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3D Metrology in Hard to Reach Spaces

Surface inspection in hard-to-reach spaces, such as interiors of small aperture cylinders, presents a challenge for measuring systems. Novacam’s low coherence profilometers are equipped with small diameter non-contact probes which reach and scan inside such spaces, providing micron precision surface measurements. Examples of hard-to-reach surfaces include:

  • Interiors of fuel injectors
  • Through-holes of connecting rods and camshafts
  • Gun barrels (Figures 1 and 2)
  • Inside surfaces of blisks (bladed disks in the aeronautics industry) (Figures 3 and 4)

Fiber-based probe scans inside of gun barrel

Figure 1: Fiber-based probe on a cylindrical scanning system inspects interior of a gun barrel

Inside surface of gun barrel

Figure 2: Unfolded image of gun barrel's inside surface encoded in false color, facilitating inspection of any signs of wear and defects on the surface

Probe inspecting surface of blisk blade

Figure 3: Fiber-based probe on an arm inspects a blisk blade surface for wear, defects and evenness of coating application

3-D surface image of blisk blades

Figure 4: Surface image of the above blisk blades

Accomodating a wide variety of tight and hard-to-reach spaces, Novacam’s fiber-based probes(Figure 5) are either side-viewing or tip-viewing and are typically used in concert with a suitable scanning mechanism. Probes come in a variety of sizes (as small as 0.9 mm-diameter, standard is 16 mm).

Novacam's fiber based profilometer probe

Figure 5: A 3mm-diameter side-viewing fiber based probe

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