Several manufacturing workstations can be monitored automatically by a single machine without the need for operator intervention. Because the instrument can scan a part surface directly, the laser scanner is particularly well-suited to measuring tight pockets, small holes and otherwise inaccessible areas. Every tool in the metrology toolbox has value. But new instruments can consistently demonstrate the highest accuracies. Figure 2 is an overview of qualitative comparisons that highlight the strengths of coherent laser radar to put this new technology in perspective.
Some differences become evident when comparing current technologies.
Though unique applications might dictate the use of one particular technology, most applications can be completed with the use of many different technologies. Figure 2 serves to show the versatility of coherent laser radar, especially if a combination of speed, accuracy, safety and labor savings is most important. Once a measurement plan has been defined, the MetricVision scanner can monitor a sequence of events automatically. This is particularly valuable when large structures such as airframes are inspected on a routine basis for deformation against previous measurements or CAD models. Future manufacturing Manufacturing paradigms will change when 3-D vision is used broadly in automation.