Optical Metrology

Q: How much does a 3D measurement cost?

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.

Precise Measurements with the ZEISS O-INSPECT Multisensor Measuring System (
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Our optical measurement technology is non-contact and highly precise, thanks to our state-of-the-art multisensor measuring system from ZEISS. This system utilizes various sensors—such as optical sensors, touch sensors, and white-light sensors—to cover a wide range of measurement tasks.

A Wide Range of Measurement Tasks Using Optical Measurement Technology

Optical metrology is a precise method for measuring standard geometries during initial sampling and production inspections. This technology enables fast and accurate measurement of stamped and bent parts, dies, punches, die-cast and injection-molded parts, as well as blanks and printed circuit boards. With the corresponding VDA-compliant test report, the measurement results can be directly evaluated and interpreted, leading to faster and more effective quality control. Contact us and let our experienced 3D measurement technicians advise you.

Using our optical measuring machine combined with a tactile measuring unit (multisensor technology), our specialists perform the following measurement tasks for you:

Measuring Control Geometry
Initial sample submissions with a test report in accordance with VDA
Routine measurements
Stamped and Bent Parts / Dies / Punches
Die-cast and injection-molded parts
Circuit Boards / Printed Circuit Boards

Optical metrology: contactless, fast and full-surface

In optical metrology, the surface of a part is captured without contact. This is ideal for soft, delicate or very small parts that a probe could deform or damage, and for parts with many features that need to be measured quickly. In our lab we use two systems:

ZEISS O-INSPECT (multisensor): camera, white-light sensor and probe in one machine – optical and tactile features in a single setup.
GOM ATOS Q (3D fringe projection): captures the entire surface as a dense point cloud – for freeform surfaces, color-coded nominal/actual comparison with the CAD model and 3D digitization.

Optical, tactile or CT?

Optical methods excel with delicate parts, flat parts such as stamped and bent parts or printed circuit boards, and freeform surfaces. For the tightest tolerances on accessible features, tactile measurement is often more accurate; for internal structures, computed tomography. We determine the right method based on part, material and tolerances – often we combine methods. The article CT or tactile measurement? gives an overview.

What you receive

An inspection report with nominal and actual values and an assessment of each feature, on request as an initial sample inspection report according to VDA, and for 3D digitization additionally color-coded nominal/actual comparisons. Turnaround time is usually three to four working days. Optical measurements are outside the scope of our accreditation.

“We’ve got it figured out!”

Martin Spitzli 3D Measurement Technician

Frequently asked questions about optical measurement

How much does a 3D measurement cost?

Which parts can be measured – are there any size or material restrictions?

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.

What is the difference between tactile and optical metrology?

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.

Our Testing Laboratory

Precision measurements for the most demanding applications—our measurement lab offers comprehensive 3D measurement technology and reverse engineering for all industries.