Information-optimised optical metrology for freeform and additive-manufactured surfaces
Optical measuring systems outperform traditional mechanical methods in that they reduce surface damage, have high resolution, can allow improved accessibility, and operate at higher speeds, therefore, allowing dense 3D point cloud capture in production processes. Surface topography and geometrical dimensions often play an important role in determining the function and performance of a manufactured part. For example, in a 3D printed knee replacement or turbine blade with micro-scale cooling holes, the surfaces and geometries significantly influence the friction, wear and lifetime, or aerodynamic properties and cooling effects. This talk summarises the recent advances at the University of Nottingham on form and texture measurement using optical technologies for precision and additive manufacturing, and how to enhance the metrological capability of state-of-the-art optical measuring instruments through optimisation of the use of existing information about the parts and instruments, in terms of accuracy, speed, spatial bandwidth and intelligence.