Metrology Benchmarking of 3D Scanning Sensors Using a Ceramic GD&T-Based Artefact.

Area of Science:

• Metrology and Industrial Inspection
• Advanced Sensor Technology

Background:

• Non-contact 3D scanning is increasingly used in industry for dimensional and geometric inspection.
• This shift from reverse engineering to metrology necessitates ensuring measurement accuracy and traceability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy and performance of different 3D scanning sensors for metrological applications.
• To evaluate the achievable accuracy of non-contact scanning technologies in industrial settings.

Main Methods:

• Designed and calibrated a standard artefact with multiple geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) features.
• Experimented with four 3D scanning sensors: three laser triangulation and one structured blue light.
• Used a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for high-accuracy calibration and reference GD&T values.
• Applied standardized point cloud processing techniques to all sensor data.

Main Results:

• Obtained reliable measurements of the maximum achievable accuracy for each 3D scanning device.
• Quantified deviations between 3D scanner measurements and CMM reference values.
• Performed a multi-characteristic comparison of the four sensors' performance.

Conclusions:

• Validated the accuracy of non-contact 3D scanning for metrology.
• Highlighted the importance of standardized evaluation methodologies for ensuring measurement traceability.
• Provided a reliable basis for selecting appropriate 3D scanning technology for specific industrial inspection tasks.