Optical 3D surface inspection

Abstract

Non-destructive dimensional inspection of surfaces is an issue of utmost importance in a large number of situations in R&D and at the industrial world. An increasing number of surfaces and surface types must be microtopographically characterized in a non-destructive non-invasive way. Statistical parameters, both 2D and 3D, are fundamental to a useful quantitative characterization of the surface’ relief. However the two and tridimensional magnified representation of the microtopographic structure of the surface, allowing a comfortable and detailed visualization of the relief structure, gives very meaningful insights and is more and more requested. Increasing computer processing power and speed and new software allows our days a very efficient visual inspection of the results of the microtopographic inspection of surfaces and parts. Optical triangulation in different approaches allow the establishment of metrological systems that by its inherent relative simplicity versatility robustness and reliability can cope with most modern requirements of the non-invasive inspection of objects and surfaces both smooth or rough.