Metrology Questions, Answered

IMS can scan objects ranging from approximately one inch components to structures hundreds of feet in scale. The measurement equipment and reference strategy change as object size and accuracy requirements increase.

Yes, many challenging surfaces can be measured. Surface reflectivity, color, contamination and finish can affect scanner performance, so IMS evaluates the surface and selects appropriate preparation and measurement techniques for the application.

There is no universal accuracy value for every scanning project. Accuracy and measurement uncertainty depend on the equipment, measurement volume, geometry, surface, environment and reference strategy. IMS reviews the required tolerance before recommending a measurement approach.

Yes. IMS can compare measured geometry against nominal CAD using professional metrology software including PolyWorks, SpatialAnalyzer and Geomagic Control X.

Yes. IMS provides reverse engineering using software including Geomagic Design X, PolyWorks, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Fusion. The appropriate workflow depends on the geometry and intended use of the resulting CAD model.

Yes, when reverse engineering or scan to CAD is included in the project scope. A raw scan does not automatically become a STEP model. The measured geometry must be processed and reconstructed into appropriate CAD geometry.

Yes. IMS specializes in mobile metrology and can perform scanning at customer facilities and project locations throughout Florida, nationwide and internationally.

A laser tracker is a portable coordinate measurement system designed to measure three dimensional positions accurately over relatively large distances. It commonly tracks a precision retroreflector, such as an SMR, to determine XYZ coordinates within an established reference system.

Laser trackers can measure small components, tooling, machinery, aircraft structures, piping, flanges and very large assemblies. The appropriate measurement method depends on the geometry, accessibility, required tolerance and project objective.

There is no universal accuracy value for every laser tracker application. Under appropriate short range and controlled conditions, IMS can support approximately ±0.001 inch level measurement objectives. Larger measurement volumes require consideration of distance, environment, geometry, network design and overall measurement uncertainty.

Yes. Laser trackers can establish machinery position and orientation relative to an engineering coordinate system, centerline, mating component or other reference. Measurement results can then be used to support physical alignment and calculate required positional corrections.

Yes. IMS can establish coordinate systems from engineering datums, CAD, tooling points, monuments, centerlines, bores, planes and other customer defined reference geometry. IMS can also assist with developing an alignment strategy when a suitable reference system has not yet been established.

Yes. For appropriate applications, IMS can establish control points on the measured component and surrounding environment and periodically remeasure them to evaluate changes during the measurement cycle.

Yes. Measured geometry can be aligned with nominal CAD and evaluated for dimensional deviation using professional metrology software.

3D metrology is the measurement and analysis of an object's three dimensional geometry. Portable technologies such as laser trackers, 3D scanners and photogrammetry systems allow components and large assemblies to be measured directly at manufacturing, assembly and installation locations.

A laser tracker is commonly used for high accuracy coordinate measurement over large measurement volumes, while a 3D scanner captures dense surface geometry. Neither technology is universally better. The appropriate system depends on the geometry, tolerance, measurement volume and information required.

Yes. Depending on the application, scan data can be processed into polygonal meshes, surface geometry or reconstructed CAD models for reverse engineering, manufacturing, modification, documentation and inspection.

Yes. IMS specializes in portable metrology and performs measurement work at customer facilities and project sites throughout Florida, nationwide and internationally.

Dimensional inspection compares the measured geometry of a physical component or assembly with defined engineering requirements such as a drawing, CAD model, dimensional tolerance or GD&T specification.

Yes. IMS can perform dimensional inspection from 2D engineering drawings when a CAD model is unavailable or when the drawing is the controlling engineering document.

Yes. Measured data can be aligned with nominal CAD and evaluated for dimensional deviation. Results can include individual feature measurements or full surface deviation maps.

Yes. IMS can evaluate GD&T requirements and establish datum reference frames according to the engineering definition and inspection requirements.

Yes. IMS provides in process inspection during fabrication, machining, assembly and installation so dimensional conditions can be evaluated before manufacturing is complete.

