Meaning
Dimensional inspection techniques use the geometric relationship between a light source and a camera to map three-dimensional coordinates. Optical systems project a laser line or spot onto the object, and laser triangulation scanning calculates the coordinates based on the angle of the reflected light. As the distance between the scanner and the object changes, the position of the light in the camera’s field of view shifts accordingly.
Processors convert this pixel displacement into an actual distance measurement using trigonometric principles.
Triangulation Geometry
The baseline distance between the emitter and the receiver determines the working range of the sensor. Smaller baselines offer higher precision at close distances.
Point Cloud
Thousands of individual measurements are gathered as the sensor moves across the part. These points form a digital representation of the physical surface. Because laser triangulation scanning is a non-contact method, it is ideal for measuring soft or delicate components that would deform under a physical probe.
Occlusion Management
Shadows can occur when the geometry of the part blocks the camera from seeing the laser line. Rotating the part or using multiple cameras solves this visibility issue. Production throughput depends on the speed of the sensor and the complexity of the shape.
