FAQ

One micrometer (1 µm) is one thousandth of a millimeter (0.001 mm). For comparison: the wire of a paper clip measures around 1000 µm, a grain of salt about 500 µm and a human hair around 70 µm. The naked eye can only make out structures from about 30 to 40 µm – deviations of just a few micrometers can therefore only be captured reliably with precise metrology.

“The Golden Rule of Measurement”

The golden rule of measurement technology is a rule of thumb that states that the uncertainty of a measuring instrument should not exceed one-tenth—or, in extreme cases, one-fifth—of the tolerance. This rule helps in selecting a measuring instrument suitable for a specific measurement task.

Definition of Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty describes a range of values around the measured value within which the true value of the measured quantity lies with a specified probability.

The price depends on the effort involved: part size and complexity, the required measuring method (tactile, optical or CT) and batch size all play a role. That is why there is no flat rate. The quickest way to get a firm answer is to briefly describe your part and your measurement task – we will be happy to prepare a non-binding quote for you.

The turnaround time depends on our laboratory’s workload and the scope of the measurement task. For urgent cases, we can look into expedited processing by arrangement. Simply mention your preferred date when you contact us, and we will tell you whether and how we can meet it.

We work with coordinate measuring machines, CT systems and optical scanners of various sizes, covering a wide range of part sizes – from small precision parts to larger assemblies. Material makes practically no difference for tactile and optical measurement; with computed tomography, whether X-rays can penetrate a part depends on its material and wall thickness. The best thing is to ask us directly whether your part fits our measuring volume.

In tactile measurement, a probe mechanically scans the surface and records individual measuring points with high precision. In optical measurement, cameras or fringe projection scanners capture the surface without contact and quickly deliver a dense point cloud of the entire geometry. Tactile measurement excels at the highest accuracy for individual dimensions, optical measurement at complex freeform surfaces. We often combine both methods, depending on the measurement task.

In computed tomography, a part is X-rayed from many angles; from these X-ray images, a computer calculates a complete 3D model – inside and out. This is particularly worthwhile if you want to make internal geometries, cavities or material defects such as voids and cracks visible without destroying the part, or if a part would be very difficult to access using conventional methods.

Reverse engineering means creating a digital CAD model from an existing part – for example, when design data no longer exists, a spare part needs to be reproduced or a part needs to be optimized afterwards. We digitize the part using 3D scanning or CT and derive an editable CAD model from it.

Accreditation means that an independent body (the Swiss Accreditation Service SAS) regularly checks, according to internationally recognized standards, that our measurements are carried out in a technically correct, traceable and impartial manner. For you, this means: you do not get sales arguments, but reliable, neutral measurement results you can count on.

The easiest way is to contact us directly – by phone, email or via our contact form – and briefly describe your measurement task. We will then tell you how best to get the part to us and agree on the schedule and procedure together with you.

Yes. Confidentiality goes without saying for us – we use your parts, drawings and measurement results exclusively for your measurement task and do not pass them on to third parties. If you would like a separate non-disclosure agreement, just let us know.

We work across industries, including the plastics industry, medical technology, aerospace, the automotive industry, and mechanical engineering. Our aim is to be broadly positioned rather than specializing in individual industries.