Yes. IMS can perform final dimensional verification against defined engineering requirements and provide documented inspection results for customer or quality review.

The achievable accuracy and measurement uncertainty depend on the equipment, component geometry, tolerance, measurement volume, environment and inspection strategy. IMS reviews critical tolerance requirements before determining the appropriate measurement approach.

Yes. IMS can combine laser trackers, 3D scanning, photogrammetry and controlled measurement networks for large components, assemblies and structures.

IMS can provide additional measurement and visualization to help characterize the nonconforming condition. Depending on the application, this can include full surface color maps, CAD comparison, alternative views and additional feature measurements to support engineering investigation.

Reverse engineering uses information from an existing physical component or structure to recreate digital engineering data such as CAD models, surfaces, meshes or drawings.

Yes. IMS frequently begins with only the physical component and creates CAD and engineering drawings from measured geometry.

As built CAD represents the component substantially as it physically exists. Design intent CAD reconstructs the geometry the component was likely intended to have by evaluating features, symmetry, relationships, interfaces and surrounding geometry.

Yes, depending on the remaining geometry and available engineering information. IMS can use undamaged features, symmetry, mating components, existing drawings and geometric relationships to support reconstruction.

Yes. IMS can create CAD and engineering drawings from legacy components when original engineering data is unavailable. The customer can then provide those files to the manufacturer of their choice.

No. IMS specializes in measurement, reverse engineering, CAD, engineering drawings and dimensional inspection. Manufacturing is performed by the customer's selected manufacturer or machine shop.

Yes. IMS can create 2D engineering drawings from reconstructed CAD, including dimensions, GD&T, datum structures, views, notes and other project specific information.

IMS can compare the completed CAD model directly against the original measurement data and generate deviation analysis and color maps showing the geometric differences.

Yes. Multiple components can be captured within a common coordinate system while preserving their spatial relationships. CAD assemblies can also be evaluated for potential geometric interference.

Yes. Large structures can be captured using laser trackers, 3D scanners, photogrammetry and controlled measurement networks.

Often, yes. Feasibility depends on feature size, accessibility, internal geometry, tolerance and available measurement technology. IMS evaluates these requirements before accepting the project.

Precision alignment uses dimensional measurement to position and orient a component relative to defined engineering references such as datums, CAD, centerlines, tooling points or mating equipment.

Six degree of freedom alignment controls three linear directions:X, Y and Z:and three rotational directions:Rx, Ry and Rz.

Yes. IMS can provide real time measurement feedback while technicians physically move or adjust equipment, tooling and assemblies.

Yes. Measured geometry can be used to calculate shim corrections for applicable machinery, tooling and precision assembly alignment.

Yes. Alignment can be established relative to CAD geometry, engineering datums, coordinate systems, centerlines, tooling references or other defined physical references.

IMS can evaluate the available engineering and physical references and develop or recommend an appropriate alignment reference strategy.

Yes. IMS has experience with large aerospace structures and other large volume alignment applications, including components exceeding 25 feet in diameter and 100 feet in length.

Yes. IMS can establish and evaluate bore centerlines and coaxial relationships and support boring bar or machining setup.

IMS can perform static geometric shaft and coaxial alignment based on measured shaft geometry. The exact method is defined by the application.

Yes. Critical features can be remeasured after adjustment to document the final achieved position and orientation.

Virtual fit up uses measured or CAD geometry to evaluate how components will interface before they are physically assembled.

Yes. IMS can measure the existing field interfaces, inspect the fabricated spool at the manufacturer and compare the two conditions digitally before shipment.

No. Interfaces can be measured at different locations as long as appropriate coordinate and reference relationships can be established.

Yes. When reliable CAD is unavailable, the required physical interfaces can first be measured to establish their as built condition.

Yes. IMS can evaluate flange position, orientation, clocking, bolt hole relationships and other required interface features.

