The new InSight l00 non-contact laser scanner from Nikon Metrology (www.nikonmetrology.com) can be used for the measurement of both surfaces and features — even on shiny or multi-material parts.

Moreover, the unit can quickly deliver accurate data and intuitive reports, thanks to a 100mm-wide field of view and data acquisition speeds of 200,000 points per sec.

The InSight 100 is equipped with a high-quality glass lens (made by Nikon) that has been optimised for laser scanning. Combined with a high-definition camera, this results in a point resolution of 42µm, allowing the capture of fine detail and the measurement of sharp edges.

The probing error is just 6.5µm, which results in smooth meshes with high levels of detail — plus a feature-measuring accuracy approaching that of a touch probe.

Meanwhile, a patent-pending integrated mounting allows the scanner to rotate around its auto-joint axis in 30deg increments up to 90deg, thereby saving the use of auto-joint adapters.

This means that the unit can be used for measuring turbine blades or parts with vertically orientated features and edges; and because an entire part is compared with the CAD model, any areas of concern are immediately highlighted by colour mapping.

Moreover, the InSight L100 can be combined with tactile probes and a change rack to create a versatile and automated multi-sensor CMM. The unit can be fitted to Nikon CMMs as well as many other makes.