Measurement Sensors

3D Inspection and Measurement

While 3D inspection and 3D measurement both rely on capturing and processing dimensional data, their primary focus and applications across various industries differ. The main difference is simply how 3D data is used.
A multitude of inspections and measurements (like volume, warpage, and tilt) become possible by acquiring a 3D image. That said, a target's size, material, and how it will be presented play key roles in obtaining good data. Below are a few of the options available, and you can request a free consultation with a 3D measurement expert if you have any questions.

Coating Inspection of Sealing Material

2D Profilers can measure the width, height, and volume of sealant beads inline, regardless of surface finish or color.

Connector Coplanarity Measurement

Unlike triangulation sensors, interferometers can measure small parts in confined spaces without blind spots or unstable data.

Inspection for Electrode Terminal Burrs After Slitting

Detect burrs arising on terminals after electrode slitting. With ultra-high-resolution 3200 points/profile measurement, the LJ-X8000 Series produces stable detection even for minute burrs.

Weld Shape Inspection

Profile measurement can be continuously performed on captured 3D shapes. This allows pass/fail criteria to be applied to maximum and minimum values over an area or time, making it possible to catch small defects in continuous processes.

Sheet Thickness, Width, and Edge Profile

Free-form planes allow the system to pick up on deviations from the typical contour of a surface. This makes stable defect detection possible, even for targets with complex shapes.

Lumber Grading

Highly accurate measurements can be made even when measuring targets with height differences or where the distance from the target to the camera could vary.

Bead Appearance Inspection After Welding for Can Sealing

Detect chipping or dents in laser welded beads using 3D laser profilers. The measurement is unaffected by the color or gloss of the weld, making inspection results stable through glare or bead shape variation.

Smartphone Assembly Inspection

Targets with multiple materials can be captured in a single profile, allowing measurements to be made between glass and metal surfaces. The LJ-X Series is equipped to handle reflections ten times higher than conventional products.

360° Inspection of Stepped Shaft

For targets with different diameters, conventional vision systems often have a hard time focusing on the larger and smaller diameter areas at the same time. Measuring the height of the dents with a laser profiler makes it possible to inspect the whole surface at once.

Post-Assembly Construction and Height Difference Inspection

3D inspection allows users to accurately detect whether components are properly seated in the assembly or if elements are tilted. Using a KEYENCE 2D/3D laser profiler with a blue laser ensures stable measurement, even for targets with varying materials.

3D Measurement of Transparent and Mirrored Surfaces

A displacement sensor with an extremely small beam spot of just 3.5 µm can be used for accurate profile measurements of roughness and subtle shapes. 3D shape measurements are also possible through detailed scanning synchronized with the X-Y stage. Measurements with impressive angle characteristics are possible not only for opaque targets but also for transparent targets and 3D shapes with mirrored surfaces.

Cookie Inspection

The laser profiler's wide field of view makes it possible to inspect multiple targets traveling on a conveyor belt together. 3D position correction can be used to identify and inspect each cookie within the measurement range, enabling accurate sorting to improve quality and eliminate waste.

What is 3D Inspection?

The primary focus of 3D inspection is to ensure that the products conform to pre-set specifications. 3D inspection systems rely on an array of sensors that assess whether an object meets the predefined criteria or standards. While they conduct measurements, these measurements are used as comparisons against a reference model to determine standard compliance.
3D part inspection is used to check finished products or defects, warpage, or deviations from the intended design, typically via monitoring the manufacturing process, ensuring that products remain within tolerance.

What is 3D Measurement?

3D measurement systems, on the other hand, focus primarily on precision and accuracy, as their sensors are configured to capture highly accurate and precise measurements of various objects. They provide detailed dimensional data, often including exact coordinates, distance, angles, and geometries.
This data collection ensures that the end product meets strict part specifications or more accurate data capture in reverse engineering applications, in which precision and accuracy are essential.

3D Inspection Sensors

3D inspection sensors collect data and can be used like 3D measurement sensors. A big difference between the two is that 3D inspection sensors can also verify part conformity and detect defects. This is accomplished by comparing the captured data against pre-defined standards. Since they’re mostly integrated into fast-moving assembly lines, 3D inspection sensors prioritize speed and efficiency in detecting pass/fail conditions.

3D Measurement Sensors

3D measurement sensors are calibrated to capture highly accurate and precise dimensional measurement data. These sensors are typically used to verify exact part dimensions, and the data collected by 3D measurement sensors is often far more detailed than data provided by 3D inspection sensors.

3D Inspection Applications

3D inspection scanners are mostly used in applications such as quality control in assembly lines, where parts must pass simple pass/fail checks. These checks often require several different measurements for comparative purposes. As a result, the complexity of the measured data isn’t as vast.
3D inspection applications include assembly inspection, surface defect detection, body and chassis inspection, welding quality assessment, interior fitting verification, PCB and electronics manufacturing, and many others.

3D Measurement Applications

Since they include a wide range of methods, such as laser scanning, structured light capture, photogrammetry, and CMMs, 3D measurement systems are suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries.
This includes precise measurement for in-depth quality control, accurate dimensioning of molds, dies, and fixtures, creating and verifying various measurements in prototyping applications, and even surgical planning and object digitization.
Interested in implementing advanced 3D measurement and 3D dimensional inspection systems into your production processes? Look no further than KEYENCE. Contact us today.

Related Downloads

Key Technology and Applications [3D Measurement]

This guide compiles examples of 3D measurement applications using the LJ-X8000 Series 2D/3D laser profilers. Benefits in various inspection processes and items are explained concisely with graphics.

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