3D Laser Scanning Services In-Depth: How 3D Metrology Helps the Mining Industry
Modern Mining
3D metrology and its varying subcomponents like 3D robotic metrology, optical 3D surface metrology, and 3D laser metrology play a crucial role in the contemporary manufacturing industry. This critique defines the 3D laser scanning services of 3D metrology, the different processes involved, their applications, and their respective uses in the mining industry. The article will also look at the current trends in the 3D metrology market.
3D Metrology Defined
3D metrology refers to the process of examining physical measurements of manufactured components to confirm that measurements are accurate and that the quality of components meets the expected international standards.
The primary process involved here is taking an accurate 3D laser scan of an object. The 3D laser scanning services help create 3D models that can be analyzed or retrofitted.
Advancements in 3D Metrology
It’s worth noting that the 3D scanning services are used to measure an item’s varying components, such as its length, breadth, and elevation. This is typically done by collecting geometric surface coordinates.
Often, these dimensions are acquired using a coordinate-measuring machine (CMM). Nonetheless, advancements in automated optical inspection (AOI) have helped create 3D metrology strategies that don’t depend on CMMs.
Modern systems that have revolutionized 3D scanning services include laser technologies, optical probes, machine learning, and modern robotics. These technology advancements have helped to revamp the 3D metrology subcomponents, including 3D robotic metrology, optical 3D surface metrology, and 3D laser metrology.
What is 3D Optical Surface Metrology?
Optical surface metrology is one of the 3D scanning services where several industrial measurements are performed using light as a benchmark.
Here, the optical spectrum region uses electromagnetic waves to define measurements in different sectors as information carriers.
One example of optical surface metrology application is based on deep learning, a sub-section of machine learning. The data-driven strategy has helped researchers to overcome several shortcomings of the conventional machine learning process. Deep learning is seen in processes such as error compensation, phase retrieval, and image processing.
Optical 3D metrology has been of great importance in the mining industry. It is normally used to assess flatness, twist checks, and evaluate the straightness of datum bars when aligning and assembling machines.
Besides, optical dust sensors prevent the accumulation of airborne dust that collect on subsurface panels. The dust is toxic and poses a serious health risk to miners who might be exposed to carbon dust.
3D Laser Scanning Services: Market Trends and Future Prospects of Optical 3D Metrology
Apart from the mentioned advancements in the world of 3D laser scanning services, the 3D metrology market is set to grow at a rate of 6% through 2028. Recently, in 2020, the 3D metrology market was valued at $2.11 billion. Forecasts indicate that this will surpass the $6 billion mark by 2026.
The advancing market for 3D scanning services and the increased investment in research and development are the main driving factors of the market’s rapid rise.
Regional research indicates that the North American metrological market will contribute the most significant revenue share.