Part Inspection
Part Inspection
Part Inspection refers to comparing the values obtained through a measurement device with available references, such as 3D CAD models or 2D drawings, to determine whether a product is acceptable or not.
We offer a part inspection metrology service that calculates the deviation of your components. This is particularly useful for quality purposes as recognising the integrity of a part will provide assurances that it is correct to design.
Our part inspection service is completely customisable. The inspection reports we produce are bespoke and designed to suit your specific requirements, providing you with the crucial information that will improve quality, whilst simultaneously reducing project timings and costs.
What we do
All stages of inspection, from 3D scanning to producing a finished report, will be completed by our specialist Engineers in PolyWorks|Inspector™. This enables full traceability throughout the whole process, whilst ensuring all current industry standards are adhered to.
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Step 1
Data Acquisition
Using our 3D scanning service, our metrology experts can collect data from a physical part to produce a digital 3D scan. Then, by providing a 2D drawing or CAD model, we can compare measured dimensions to the nominal dimensions.
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Step 2
Data Alignment
Data is aligned by using standard alignments, including feature-based 3-2-1 alignment, reference points, or specific industry alignments. There are also a number of best-fit practices that can be used on either particular features or the entirety of the data set.
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Step 3
Measurement and Dimension Extraction
Once the alignment is complete, measured features and dimensions can be extracted or created and compared back to the nominal. These results can be displayed as 3D or 2D measurements.
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Step 4
Colour Deviation Analysis
3D form can be evaluated in various ways:
Colour map:
Provides a visual comparison using colour plots to help you easily understand the minimum and maximum error across the part;Comparison points:
Gives colour and numeric value to the deviation within any given area, in 3D or on a 2D cross-section. Where necessary, trim edge and hem edge comparison points may also be calculated;Surface profiling tools:
Creating a surface feature to identify individual surface error. -
Step 5
Specialist Tools
Where required, advanced measurement techniques can be applied such as:
Aerofoil gauges:
Which calculate the number of standardised aerofoil measurements;Flush & gap gauges:
Which help highlight measurement values between the space separating two assembled parts;Profile gauges:
Measure one or two radii along a fillet; -
Step 6
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
GD&T is a means of specifying engineering design and drawing requirements with respect to actual function and relationship of part features. This can help when identifying size, shape, form, orientation and location of features of a part.
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Step 7
Statistical Process Control (SPC) Reporting
If multi piece inspection is required, SPC can be calculated on sample data sets.
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Step 8
Reporting
A Part Inspection Report for measurements incorporates a mixture of annotations, screenshots and customisable tables. The information that is provided is tailored entirely to your specific requirements - you simply see the information you want.
Results can be input into Microsoft Excel using PolyWorks | ReportLoop™.
The PolyWorks workspace can also be compressed and sent to you for review with PolyWorks | Reviewer™, allowing you to view the results and focus on areas of interest in 3D.
Reasons for Part Inspection
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Improves Efficiency
Inspecting your part can save time and resources within your manufacturing process by checking that a 3D digital model is fit for purpose prior to, or during the product being manufactured
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Problem Resolution
Measuring the deviation between the original and modified part allows us to ensure that the initial issue presented is overcome, whilst highlighting any new problems arising elsewhere due to the changes made.
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Archiving
Part Inspection can provide a ‘digital copy’ of the actual manufactured part for reference.
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Legal Compliance
For some industries it is a legal requirement to ensure your products or parts are produced to the highest possible quality. Inspection allows us to measure any deviations, ensuring that all required standards are met.
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Reverse Engineering
If the part works in the real-world yet fails to conform in accordance with the results, the data acquired can be Reverse Engineered to generate a new CAD model or update your existing one.
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Learn more3D Scanning
Find out more about our 3D part scanning service
Our 3D scanning services offer tailored measurement solutions that allow us to obtain data for whatever your purpose may be.
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Learn moreReverse Engineering
Need help reverse engineering your part?
Where there is no CAD, drawings or known dimensions, our Reverse Engineering service provides you with CAD surfaces or solid models from scan data.