1. Criteria for choosing a 3D measurement system

The choice of a 3D measurement system is the result of a compromise between different criteria linked to the applications envisaged. If the system is to be used on the production line, the criteria of speed of acquisition and robustness will be paramount, whereas in the metrology laboratory, it is measurement accuracy that will be the main consideration.

The main criteria can be listed in the form of questions:

• what are the dimensions of the objects measured (effective measurement volume)?

• how variable is the environment (mainly in terms of temperature and vibration)?

• Are the shapes to be measured known (metrology, control, production) or unknown (reverse engineering)?

• What level of shape detail do you want to achieve...