Part-to-CAD or 3d Product Inspection is the process of comparing parts and tooling directly to CAD files without the need for dimensional drawings.

Information gathered via means of optical scanning systems is then aligned and compared to the nominal CAD model providing a graphic comparison in the form of a color deviation map displaying differences between the measured physical part and that of the design data set .

This process is faster, more complete and more accurate than using a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) or other more traditional methods.

By comparing the Digitizing / Scanning data that represents the physical production part geometry to the original design (CAD geometry), information concerning such matters as part verification can be addressed.

1. The product or component is Digitized.
Free-form surfaces are either:

• Optically scanned by such systems as the ATOS digitizer from GOM mbh of Germany to produce high density 'point clouds', hundreds of thousands or even millions of closely packed data points that entirely capture the shape.
  
  or
  
  Photogrammetrically captured by a system such as the TRITOP of GOM mbh, producing results in select key regions of interest.

2. The data is then refined and registered to the CAD model inside an inspection software program such as RapidForm Verifier from Inus Technology.

3. Inside programs such as Rapidform the distance from each data point to the surface of the model is automatically calculated in a direction normal to the CAD surface. Based on the calculated distance, the point is assigned a color.

4. Color plots showing the part in various positions are created as well as custom format reports illustrating sectional analysis, geometric tolerances and precise dimensions.

5. The reports are then delivered both electronically and in hardcopy.