We're happy to answer your questions. Here you'll find a list of frequently asked questions about our various measurement services. If you have any further questions or if the answers provided aren't sufficient, please give us a call!
We use optical and tactile measurement systems. With optical systems, a point on a surface is measured either noncontact or by marking the surface at discrete points; with tactile measuring systems, the object’s surface is probed with a spherical probe. The measurement software then uses these individual points to calculate corresponding geometric elements (segments, circles, planes, lines, ellipsoids, etc.).
We can perform area-wide surveys of objects. For more information, see the section <link 120 - internal-link>3D Scanning</link>.
Setting up the measurement systems and completing various preparatory tasks takes about 30 minutes. After that, the actual measurement begins.
For standard measurement tasks under good measurement conditions, we achieve a measurement accuracy of 1:100,000, meaning the ratio between measurement accuracy and object size is 1:100,000. Depending on the measurement volume and measurement strategy, measurement accuracies down to the range of a few micrometers (0.001 mm) are possible.
The size of the object being measured is limited solely by the cost-effectiveness of the technologies we use when applied to a specific object size. Typically, we measure objects ranging in size from a few meters to approximately 60 meters. Even for objects measuring several hundred meters in size, our systems can still be used cost-effectively.
Depending on the measurement accuracy achieved and the specified ratio of tolerance to measurement accuracy, the smallest tolerances we can test range in the order of a few 1/100 mm.
We also conduct measurements abroad. We have a global network of contacts with other measurement service providers. This allows us to respond flexibly to our customers’ needs. In recent years, we have been active in the following countries, among others: throughout Europe, Japan, China, Brazil, Mexico, the U.S., Egypt, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Thanks to the size of our company and our corresponding capacity, we are generally able to respond very quickly to requests. It’s always helpful if you can provide an approximate date (e.g., calendar week) as early as possible. That way, we can plan our capacity accordingly in advance. The exact date can then be agreed upon, for example, one week in advance.
The expansion of the measured object due to temperature can (and must) be compensated for using the measurement software. To do this, the object temperature can be measured using material temperature sensors. The accuracy of the temperature measurement then affects the accuracy of the measurement itself.
We use methods to mathematically compensate for any temperature changes—and the resulting geometric changes in the object being measured—that may occur during the measurement. A change in the temperature of the object being measured during the measurement always has a negative effect on measurement accuracy and, consequently, on the validity of the measurement results.
By using specialized technologies or combining different measurement methods, even hard-to-reach points can be measured. Any point can be measured as long as the effort required to do so is economically feasible.
We specialize in mobile 3D measurement technology. This means that we use our measurement equipment to take measurements on-site at your location. Our systems are designed to allow for measurements even under difficult conditions. The measurement results are, in principle, comparable to those obtained with conventional 3D coordinate measurement on a CMM (stationary coordinate measuring machine).
Depending on the measurement technology used, the object must be in a stable position or may move within a specific frequency range; in the latter case, this movement must be recorded simultaneously. Any external influences, such as vibration or temperature, can be compensated for. However, any compensation results in a reduction in measurement accuracy. Therefore, the question of environmental conditions is always linked to the question of the tolerance to be tested or the required measurement accuracy.
The measurement can be performed using a laser tracker. To do this, the device is positioned on a heavy-duty tripod at a height of 5 m. The storage aisles are measured from two device locations, each aligned with the axis of the aisles. Each aisle diameter is measured at multiple points, which are then used to calculate circles and cylinders. The device locations are linked to one another via reference points. The measurement is evaluated and documented directly on site, so that a decision regarding any necessary rework of the lanes can be made immediately after the measurement. The measurement accuracy for this procedure is 0.020 mm for the storage aisle diameters, 0.025 mm for the straightness of a single aisle, and 0.035 mm for parallelism and elevation difference.
No. As long as the object is not deformed by the way it is mounted, it does not matter at all how the object is positioned during the measurement. The relationship between the measuring system and the object is determined metrologically (through what is known as computational alignment).
We use technologies and methods that compensate for movement of the object being measured (whether it is a slow drift or continuous motion) or that can take measurements on moving objects. In each specific case, it must be determined whether a measurement is possible.