OptoComb Advances Automated 3D Inspection with Optical Frequency Comb-Based Measurement Solutions

Posted  by GoPhotonics

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OptoComb, a developer of optical frequency comb-based metrology solutions, promotes hardware and software solutions based on optical frequency comb technology for high-speed, high-precision 3D measurement and automated visual inspection. The company's solutions are designed to enable "100%, 3D, and quantification" in industrial inspection processes, helping manufacturers automate the inspection of complex-shaped workpieces through non-contact measurement and analysis.

Optical Frequency Comb Technology at the Core

According to OptoComb, its technology is based on optical frequency comb lasers, which differ from conventional lasers by generating hundreds of highly stable laser lines rather than a single wavelength. The company leverages this stability to perform accurate distance measurements using a time-of-flight method. By repeating these measurements across a target area, OptoComb systems can generate 3D scans with resolutions as high as 1 µm.

Optical Comb Generator for Research Applications

The Optical Comb Generator is a passive module that generates an optical comb laser. Because the device is completely passive, it produces a highly stable optical comb. The generator is intended for research applications and is available as either a stand-alone optical comb module or a temperature-controlled model.

OptoComb 3D Scanners for Automated Quality Control

OptoComb's 3D scanners are designed for automated quality control applications. The scanners feature a coaxial configuration, long working distance, a scanning rate of 500 kHz, and resolutions of up to 1 µm. The company states that the scanners can be used for GD&T inspection of complex parts and for detecting defects such as dents, scratches, particles, and burrs.

Also Read: What is an Optical Frequency Comb?

Inspection Systems for Surface and Internal Measurements

The OptoComb SA is a top-surface inspection device that uses an OptoComb 3D sensor and an XYZ stage to inspect the appearance, shape, and dimensions of workpieces. It is designed for inspecting complex-shaped parts, including machined surfaces of cast products with irregular geometries, and can also inspect multiple small workpieces simultaneously.

For internal inspection applications, the OptoComb HS utilizes high-speed helical scanning with an optical comb laser to inspect internal surfaces with high precision. The system can accommodate a wide range of diameters using a single spindle and supports inspection of appearance, shape, and dimensions.

The OptoComb VM is an internal dimension inspection device that combines an OptoComb 3D scanner with a 45-degree mirror to inspect the inner walls of bores and complex cylindrical structures. Meanwhile, the OptoComb 360 system combines an OptoComb 3D scanner with a rotating stage to perform 360-degree inspection of rotationally symmetric objects, enabling visual and dimensional inspection of outer surfaces.

AI-Enhanced Inspection Platforms

OptoComb offers AI-assisted inspection solutions that combine image cameras with optical comb 3D sensing. The OptoComb AIC S integrates an image camera, AI, and an OptoComb SA inspection system. Images are captured using the camera, defect candidates are detected by AI, and the identified areas are measured using the optical comb 3D sensor. The measured areas are then quantified in 3D according to predefined rules. The OptoComb AIC R extends this approach by incorporating a robot arm, allowing multi-sided inspection of large and complex-shaped workpieces while using AI-assisted defect detection and optical comb measurement.

Solutions for Vibration Measurement and Large-Scale Inspection

The OptoComb MPV is a non-contact multi-point vibration measurement system based on optical frequency comb technology. The system enables simultaneous measurement of transient vibration responses at up to 52 points on a workpiece surface. For large-scale inspection tasks, the OptoComb XL series is designed for 3D measurement and inspection of extra-large workpieces. The system can perform measurement and inspection of objects ranging from 470 mm to 2000 mm in width.

Software for Data Acquisition and Inspection Automation

Complementing its hardware offerings, OptoComb provides a software portfolio for scanning, visualization, analysis, and automation. OptoComb Scan is used to acquire optical comb 3D point cloud data and allows users to configure parameters such as scan area and point spacing. OptoComb Elements packages visualization, visual inspection, and dimensional inspection tools into a single software suite, including OptoComb Viewer, OptoComb Detector, and OptoComb Measure. OptoComb Ruler provides dimensional inspection and automated GD&T analysis capabilities, enabling users to customize and automate inspection workflows and report generation.

Additional software tools include the OptoComb Sequence Controller, which allows users to define and execute scan sequences through a graphical interface, and the OptoComb SDK, which supports the development and integration of custom inspection software. OptoComb also offers custom software solutions tailored to specific production-line requirements.

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