Often, yes. Measurement can identify dimensional causes such as positional error, angular error, clocking, distortion, hole mismatch, accumulated assembly error or surrounding interference.

When the project geometry and scope support it, IMS can provide dimensional information such as linear and angular corrections, offsets and shim or spacer requirements.

Yes. Final position interference can be evaluated using measured and CAD geometry. Installation path analysis may be required when the component must also be evaluated throughout its movement into position.

Yes. Remeasurement after modification is recommended for critical fit up applications.

Installation path analysis evaluates whether a component can physically move through an existing environment from its starting location to its final position without unacceptable geometric interference.

Yes. The same process can be used in reverse to evaluate removal of existing equipment.

Yes, but IMS recommends field verification of critical areas because existing CAD may not represent modifications or current as built conditions.

Yes. Terrestrial 3D laser scanning can capture dense point cloud data representing the actual surrounding environment.

Yes. The component can be evaluated through translational and rotational movement in six degrees of freedom.

Yes. A customer defined clearance requirement can be evaluated throughout the proposed path.

Yes. IMS can identify critical pinch points and locations where available clearance becomes smallest.

Geometric representations of handling or rigging equipment can be incorporated when appropriate data is available. IMS does not perform or approve engineered lift calculations.

Yes. Alternate routes can be evaluated geometrically and compared based on clearance and interference conditions.

It is a precision coordinate measurement method that uses calibrated imaging, targets and known scale references to determine 3D locations on a physical part or structure.

No. IMS uses photogrammetry for dimensional metrology, not aerial mapping.

Yes. It can be used by itself or combined with other metrology systems.

The tracker establishes controlled reference coordinates. Photogrammetry can distribute those references across a larger or more obstructed measurement area.

The scanner captures detailed surface geometry while the control network helps keep that geometry correctly positioned across the larger measurement volume.

Yes. A properly planned target network can carry dimensional relationships around large or obstructed structures.

Yes. If targets remain stable and undisturbed, the same physical locations can be remeasured and compared later.

It can preserve the previously measured relationship when the datum was established before removal and the reference target network remains stable.

It depends on the equipment, measurement volume, network geometry, target distribution, environment and required measurement. IMS evaluates the application before committing to an accuracy or uncertainty requirement.

Terrestrial laser scanning uses a stationary laser scanner positioned throughout a facility or site to capture dense 3D point data of the surrounding environment. Multiple scan positions are registered together to create a measurable representation of the existing condition.

Terrestrial scanners are designed to capture large environments efficiently. Metrology grade scanners are generally used when individual parts, assemblies or critical features require tighter local dimensional performance. IMS selects the technology based on the measurement problem.

IMS has experience with projects approaching one million square feet. Practical limits depend more on access, schedule, required density, accuracy and deliverables than on a single maximum facility size.

Yes. Point clouds can be referenced to plant coordinates, building coordinates, customer coordinate systems, engineering datums, state plane coordinates or other established frameworks when the required control information is available.

Yes. For appropriate projects, IMS can establish known control coordinates with a laser tracker and use those references to constrain and verify the terrestrial scan network.

No. The terrestrial scanner retains its own measurement uncertainty. Tracker control improves the reference framework and provides independent control for the larger scan network.

Registration may use targets, spheres, checkerboards, surveyed control points, cloud to cloud methods or a combination depending on the project.

Yes. Existing conditions capture is one of the primary reasons to use terrestrial scanning. The point cloud documents the physical condition that exists at the time of measurement.

Yes. Terrestrial scan data can serve as the measurement foundation for Revit, BIM and other existing conditions modeling services.

Yes, provided the required geometry was captured with sufficient quality and density for the intended measurement.

Yes. IMS can compare measured scan data with design geometry and provide dimensional or visual deviation information when required.

Scan to BIM is the process of converting measured point cloud data into structured BIM geometry and information that can be used for design, coordination, renovation and facility documentation.

