The 3D Phase Measurement is a game-changing measurement technique that provides 3 dimensional imaging to increase accuracy and productivity in aerospace and rotating equipment applications. Paired with the world class XLG3 Video Borescope, this new technology provides accurate 3 dimensional surface scans using a single probe tip. In effect, the 3D Phase Measurement provides accurate measurement "on-demand" by eliminating the need to change the probe tip to capture the measurement, streamlining the inspection process.

"3D Phase Measurement gives our customers a more efficient and accurate view of the inspection subject, " said Ed Hubben, Senior Product Manager for the Inspection Technologies product line. "Unlike current techniques, 3D Phase Measurement does not require a change from a viewing tip to a measurement tip during inspection so it speeds up the entire inspection process."

The new imaging and measurement system is based on an existing optical metrology technique and involves projecting line patterns onto a surface, capturing the patterns in a video camera with high quality viewing optics and processing the images using proprietary algorithms to produce a point cloud, 3D map of the entire surface. This is then used in conjunction with measurement to obtain more precise information of the defect or object being viewed. Measurement itself simply involves the placing of cursors on the full-screen image, with no need for the point matching, shadow identification or dot selection steps that can be challenging with other techniques.

Prior to 3D Phase Measurement, videoprobe measurement was based on stereo or shadow techniques, which are complex techniques, and the tip of the probe had to be changed from a viewing tip to a measurement tip, adding time to the inspection process. 3D Phase Measurement offers Profile Views, a cross section view of a portion of the surface. With Profile View, the inspector can rotate and zoom to get a more accurate view of the defect. The ability to better visualize the shape and characteristics of an indication allows for well-informed decisions of serviceability of the asset.