OPTICAL 3D PROFILOMETERTM system

for non-contact 3D surface and thickness measurements

NOVACAMTM OPTICAL 3D PROFILOMETERTM system is fiber-based and provides:

  • Micron-precision 3D measurements
    • Dimensional geometry – GD&T parameters
    • Roughness measurement
    • Defect detection – cracks, scratches
    • Thickness measurement of semi-transparent materials
  • Option to scan even hard-to-reach surfaces: Side-looking probe scans inside bore IDs and other tight spaces, forward-looking probe is also available
  • Fiber-based probes that are easy to integrate with precision stages, third-party CMMs, CNC machines, or robots to support high-volume continuous flow manufacturing
  • Fully configurable automated inspection.

Notably the same probe can be used to measure dimensions, roughness, defects, and/or thickness.

Overview of features and benefits

Measurements

  • Optical, non-contact, non-destructive
  • High speed: Up to 100,000 3D point measurements per second
  • Micron resolution, excellent S/N ratio
  • 2D and 3D surface and subsurface characterization
  • Dimensions, roughness, defects, thickness
  • Long stroke profilometry

Imaging

  • Surface profiles
  • Cross-sections
  • Volumetric images

Fiber-based probes

  • Inspect inside bores, tubes, and crevices
  • Provide versatility for high-speed online inspection

Profile of a fuel cell bipolar plate Intra-ocular lens: 2D optical cross-section created from thickness scan


Benefits

  • Wide range of materials: metal, plastics, polymers, glass, metal coatings, silicone, adhesives; reflective, transparent, semi-transparent, specular, nonspecular
  • Wide range of surfaces:  measured objects can be stationary or moving, solid or liquid, and include interiors of bores and tubes, exteriors of cylinders, concave or convex spherical shapes
  • Small-diameter probes reach in to measure insides of bores and small-diameter tubes
  • Measures high-aspect-ratio features: undercuts, cross-holes, chamfers, rifling, threads, O-ring grooves, and edges
  • Reduced inspection cycle time: up to 100,000 measurements per second, each representing a 3D topographic point
  • Versatility of setup: Non-contact probes work up to 1 m away from surface and several meters from the interferometer
  • Continuous, long profile scanning: no area stitching required
  • Flexible options for evaluating inspected parts: measured features can be compared to CAD drawings or to a user-defined set of locations, nominals, and tolerances
  • Simple scan definition and execution: The scanning sequence is defined once by teaching the system with a joystick. The scanning sequence can later be executed with the push of a button.
  • Time-saving automated reporting: Following a scan, go-no-go reports can be produced, and results logged in a manner compatible with industry-standard mechanisms
  • Easily integrated in lab, shop, or fully-automated inspection setups: probes may be mounted on XY tables, on multi-axes scanning mechanisms, inside machining centers, above moving webs, on robot heads, etc.
  • Adaptable to hostile environments: radioactive, very hot, cryogenic, vacuum, etc.
  • No consumables are needed: Optical probes do not come in contact with the measured samples, and therefore do not wear out like contact probes
  • USB connection for data transfer from interferometer to PC or laptop
  • Option of multiplexing several probes with single interferometer for additional return on investment (ROI)

Related links

Contact us to discuss your application needs