Yes. IMS can model from customer supplied point clouds, but the source data is qualified because the accuracy and completeness of the final model depend on the quality of the original measurement.

IMS supports project specific workflows from LOD 100 through LOD 500 when appropriate. The required model content, tolerance, information and verification criteria should be defined separately from the LOD label.

No. LOD describes model development and information requirements. Dimensional accuracy depends on the source measurement, registration, coordinate control, modeling tolerance and verification process.

Yes. The scope can include architectural geometry, structural systems, piping, HVAC, electrical systems, equipment and other facility components.

Yes. Custom families can be created for existing equipment and components when required by the project.

Yes. Existing conditions can be coordinated with proposed models using Navisworks and other engineering workflows to identify conflicts before construction.

Yes. The model can maintain established plant, building, survey, state plane or engineering coordinates when the necessary control information is available.

Yes. Deliverables can include floor plans, elevations, sections, equipment layouts and other 2D drawing packages.

Yes. Modified areas can be rescanned and the existing model updated to represent the new measured condition.

Not automatically. General existing conditions models should be treated according to their defined scope and tolerance. Critical fabrication interfaces should be verified to the required dimensional standard.

IMS can inspect drill fixtures, assembly fixtures, jigs, build tooling, fixture tables, tooling monuments, machine beds, rails, large CNC machine centers and other dimensional tooling.

Experience ranges from tooling around six inches in size to structures exceeding 100 feet. Large tooling may require a controlled multi position laser tracker network.

Yes. Initial acceptance establishes whether the tool meets the required geometry and creates a baseline for later recertification.

The interval depends on production risk, customer requirements, fixture use and history. IMS commonly recommends annual recertification as a practical starting point when no other interval has been established.

Yes. Relocation, repair, modification, impact or other disturbances are appropriate reasons to verify the tooling before returning it to production.

IMS can provide live dimensional guidance while the customer's mechanics or toolmakers perform the physical adjustment. This may include translation, angular and shim corrections.

Yes, depending on the available reference. Drawings, master tooling, customer approved references or an accepted production part may be used to establish an appropriate dimensional relationship.

Yes. The tooling can be evaluated as a complete dimensional system and compared with the production issue to determine whether fixture movement, distortion or feature location may be contributing to the problem.

SpatialAnalyzer's USMN can optimize a multi position laser tracker network and evaluate measurement uncertainty across the network. It does not remove uncertainty, but it provides a more rigorous understanding of the measurement condition.

Yes. The initial certification dataset can be retained so later measurements can be compared directly with the established condition.

Yes. Measured tooling geometry can be compared with nominal part CAD or other approved references to evaluate how the tool locates and controls the product.

Yes. Training can begin with measurement fundamentals and equipment operation, then progress as the technician develops capability.

Yes. Advanced training can focus on measurement strategy, complex alignments, control networks, uncertainty, USMN, troubleshooting and difficult production applications.

Training can be delivered onsite, remotely or in another location appropriate to the customer's equipment and objectives.

Yes. Customer equipment and actual production parts are often the most useful training environment.

Yes, depending on the requested training and project scope.

Software and GD&T; training commonly range from several days to approximately a week. On the job training may range from a single assignment to extended support depending on the customer's end goal.

IMS provides basic through advanced training for SpatialAnalyzer, PolyWorks, Geomagic Design X and Geomagic Control X.

IMS has experience with FARO, Leica and API laser tracker platforms and can train operators on those systems.

Yes. Training can include terrestrial scanners and metrology scanners from platforms IMS has practical experience using.

Yes. IMS can evaluate the application, tolerance, measurement volume, geometry, environment and required deliverables before recommending an equipment strategy.

Yes. Procedures, workflow guides and diagrams can be developed for recurring measurement tasks.

Yes. Consulting can evaluate equipment, software, procedures, environmental practices, operator workflow and the engineering requirements behind the measurement.

IMS can teach multi instrument measurement principles and simplified controlled workflows. Certain advanced proprietary implementation details may remain part of IMS internal methodology.

