Dimensional quality assurance

RISE offer quality assurance of 3D dimensions, from nanometres to kilometres. We have the capability to measure the form deviations on large scale structures as well as small ones. We are accredited for measuring of large-scale geometries and also operate the National Laboratory for Length and Dimensional Metrology.

Machine hall scanned with an optical 3D scanner.

Macro: Large-scale (m-km)

The measurement of large-scale dimensions is needed in many areas e.g. to secure the volume of cisterns used in chemical trade or to generate digital twins of large-scale production lines. Which technique is used depends on the accuracy requirements. It is common to use a combination of optical instruments for 3D-scanning alongside temporary references. Other applications could be:

Form deviations of radio telescopes and similar structures.
Validation measurements during assembly of complex constructions or production equipment.
Scanning for digitalisation of cultural heritage sites.

Large scale dimensions indoors as well as outdoors may require positioning in local or geodetic reference frames to be related to other objects. This is achieved by complementary measurements against local reference frames or by georeferencing the measurements with global positioning techniques such as NRTK-GNSS.

RISE is accredited to measure large objects up to 200x200x200 m, with optical coordinate determination. In general, this is done with laser scanners or laser trackers in laboratories, production environment or in the field.

Image of a 10 mm sphere in a coordinate measuring machine (CMM).

Macro: Small-scale (mm-m)

Geometry assurance of small-scale dimensions is critical for industry to assure that a component in Sweden can fit together with components manufactured internationally. Within this area coordinate measuring machines, optical instruments and handheld instruments are common. Other applications could be:

Dimensional verification of medical implants.
Verification measurements to support prototyping.
Calibration of standards used as references for other instruments.

RISE is the designated National Metrological Institute and operates the National Laboratory for Length and Dimensional Metrology. The laboratory follows ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

The letter 'K' on the back of a Swedish 5-krona coin (10X zoom) in a Coherence Scanning Interferometer (CSI)

Micro: (nm-mm)

Verification of dimensions on the micro-scale is important to secure the function of components and surfaces. Light transmission through small apertures with diameters in tens of µm can be measured by accurate profile measurements, while the reflective properties are affected by surface roughness. Other applications could be:

Geometry assurance of gauges through calibration.
Verification of surface roughness parameters to secure desired function.
Investigation in the effect of manufacturing process has on a specific material.

The National Laboratory for Length and Dimensional Metrology actively participate in research relating to surface roughness.