InSpec – Mobile 3D Surface Metrology

Mobile 3D measurement of surface defects
Lateral resolution up to 4 µm
Measurement of depth, height, and shape of local defects
Measurement directly on the component – without marks or disassembly
InSpec and InSpec XL for different defect sizes
For manufacturing, incoming goods, maintenance, and field service
Handheld, workshop, and robot operation

InSpec – Mobile 3D Surface Measurement Directly on the Component

The InSpec by 4D Technology is a handheld 3D surface measuring device for the rapid acquisition and measurement of defects, surface features, and local damage. The measurement is carried out directly on the component, so that in many applications, time-consuming replication, casting, or the removal of large components can be eliminated.

The system captures the three-dimensional surface topography and enables the quantitative determination of Depth, height, width, and shape of a defect. This allows, for example, scratches, dents, nicks, areas of corrosion, or other surface irregularities to be not only documented but also precisely measured and evaluated.

Thanks to its compact, handheld design, InSpec is suitable for both quality control in manufacturing and for inspection and maintenance tasks directly on site.

3D Defect Measurement Without Impressions

For large or permanently installed components, inspection using stationary measurement technology is often possible only with considerable effort. InSpec, on the other hand, brings the measurement technology directly to the object being inspected.

Non-contact optical measurement generates within a short time a Three-dimensional representation of the surface under examination. The accompanying software then enables the quantitative analysis and documentation of the recorded surface features.

This makes the system particularly well-suited for applications in which defects need to be assessed in a reproducible manner and their development tracked over the course of multiple inspections.

InSpec and InSpec XL

Two versions are available for different measurement tasks:

InSpec

Lateral resolution up to 4 µm
Vertical accuracy up to 4 µm
Depth of field up to 2.5 mm
For small, finely structured surface defects

InSpec XL

Larger measurement area for larger components and defects
Lateral resolution up to 7.5 µm
Vertical accuracy up to 7 µm
Depth of field up to 9 mm
Particularly suitable for larger surface features and hard-to-reach components

This way, visitors can see right away, Why There Are Two Models, instead of just being able to compare the values at the top using the WooCommerce dropdown.

Used in manufacturing, maintenance, and inspection

Typical applications of InSpec include:

Measurement of scratches, dents and notches
Inspection of Aircraft and Turbine Components
Analysis of Corrosion and Surface Damage
Incoming Goods and Quality Control
Testing of large or permanently installed components
Inspection of Hard-to-Reach Surfaces
Documentation and Tracking of Defects
Research and Development

In addition to manual operation, the system can also be used in Automated inspection processes and robot-assisted measurement systems be integrated.

Rapid on-site quantitative assessment

InSpec combines the flexibility of a mobile inspection device with the capabilities of quantitative 3D surface analysis. Instead of merely assessing a defect visually, reproducible measurement data is available for Quality assurance, maintenance decisions and technical documentation available.

This makes the system particularly suitable for applications where rapid decisions must be made directly at the component.

Specifications

Property	InSpec	InSpec XL
Measuring field	7.7 × 7.7 mm	15 × 15 mm
Working distance	35 mm	54 mm
Light source	450 nm LED	450 nm LED
sensor	1200 × 1200 Pixel, 12 Bit	2048 × 2048 Pixel, 12 Bit
Dimensions	280 × 50 × 70 mm	260 × 150 × 45 mm
Weight	0.9 kg	1.4 kg
Cable length	10 m	10 m
Mobile deployment	Yes	Yes
Robot integration	Yes	Yes

Applications

3D measurement of defects, radii and angles on turbine blades
Detection of fire cracks and surface damage on engine blocks
Inspection of hard-to-reach areas and undercuts
Defect detection on brake components
Measurement of scratches, cracks and wear on gear parts
Analysis of sink marks and surface defects on plastic parts
Acquisition and representation of surface textures
Measurement of hard-to-reach surfaces using mirror optics
Quality control and incoming goods inspection
Automated surface inspection with robotic systems

measuring ranges

measurand	InSpec	InSpec XL
Defect size	5 µm – 2.5 mm	7 µm – 9 mm
Min. Roughness	120 nm (6 µm)*	120 nm (6 µm)*
Measurement time	< 1 s	< 1 s
Max. riser height	180 µm	340 µm

Options

Handheld, workstation or robotic operation
Portable mobile kit with battery, tablet, and carrying case
Mobile kit with laptop, battery, and stand
Flexible positioning arm
Mirror sets for hard-to-reach measuring points
Calibration standards
Mobile power supply
Solutions for integration into automated test and robotic systems

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News

Automated InSpec 3D Inspection in Aerospace

4D Technology has with the 4Di InSpec AT implemented an automated 3D inspection system for a leading aerospace engine manufacturer. The system combines InSpec surface metrology technology with a collaborative robot, enabling the automated measurement of edge breaks, chamfers, radii, and surface defects.

Measurements that can require a significant amount of time in manual inspection processes can thus be performed automatically and reproducibly. The system is designed in particular for the inspection of complex engine components and hard-to-reach measuring points.

Highlights of the InSpec AT:

Automated non-contact 3D surface measurement
Measurement of edge chipping, chamfers, radii and defects
Integration with collaborative robots
Automatic detection and re-measurement of anomalous areas
Inspection of hard-to-reach interior and exterior areas
High measurement throughput for industrial manufacturing processes
Integration into fully enclosed test cells is possible