IMS supports aerospace and space, aviation, defense related programs, marine and shipbuilding, nuclear and power generation, industrial manufacturing, oil and process facilities, and engineering and construction applications.

No. IMS is Florida based and serves customers throughout the United States. International project support is also available when appropriate.

Equipment is selected around the application, tolerance, measurement volume, geometry, access, environment and required deliverable.

IMS personnel have extensive experience supporting defense related work through subcontracting environments. IMS is working to expand direct contracting capability and does not represent itself as a prime defense contractor unless that status is established.

Yes. Experience includes submarines, aircraft carriers, tugboats and other marine environments, with applications including inspection, fit up, alignment, scanning, installation planning and reverse engineering.

Yes. Relevant experience includes facility mapping, system mapping, dimensional inspection, fit up, installation path analysis, terrestrial scanning and other dimensional support in nuclear environments.

Yes. Power generation experience includes hydroelectric environments as well as generator and machinery related measurement and alignment.

Yes. Large volume terrestrial scanning projects can extend to very large facilities, with the measurement density and control strategy selected around the customer's requirements.

Yes. Depending on the project, measured data can support point clouds, CAD models, 2D drawings, Revit and BIM deliverables.

Yes. Existing condition capture, reverse engineering and as built measurement are core applications when reliable CAD or drawings are unavailable.

Yes, when the application benefits from it. IMS has experience combining measurement technologies, but hybrid methods are used because the engineering requirement calls for them, not as a default.

Yes. Experience spans aviation, aerospace manufacturing, launch vehicle and spacecraft applications.

Yes. Major components can be positioned with live X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry and Rz feedback relative to engineering datums or vehicle coordinates.

Yes. Experience includes drill fixtures, assembly jigs, fuselage tooling, wing tooling, engine tooling, payload tooling, transport tooling, composite tooling and related fixtures.

Yes. Experience includes propulsion hardware inspection, engine nozzle inspection and engine alignment relative to vehicle geometry.

Yes. A controlled reference network can preserve the established relationship before machining or manufacturing makes the original feature inaccessible.

Yes. Photogrammetry can support large structures, persistent reference networks, dimensional control and hybrid tracker and scanning workflows.

Yes. IMS has experience performing metrology in aerospace clean room environments.

There is no responsible blanket number for every aerospace project. Required accuracy is evaluated against measurement volume, geometry, equipment, environment, network design and engineering tolerance.

Yes. For appropriate laser tracker networks, SpatialAnalyzer USMN can be used to optimize the network and quantify measurement uncertainty.

Yes. Measured interfaces can be virtually evaluated to identify alignment, hole, flange, gap or clearance problems before physical assembly.

Yes. Experience includes Navy surface ships, submarines, aircraft carriers and naval weapon system related measurement work.

Yes. Experience also includes tugboats, smaller commercial vessels, civilian boats and yachts.

Yes. Flange position, angle, clocking, bolt patterns and relationships between remote interfaces can be measured and evaluated.

Yes. Existing vessel interfaces and the replacement assembly can be measured separately and compared virtually before delivery.

Yes. IMS has experience capturing existing conditions inside submarine environments.

Yes. Point clouds can support CAD, drawings, informational ship models and clash detection depending on the project requirements.

Yes. IMS can evaluate axes, centerlines, foundations, shafts and machinery relationships and provide live correction information where required.

Yes. Live six degree of freedom feedback can guide technicians while equipment is positioned and aligned.

Yes. The measurement strategy can use tracker networks, total stations, terrestrial scanning or other methods depending on scale and tolerance.

Yes. IMS has proprietary methods for establishing level and gravity referenced dimensional relationships on many vessels while afloat.

IMS has not represented shipboard load path analysis as prior project experience. The company does have established installation path analysis capability that can be applied to measured shipboard geometry when required.

Yes. IMS personnel have supported commercial nuclear projects across outages, maintenance, modification, equipment replacement, dimensional inspection, scanning, alignment and other phases of plant work.

