns, phase measuring fringe projection captures large areas of measured data to a resolution and accuracy that is better than classic triangulation methods. Phase measuring fringe projection directly gains height values, for any single surface point, from the gray value slopes of just a few phase shifted fringe patterns. A vertical scanning run of the camera is unnecessary and the measurement not only delivers an extreme height resolution, between 10 and 50 times smaller than the fringe width, it is also fast. Digital light processing (DLP) technology removes the requirement for a sealed measurement chamber or darkened shroud, and the blue hue negates any interference from ambient light. As well as component characteristics such as height, width, length and shape, MikroCAD is suited to the measurement of micro profiles and roughness for many different types of surfaces and materials. With micron or sub-micron resolution in all axes it allows detailed feedback of the manufacturing process parameters. GFMesstechnik has developed ODSCAD software for the rapid processing and user-defined presentation of the measured data. The calculation of 3D data is quick enough that it allows non-contact measurement to be integrated into a production line. It provides detailed investigation of the manufacturing process by determination of essential characteristics with only one instrument, and automated measurement and analysis of several characteristics in one 'snap shoot'.