3D geometric inspection · Inspection
Dimensional & geometric inspection by 3D scanning
3D geometric inspection measures the real geometry of a part or a machine by 3D scanning, then compares it to a reference (drawing, CAD, previous state) to quantify conformity, wear or deformation. We characterise the real geometry of your parts, machines and structures — including where conventional means cannot reach.
Describe my needWhen we step in
- Verify a part's conformity to a drawing or a customer specification
- Understand why a machine wears, deforms or fails too often
- Quantify a hot / cold, unloaded / loaded deviation
- Compare two supply sources to explain a variation in performance
How we work
- Reference. We define the reference: drawing, CAD, previous state, or master part.
- Acquisition. Contactless scanning of the real geometry, including in hard-to-reach or elevated areas.
- Comparison. Overlay onto the reference, colour deviation map, quantification.
- Report. A usable inspection report: dimensions, wear profiles, deformations, verdict.
Real-world case
Alignment of a reciprocating compressor
Form and dimensional inspection of the liners (11″, 12.5″, 14″ and 35″) of a reciprocating compressor: survey on site before dismantling to determine the wear profiles and the minimum grinding diameters, survey in the workshop after grinding, then alignment to within 1/100 mm of the liner axis and the crosshead axis, on site. On the crankshaft: coaxiality and parallelism inspection of the crankpins, journals and half-bearings, with assistance in aligning the adjustable half-bearing.
What you walk away with
- Dimensioned inspection report
- Colour deviation map (actual vs reference)
- Wear and deformation profiles
- Time-based tracking of geometric change
Sectors
Energy & nuclear · Aeronautics · Naval · Metallurgy & paper · Pharma & food
Frequently asked questions
What accuracy do you achieve?
Down to ±0.01 mm on a machined part, ±1 mm on structural steelwork / piping / boilerwork, ±5 mm at the scale of a full site.
How can wear on a part be tracked over time?
By scanning at regular intervals (e.g. every 6 months) and overlaying the point clouds: a colour map reveals the wear areas.
Can you measure hard-to-reach areas?
Yes: dense point clouds behind cluttered structures, at height or in hazardous zones, without contact.
What is the difference between dimensional and geometric inspection?
Dimensional inspection checks dimensions (lengths, diameters); geometric inspection checks forms and positions (flatness, coaxiality, parallelism). 3D scanning covers both in a single acquisition.
Do you perform 3D inspection on machined parts?
Yes. We check the conformity of machined parts to the drawing: dimensions, form and position tolerances, by contactless scanning — useful when the part is too large or too complex.
Who does the work
SCAD Engineering — 15 years of industrial 3D scanning. Work led by a senior engineer. MASE certification No. 2024-411 (Seveso / ATEX sites). France & abroad.
An inspection to carry out?
Describe the part, the reference and the access constraint. We get back to you within 24-72 h.
Contact us