3D measurement technology & target/actual comparison
Industrial quality inspection based on high-precision 3D scans
With our 3D measurement technology, we check components, tools and assemblies completely digitally – including target/actual comparison between 3D scan and CAD model. Ideal for design, development, production and quality management.
Full-surface geometry inspection instead of single-point measurement
Color deviation analysis & tolerance testing
Test reports for QA, audit & production documentation
⭐ Fast project handling – with NDA & on-site scan on request
What is 3D measurement technology?
3D measurement technology refers to the digital measurement of components using high-resolution 3D scans. The real geometry is recorded over the entire surface and compared with CAD data or target dimensions. The process is particularly suitable for quality inspection, prototype validation and series control in mechanical engineering.
Why scan-based 3D measurement technology?
In practice, deviations occur due to production, material stresses, wear or assembly processes.
A high-resolution 3D scan enables a complete digital measurement of the real geometry – including critical details that are often only checked selectively using conventional measuring methods.
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Digital component measurement for mechanical engineering & industry
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Measurement of complex free-form surfaces and contours
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Deviations immediately visible through deviation maps
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Basis for optimization, adaptation and reverse engineering
Our services in 3D measurement technology
What is a target/actual comparison?
The target/actual comparison compares 3D scan data of a component with a CAD model. Deviations are visualized as a colour map and can be documented as a test report. This allows dimensional errors, distortion or production deviations to be quickly identified and evaluated.
Typical applications for 3D measurement technology
Our customers use 3D measurement in particular when components need to fit functionally, but conventional measurement methods are too slow or too incomplete.
Design & Development
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Prototype testing
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Functional surfaces & fits
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Detect component distortion
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Design validation before the start of series production
Production & QA
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Incoming goods inspection
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Series testing
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Check tool wear
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Documentation for audit & complaints
Your advantages with Scanmotion 3D measurement technology
✅ Full-surface detection instead of selective measurement
✅ Fast results for development and production
✅ Digital archiving of test data
✅ Deviation map / color comparison for clear communication
✅ Can be ideally combined with reverse engineering & CAD processing
When is 3D measurement particularly worthwhile?
A 3D measurement is particularly worthwhile for complex components, free-form surfaces, tools or assemblies where conventional measuring methods only check selectively. Thanks to complete digital recording, deviations can be detected quickly and transferred directly to QA or reverse engineering processes.
When deviations are not only to be checked, but resolved
Many projects do not end with the analysis. As soon as deviations are identified, the next step often follows: adaptation or reconstruction.
This is precisely where our advantage lies: we combine 3D measurement technology, data preparation and reverse engineering to create an end-to-end process.
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CAD remodeling on a verified scan basis
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Reverse engineering for free-form parts
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Reconstruct spare parts if no drawings exist
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Optimization of mating surfaces or tools
How a 3D metrology project works
1st project clarification
Tolerances, CAD data, requirements, target definition.
2. 3D scan (laboratory or on-site)
Non-contact, fast and complete.
3. analysis & target/actual evaluation
Color deviation analysis, dimensional check, evaluation.
4. result & data transfer
Test report, scan data, optional CAD preparation.
Questions about 3D measurement technology
Yes, particularly large, sensitive or non-transportable components can be recorded and checked directly at the customer’s premises.
STEP or IGES are ideal. Alternatively, we can also carry out scan-based tests if no CAD data is available.
Yes, we create documented evaluations on request, including color deviation analysis and measured values, suitable for quality assurance, audits or complaints.
You receive raw data (point cloud), a processed polygon or CAD model, deviation heat maps and a measurement/test report (PDF).
Yes – during the target/actual comparison, the scan is precisely aligned against your CAD model and deviations are visualized.
Depending on the size of the component and the scope of the contract, usually within a few working days – even faster with an express option if required.
Industrial measurement technology typically works in the µm to 0.01 mm accuracy range – depending on the technology and part geometry.
For quality assurance, audits, complaint management and certification verification – the test report systematically documents all measurement results.
Yes – mobile measurement technology allows on-site measurement when shipping is difficult or not possible.
Industries with tight tolerances such as automotive, aviation, mechanical engineering, medical technology and energy use 3D metrology.
A 3D scan only provides a digital model. The component measurement uses this data for precise analysis, target/actual comparison and tolerance evaluation – including measurable deviations and test report.