The State of 3D Imaging Standards – How Good is Your Scan?

In the world of metrology, there are both contact and non-contact measurement methods. Non-contact measurement is the fastest growing segment, with new methods and technologies being introduced every year. But how do you evaluate the performance of these new products? Many people look to standards organizations for the answers.

There is an existing standard for 3D scanners, the German VDI/VDE 2634, but it is not recognized as an international standard. Two committees are working on standards for scanners (ASTM International’s E57 and ISO’s Technical Committee 213 Working Group 10), but these standards are probably several years away from being published.

There are several types of technologies and dozens of variations being used for short-range 3D imaging. These include:

• Area Imagers
• Line Scanners
• Single-Point Scanners
• CT Scanners

An internationally-recognized standard would make it possible for end users to make informed decisions on what technologies can be applied to their applications. A standard would also make it possible to compare different systems to understand the strengths in different technologies.

Even though there are no international standards, users can take it upon themselves to ask for data from manufacturers to help them understand how their products will perform in their applications.

Read the full article