Stamping and bending allows sheet metal to be produced according to any desired freeform shape. The shape of the mating surfaces is important to obtain a good fit between assembled parts. To ensure that geometry specifications are actually met, freeform surfaces can be verified using touch sensors or through laser scanning. Nikon Metrology fully supports both options. It offers LK CMMs equipped with a variety of sensors, even including the fully integrated 5-axis REVO head for continuous touch probe scanning. 3D laser scanner does an even better job by digitizing the entire shape, quickly and accurately without touching the specimen.
 
By collecting thousands or measurement points a second, the LC60Dx scanner captures the entire geometry. Instant analysis representations in Focus software graphically highlight CAD deviations and surface irregularities, eliminating potential anomalies that remain unnoticed through touch probing.

Also critical is the positioning and dimensioning of geometric features, such as holes and slots in automotive sheet metal components. Most features either serve as reference locations for part positioning or as attachment points for trim components. Tactile inspection using an LK CMM is one way of inspecting geometric features. Another more powerful technology is incorporated into the Cross Scanner. The XC65D, a scanner with 3 lasers incorporated in a cross-pattern configuration, simultaneously captures geometric features from all around. Regardless of the scanning direction, it accurately digitizes features’ precise location, size and roundness. Fitting geometric features through hundreds of points is much more accurate approach than relying on a handful of tactile inspection points. Focus software presents feature inspection results as graphic part-to-CAD comparison charts, structured according to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards.