Non-Contact Thickness Measurements: Revolutionizing 3D Engineering Solutions

 

In engineering, accurate and efficient thickness measurements ensure the quality of various materials and products. Non-contact thickness measurement refers to the process of determining the thickness of a material without physically touching it. Compared to contact measurements, this cutting-edge approach avoids damage to components, eliminates the need for sample preparation, and enables faster and more efficient measurements. Non-contact thickness gauges utilize advanced technologies, including lasers, ultrasonic sensors, and optical techniques, to precisely measure the thickness of a wide range of materials, from thin films to thick substrates. The following sections will explain the basics of this measurement process and its impact on engineering solutions.

Laser Distance Sensors: High-Precision Thickness Gauges

Laser distance sensors have become increasingly popular for non-contact thickness measurements due to their exceptional accuracy and versatility. These sensors emit a focused laser beam onto the surface of the measured material. The laser light is then reflected back to the sensor, which calculates the thickness based on the time-of-flight principle or the triangulation method. Laser sensors offer high-resolution measurements, typically in the micrometers or even nanometers range, making them ideal for applications requiring precise thickness control.

Potentially add in a section talking about the details of ultrasonic thickness measurements

Applications and Benefits of Non-Contact Thickness Measurements

Non-contact thickness measurements find extensive applications across various industries, including:

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing

These measurements are essential for quality control, process optimization, and product development. By accurately measuring the thickness of materials without contact, engineers can ensure consistent product quality, detect defects or variations, and optimize manufacturing processes.

Non-contact thickness measurements have revolutionized 3D engineering, providing high-precision solutions for accurate thickness control. Laser measurement sensors, in particular, are powerful tools for measuring the thickness of materials without physical contact, offering exceptional accuracy and versatility. As the demand for precise and efficient thickness measurements grows, non-contact thickness gauges will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of 3D engineering solutions.

Where Innovation and Expertise Converge: 3D Engineering Solutions

At 3D Engineering Solutions, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional advanced engineering metrology services with unparalleled precision and speed. Our commitment to detail is evident in every aspect of our business—from our top-notch service to our highly skilled team and the cutting-edge technology we employ.

Our advanced engineering metrology services have far-reaching applications across various industries, including aeronautics, motion picture and gaming, automotive, tool and die, manufacturing, forensics, archaeology, medicine, and maritime. Wherever precision digital 3D modeling is required, 3D Engineering Solutions will meet your needs.

At 3D Engineering Solutions, we take pride in delivering advanced engineering metrology services that exceed expectations. With our dedicated team, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering commitment to excellence, we are your trusted partner for all your precision digital 3D modeling requirements. Contact us today to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you measure thickness with a sensor?

Thickness can be measured with a sensor using non-contact methods such as laser triangulation or time-of-flight techniques. The sensor emits a laser beam or ultrasonic wave onto the material’s surface, and by analyzing the reflected light, it calculates the thickness based on the distance traveled by the laser or the angle of reflection. This allows for precise thickness measurements without physically touching the material.

What is the unit for thickness?

The unit for thickness is typically expressed in millimeters (mm), micrometers (μm), or nanometers (nm), depending on the scale and precision required for the specific application. Non-contact thickness gauges can measure these units, offering high-resolution data for accurate thickness control.

What is the most accurate way to measure thickness?

Non-contact thickness measurement techniques, such as those using laser sensors or ultrasonic waves, are considered the most accurate way to measure thickness. These methods provide high precision measurements without the need for physical contact, eliminating potential errors or variations caused by surface irregularities or material deformation. Laser measurement sensors or ultrasonic sensors can achieve accuracy in the range of micrometers or even nanometers, ensuring reliable and consistent thickness measurements.

What device is used to check thickness?

Non-contact thickness gauges are the devices used to check thickness without physically touching the material. These gauges employ advanced technologies like laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or optical methods to measure various materials’ thickness accurately. They offer high precision, fast measurement speeds, and the ability to measure a wide range of thicknesses, making them essential tools for quality control and process optimization in 3D engineering applications.

What Is Metrology and Why Is It Needed?

What is Metrology and Why is it Needed?

Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. This field of study defines measurements under a common understanding, applies these measurements in practice, and uses them in analysis across industries. Because of its broad applicability, metrology is used worldwide to establish accuracy and precision in many critical fields.

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Steps in the Reverse Engineering Process

How Does Reverse Engineering Work?

Reverse engineering is the process of analyzing and deconstructing something to see how it works. An example would be taking apart an alarm clock to understand what each piece does – and how the pieces work together.

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Using Transformation Matrices with Point Clouds

When working with large point clouds, particularly those from our FARO Focus S 350 long range scanner, it is often necessary to modify the existing point cloud to align or organize the data. For example, scans from the long range scanner are translated and rotated in all six degrees of freedom to align to one another and create a contiguous point cloud. To do this, a transformation matrix is applied to the data.

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What are my Part Digitizing Options? Buy a Scanner or Use a Service

Most companies that have a need to digitize parts ask the “Make/Buy” question.  Do I purchase part scanning equipment and train staff (Make) or do I find a good service provider (Buy)?  Or are there levels in between this?

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What are Casting datums?

We have all seen prints with many datum reference frames on them. The fact that there are multiple sets of datum’s is not an issue and is put in place for functional design reasons. There can be so many that they look like an alphabet soup. But what about raw castings? Generally the functional part datum reference frame(s) have not yet been cut into the parts yet.  This where casting datums come into play.  They are typically designated as X-Y-Z or Z-Y-X.

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Using Laser or Structured Light Scanning to Preserve Your Tuned Molds and Dies – Just Like Notre Dame

Your Molds and Dies are critical to your business.  They were meticulously created and iteratively tuned until the parts they produce are within specification.  At that point, they were put into production and no documentation of the final tuned geometry was captured.  This is actually the standard operating procedure for most of the world.  The problem occurs when a part gets stuck and the equipment is cycled again and the tool cracks!  Now you are stuck with having to go through the entire tuning process again.  Or are you? With laser scanning and structured light scanning you may be in luck.

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What Data Collection or Scanning Technology is Needed for My Project? 

Augmenting Structured Light

Many measurement and reverse engineering requirements require more than simple caliper or micrometer measurements.  Whether you are conducting a First Article Inspection (FAI), troubleshooting a manufacturing issue or reverse engineering a legacy part for improvements, one or multiple of the modern data collection methods may work – but what is best and what are you compromising on by using any particular method?  Do you do this work yourself or hire out an experienced service provider?

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Common Non-Contact Measurement Devices and Methods

Non-contact or touchless dimensional measurement devices are the modern new comer to an array of contact devices that have been traditionally used.  Contact devices are discussed in this link on Common Contact Measurement Devices.  All of the non-contact devices generate a point cloud or voxel data set as their most raw form of data.  The exception is the optical comparator which has been around since the late 1920s.  It does not expressly produce digital data, but some of the variant equipment that evolved from this equipment does.

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PPAP/FAI Concepts

Reduce FAI/PPAP time & cost by 80%: The New Inspection Paradigm

Traditional FAI & PPAP

Traditionally FAI (First Article Inspection) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) inspections include a complete look at all the print dimensions.  A typical dimension may take 10-minutes to fully program, collect the data and report using traditional methods.  Because prints can easily have between 150 to 1,000 dimensions, this becomes a significant time and resource constraint for many projects.

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