Laser scanners play a crucial role in quality assurance. Using lasers to digitally capture shapes and surfaces in 3D helps manufacturers to standardize part geometries and surfaces and helps them to reverse engineer and assemble applications.

When scanning was new on the market, capturing just 10,000 square feet of data in a day was considered a feat. Now, cutting-edge laser scanning technology enables manufacturers to capture 100 times that amount of information.

3D scanning is technique is a versatile and straightforward alternative to the CMM. It enables organizations to ensure their parts meet quality controls and customer requirements, by helping them to inspect and adjust their processes.

Structured-light 3D scanners, for example, analyze the three-dimensional shape of an object using one source of light. That light projects multiple lines on an object, and cameras measure between those lines. Laser scanners — another form of 3D scanners — produce numerous laser dots on single objects.

By using 3D scanning software to plot these data points, organizations can create a precise 4D image.

3D scanning also enables businesses to compile data, including knowledge on development times. It also scans complex surfaces quickly and precisely. Ultimately, this helps manufacturers to improve their designs over time.

As the manufacturing industry becomes more automated, quality control -- especially 3D scanners – are more key than ever.

Manufacturers use 3D scanning to advance their quality control processes. By comparing data and making quick quality checks of end products, 3D scanning speeds up operations and enable non-contact, highly precise 3D profile measurements.