Increasing accuracy and efficiency across industries

3D Metrology is an innovative 3D scanning and modeling solution for engineering and manufacturing. It streamlines the process by which engineers and designers can effortlessly capture high-quality data of their products, eliminating the need for manual work. It is associated with various scanning and imaging techniques, widely used in many applications, including quality control.

3D metrology supports various manufacturing and engineering activities, including prototyping, tooling, machining, and assembly. It helps reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve the quality of processes and products. It revolutionizes quality control by offering faster, more accurate, and more comprehensive measurement capabilities than traditional methods. Ultimately, this improves product quality and production efficiency. The 3D metrology industry is undergoing a transformation due to the increase in demand for inspection applications and the high investment in 3D metrology research and development.

The Emergence of Nanometrology for Smaller Components

The demand for 3D metrology solutions is growing in the realm of micro- and nano-sized features due to the ongoing miniaturization of electronic components and other goods. Accurate measurements at these scales are essential as technology advances. 3D metrology addresses this need by providing high-resolution insights that enable industries to maintain rigorous manufacturing standards for tiny components. This highlights the critical role of 3D metrology in advancing smaller technologies in a variety of fields.

Nanometrology specializes in measurements at the nanometer scale, where even small errors lead to significant effects. New innovations in nanometrology include the development of specialized instruments such as scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) and atomic force microscopes (AFM). These tools solve problems at the molecular and atomic level, allowing manufacturers and researchers to characterize nanoscale materials with greater precision.

A new era of medical diagnostics with advanced imaging

In medical diagnostics, precision is important. Traditional 2D imaging, with its inherent limitations, often requires physicians to rely on educated assumptions. 3D metrology transforms this process, providing a more comprehensive perspective of a patient’s anatomy. It allows physicians to generate 3D models of a patient’s anatomy, such as the brain or other organs. This provides more detailed information than traditional 2D imaging, improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning.

In orthopedics, for example, 3D metrology has revolutionized the production of custom implants and prosthetics. Using extensive 3D orthopedic scans, surgeons are designing implants that optimize surgical outcomes and speed recovery times by seamlessly integrating with the patient’s anatomy. Similarly, 3D scanning has transformed oncology, providing high-resolution images that precisely identify the size, shape, and location of tumors to accurately stage and personalize treatment plans. These scans enable oncologists to develop therapies tailored to target tumors while preserving healthy tissue. In the surgical context, 3D models enable surgeons to visualize and optimize their strategies in advance, ensuring accurate tumor removal and preservation of critical tissue.

A promising future thanks to technological development

In the coming years, the 3D metrology industry is expected to see significant advances, such as the inclusion of non-contact measurement technologies such as laser scanning and optical digitization. These approaches eliminate the need for direct physical contact with the object being tested, which is especially beneficial for delicate components.

Another significant innovation is the development of portable and handheld 3D metrology devices. These innovations are expected to equip technicians and engineers with the ability to take measurements directly on the shop floor or in the field, minimizing downtime and increasing overall productivity.

ZEISS has launched its new 3D metrology software, ZEISS INSPECT

ZEISS has introduced its latest 3D metrology software, ZEISS INSPECT, expanding the capabilities of Industrial Quality Solutions customers. The new ZEISS INSPECT Optical 3D software facilitates comprehensive inspection and evaluation of 3D measurement data. This release has accelerated data acquisition and improved evaluation functions. In addition, the new Autosurfacing application automates the conversion of scan data into precise CAD models, further streamlining workflows. ZEISS INSPECT has established itself as the industry standard for optical metrology inspection and evaluation. It includes CT-based quality inspection in addition to optical inspection capabilities.

Newsight Imaging introduced MT LiDAR technology in April 2023 for precise 3D mapping

Semiconductor innovator specializing in spectral vision systems and integrated circuits and proprietary 3D machine vision sensors, Newsight Imaging Ltd. announced a new addition to its range of Multi-Triangulation (MT) LiDAR reference designs. The new reference design enables full 3D mapping in a single scan, includes 480 depth points, and supports depth resolutions from 20 μm to 1 mm. It achieves hundreds of frames per second, making it ideal for continuous production and structural inspection control.

In summary, the evolution of 3D metrology continues to redefine industries from engineering and manufacturing to medical diagnostics and beyond. Additionally, advances such as non-contact measurement technologies and wearable devices, combined with innovations in software and precision instrumentation, 3D metrology is poised to increase accuracy, efficiency, and transformative features for future applications.

short description

3D metrology is an advanced 3D scanning and modeling solution tailored to the needs of engineering and manufacturing. This technology helps engineers and designers effortlessly capture high-precision product data without manual intervention. Additionally, advances such as non-contact measurement technologies and wearable devices, combined with innovations in software and precision instruments, 3D metrology is expected to increase accuracy, efficiency, and transformative features for future applications.