Machine Vision vs. 3D Scanning: Which is Better for Quality Control

March 22, 2022

Welcome to yet another blog post about machine vision and 3D scanning. We know, we know, you're probably tired of hearing about them, but bear with us because this one is about something you actually care about: Quality Control!

Without further ado, let's compare machine vision and 3D scanning to see which one is better for quality control.

Machine Vision

Machine vision is a technology that uses cameras and image processing software to identify and inspect products. The process is pretty straightforward: the product is placed in front of a camera, and the software analyzes the image to determine if the product is defective or not.

Pros:

  • High-speed inspection
  • Can be used for a wide range of products
  • Relatively low cost compared to 3D scanning

Cons:

  • Limited to 2D images
  • Can have issues with lighting and shading
  • Difficult to identify some defects, especially those that occur on curved surfaces

3D Scanning

3D scanning, on the other hand, is a technology that captures the geometry of an object by using lasers, cameras, or other optical devices. The resulting data is then used to create a 3D model of the object.

Pros:

  • Can capture a complete 3D image of the product
  • Accurate measurements
  • Can identify defects on curved surfaces

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to machine vision
  • Slower than machine vision
  • Limited to objects within the scanning range

The Verdict

So, which one is better for quality control? Well, it depends on the specific application. If your products have flat surfaces and you need to detect defects quickly, machine vision might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you have complex geometries and need to capture a full 3D image, 3D scanning is the way to go.

Ultimately, the choice between machine vision and 3D scanning comes down to cost, accuracy requirements, and the specific needs of your application.

We hope this comparison helped you better understand the pros and cons of machine vision and 3D scanning for quality control.

References

  • "Machine Vision Inspection Systems Market Size, Share & Analysis, By Component (Hardware, Software, Service), By Type (1D, 2D, and 3D), By Application (Automotive, Electronics & Semiconductor, Consumer Electronics, Food & Beverage), By End-User (Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive) And By Region, Forecast To 2028" - Fortune Business Insights, 2021.
  • "Global 3D Scanning Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Optical Scanner, Structured Light Scanner, Laser Scanner), By Range (Short Range Scanner, Medium Range Scanner, Long Range Scanner), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" - Grand View Research, 2018.

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