Portable 3D Metrology

3D metrology locates points on an object in 3D space, thereby giving information about the distances between all those points. In other words, the benefit of 3D metrology is that it allows you to construct a 3D model of an object, so that individual length measurements can be related to each other. Such a model provides rich information about size and form.

For assembly and manufacturing settings, full co-ordinate definition of parts is essential. One reason for the necessity of 3D information is that design is increasingly conducted in a 3D environment (through CAD), so it is very important that measurement also operates in 3D. This course explores the principles and equipment associated with portable 3D metrology.

This course consists of five modules:

Module 1: Principles of portable 3D measurement
Module 2: Measurement strategy planning
Module 3: Portable co-ordinate measuring devices
Module 4: Measurement uncertainty and gaining confidence in measurement
Module 5: Portable 3D metrology summary checklist

Learners who successfully complete the course and assessment will receive an NPL Certificate of Completion.

Learning Outcomes

The benefits of portable 3D metrology
How co-ordinate systems locate points in space, and how portable co-ordinate measuring (PCM) devices achieve this
How idealised geometries are fitted to point data
How to develop a measurement strategy
The operational principles of a range of PCM devices
Sources of uncertainty common to a range of PCM devices, and sources of uncertainty particular to each
How to gain a sense of traceability through verification and other confidence-building techniques
How to bring the right behaviours and a questioning mindset to portable 3D measurement tasks