3D Measurements in confined spaces0 pages

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3D Measurements in confined spaces

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3D MEASUREMENTS IN CONFINED SPACES

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It is a paradox of manufacturing that objects requiring the most complex and precise three-dimensional measurements often

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offer the least freedom of movement, making it difficult to obtain such readings. Cockpit equipment, filling systems, aircraft

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parts and railroad cars are all such examples of objects that require very precise measurements in their construction but also

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have large dimensions, hidden angles and tight spaces that complicate the process. This article describes how laser trackers,

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used as portable 3D measurement systems, can measure these large structures in space-restricted environments.

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The demands on 3D measurement systems are most appar-

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ent when they are used to measure large and precisely manu-

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factured components that need to be built to exact tolerance

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specifications. A traditional 3D-CMM measuring machine ca-

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pable of measuring a piece at least 10 meters long can cost

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several hundred thousand dollars. They are even more ex-

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pensive if they are needed to measure longer pieces, which

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is the trend in many of these industries, most notably in aero-

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space. Meanwhile, these parts are built using fewer and

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fewer components, with the ones remaining getting larger, which

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helps them become lighter and stronger. One major drawback

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of these expensive measuring machines is that they are station-

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ary, requiring the piece being measured be transported to it. This

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leads to high transportation costs and is sometimes impossible.

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A measuring machine alternative: the laser tracker

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Mobile measurement systems, such as laser trackers, can be tak-

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en directly to the manufacturing site and carry out measurements

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directly on the spot. Unlike stationary measuring machines, la-

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Automated Precision Inc.

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¿ i / wwvj,apisensor,com

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Automated Precision Europe GmbH | Im Breitspiel 17 | 69126 Heidelberg | 06221 729 805 0 | info.eu@apisensor.com | www.apisensor.com

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