Complete guide to portable metrology
Discover how portable measurement technologies are revolutionising quality control, inspection, and reverse engineering across industries.
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What is portable metrology?
Portable metrology refers to measurement technologies that can be transported to the object being measured, rather than bringing the object to a fixed measurement device. These solutions enable high-precision dimensional measurement, inspection, and quality control across various industries, offering flexibility and efficiency compared to traditional fixed coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
How it works
Portable metrology systems use various technologies including laser tracking, structured light projection, and coordinate measuring to capture precise 3D data of physical objects. This data can then be compared to CAD models or used for quality inspection and reverse engineering.
Where is it used?
Portable metrology is used in aerospace, automotive, energy, heavy equipment manufacturing, and any industry requiring precise measurements of large or complex parts in various locations.Typical applications
- Large-scale manufacturing inspection
- Aerospace component verification
- Automotive quality control
- On-site construction verification
- Tool and die calibration
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Technology comparison
Side-by-side comparison of different portable measurement technologies to help you make an informed decision on your investment.
Mobility
| Technology type | Weight | Setup time |
| Laser trackers | 14 - 25 kg | 5 - 30 minutes |
| Portable measuring arms | 8 - 13kg | 10-20 minutes |
| Handheld 3D scanners | 0.5 - 2kg | 5-30 minutes |
| Photogrammetry | 1-3kg | 10-30 minutes |
Industrial use cases
| Industry | Recommended technologies | Common applications |
| Aerospace | Laser trackers systems, portable measuring arms, handheld 3D scanners | Tool building, large component alignment, FAI; confined-space inspection; composite-part inspection and MRO spare-part reverse engineering; large virtual assembly |
| Automotive | All technologies | BIW alignment and inline inspection; in-car sampling / Innenmeisterbock, EV battery tray, tool-and-die; car body R&D; turntable batch inspection; full-vehicle referencing |
| Medical | Handheld 3D scanners, portable measuring arms | Implant design, prosthetics, surgical planning; medical device and orthopaedic component inspection; patient-specific organic design |
| Energy | All technologies | Turbine inspection, pipe alignment, large component verification; wind turbine hub raw cast; impeller inspection and MRO; Pelton turbine and gear measurement |
| Consumer products | Handheld 3D scanners, portable measuring arms | Reverse engineering, design verification, packaging; crash-test dummy inspection; scan-to-CAD for replacement parts |
Measurement volume
| Technology | Typical range | Maximum range |
| Laser trackers | 0 - 80 m radius | Up to 320m diameter |
| Portable measuring arms | 2 m arm reach | Up to 4.5m diameter. Expandable to 10m+ with GridLOK or photogrammetry systems |
| Handheld 3D scanners | Unlimited | Unlimited with registration (targets placed progressivly) |
| Photogrammetry | 10-30m | 30 m+ |
Skill level required
| Technology | Training time |
| Laser trackers | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Portable measuring arms | 2-5 days |
| Handheld 3D scanners | 1-2 days |
| Photogrammetry | 1-3 days |
Recommended software
| Technology | Primary inspection software | Reverse engineering |
| Laser trackers | Inspire - for probing + scanning with AT500/AT930/AT960 SpatialAnalyzer - for ATS600/ATS800 (direct scanning) |
Geomagic Design X |
| Portable measuring arms | Inspire | Geomagic Design X |
| Handheld 3D scanners | Geomagic Control X - direct plug-in to all H3DS Inspire |
Geomagic Design X |
| Photogrammetry | SpatialAnalyzer - multi-instrument USMIN networks Inspire - basic photogrammetry workflows |
Geomagic Design X |