A Comparison between 3D Scanning and CMM Dimensional Inspection of Small Size Gas Turbine

Abstract

The paper presents a comparison between Coordinate Measuring Machine and 3D white light scanning technologies as applied to the dimensional inspection of turbo-machinery parts such as turbine blade. The results were compared with the CAD model and each other. The results indicate that, even both methods are enough accurate with a slightly better accuracy for CMM, the operational speed and the variety of scanable surfaces give significant advantages to the 3D scanning method when prototypes require dimensional inspection by an alternative rapid route especially when dealing with objects with thin walls or sharp edges.