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What is Scanning?

6/5/2017

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​Scanning is a term that is widely used with CMMs to mean three different types of

measurement. Each type of measurement has both positive and negative effects on the

measurement process these three basic types are.

Digital or peck scanning: Which is taking individual points in close proximity along a line or a

cross a surface or other geometric feature to define the feature. Spacing of the points are

determined by the operator/programmer dependent on the feature being measured, It is

inexpensive and does typically not require additional hardware with the CMM and is good for

simpler applications or those features that do not require a lot of definition. It is not a good way

to do form measurement if tight tolerances are required or if there are rapid changes in the

surface or form to be measured

Analog scanning or continuous contact scanning: Is the process where a stylus is in

continuous contact with the surface of the item to be measured, this provides greater accuracy

typically and allows for more data points. Faster than digital scanning in most cases and

provides greater point density. Programmers need a higher level of skill as they must consider

and apply filters to the points gathered to eliminate errors, such as outliers and friction issues

that come from the styli being in constant contact with the surface. A great number of

improvements in this technology has come forward in the past few years with

a) accuracy dependent on system speed. (the faster you move the greater the error) which

is another consideration for the operator when writing the program.

b) Revo 5 axis technology which allows scanning at up to 500mm per second and 400 data

points a second without degradation of accuracy and that with its improved technology

reduces and in some cases, or eliminates the need for applying filters to the scanned

This type of scanning is more expensive than digital scanning, but gives greater accuracy and

can provide throughput improvements on some parts up to 90%

Non-contact or Laser scanning: Is the third type of scanning being used in the market today,

it is extremely quick and gather millions of data points in seconds. This type of scanning is

great for applications with greater tolerances, (such as castings, plastics or rough machining

operations) or flexible parts where contact can deform the part and thus the measurement or

reverse engineering applications. Things that might be of issue are, parts with high reflectivity,

parts that are clear or opaque that do not reflect light well, part tolerances, (laser scanners

typically have a greater than 10-micron error in practical applications) Operator skill level

required to handle the set up and filtering of the part data, and that the device is line of site, so

that some features may not be able to be measured effectively and require additional

measurement with a contact type probe

These are rudimentary explanations of scanning with a CMM and are intended only to give a

basic understanding, if further information is needed please contact Masters Precision via email

sales@mastersprecision.com
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    Author

    Don Ward
    Manager Sales and Consulting

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