Yes. Experience also includes naval reactor environments. Public descriptions remain limited to non sensitive technical capabilities.

Experience includes reactors, steam generators, pressurizers, polar cranes, spent fuel areas, turbine equipment, generators and primary and secondary piping systems.

Yes. A replacement component can be measured at the manufacturer and compared with measured as built plant interfaces before shipment.

Yes. The measured component can be moved virtually through captured facility geometry to evaluate clearance and interference along the intended installation or removal path.

Yes. IMS experience includes facility scale terrestrial scanning as well as smaller system and area capture.

Yes. IMS personnel have performed dimensional work in radiologically controlled environments and on contaminated components, subject to facility work controls.

In some applications, yes. IMS has used robotic approaches to collect dimensional information from highly contaminated components where reducing direct personnel access was beneficial.

Yes. Point clouds can preserve facility geometry so engineering teams can continue measurements, CAD development and planning after field access ends.

IMS has experience with turbines, rotors, bearings, casings, utility generators, emergency generators and static alignment of other rotating equipment.

Yes. Experience includes rotor and stator measurement, structural evaluation and related hydroelectric dimensional work.

Where appropriate, precision laser tracker networks can be evaluated using SpatialAnalyzer USMN to quantify uncertainty and determine whether the measurement strategy is suitable for the engineering tolerance.

Yes. IMS has performed first article inspections and can verify manufactured components against CAD, drawings and GD&T; requirements before production approval.

Yes. In process inspection can verify geometry before additional machining, welding, fabrication or assembly occurs.

Yes. IMS can travel to the supplier and provide independent dimensional verification before shipment.

Yes. Portable metrology allows IMS to inspect machinery, tooling, assemblies and structures far beyond a conventional fixed CMM measurement envelope.

Yes. IMS has experience with large machine centers and can evaluate machine geometry including rails, ways, gantries, spindles, rotary relationships and other critical geometry.

IMS can independently measure the part, tooling and machine and evaluate other relevant factors such as thermal behavior, installation condition and vibration to help isolate the source of the problem.

Yes. Baseline and follow up measurements can quantify dimensional movement caused by welding, fabrication or other manufacturing operations.

Yes. Separately manufactured components can be measured and evaluated digitally before physical assembly.

Yes. Measurement data can be used to calculate required shim changes, offsets and alignment corrections when appropriate.

Yes. Physical geometry can be measured and converted into as built CAD or other manufacturing information when appropriate.

Yes. IMS can provide independent dimensional data when a customer, supplier or manufacturer needs an objective measurement against defined engineering requirements.

IMS currently sells SHINING 3D scanning systems, including applicable EinScan, Einstar and metrology grade product lines.

No. IMS has extensive laser tracker experience but does not currently sell FARO, Leica or API laser trackers.

Yes. IMS reviews the application, tolerance, measurement volume, geometry, environment and required deliverables before recommending a system.

IMS will say so. Depending on the application, a laser tracker, CMM, photogrammetry, total station or hybrid measurement strategy may be more appropriate.

Yes. Live demonstrations and representative part evaluations can be arranged when appropriate.

Yes. Customer facility demonstrations can be performed when practical and appropriate for the project.

Initial system setup and startup support are included. Advanced training and customer specific process development are separate professional services.

Yes. Training can cover basic operation through advanced measurement strategy, GD&T;, inspection methodology, workflow development and troubleshooting.

Yes. IMS provides basic and advanced training for SpatialAnalyzer, PolyWorks, Geomagic Design X and Geomagic Control X.

Yes. Onsite production implementation support is available as an additional service.

IMS can guide customers through the appropriate calibration and service process and assist with coordination.

No. IMS does not currently advertise equipment financing. Equipment purchases require payment upfront unless different terms are established in the quotation.

Trade in opportunities may be considered on a case by case basis.

Equipment sales are currently focused on the United States.