Breakthrough LADAR technology sets new standard in non-contact optical dimensional metrology for manufacturing industries

In September, API's Dynamic 9D LADAR, an innovative Laser Detection and Ranging system that captures both dimensional and surface geometry data, will make its IMTS show floor debut. 9D LADAR incorporates a breakthrough technology that is set to revolutionize automated production measurements. The patent-pending Dynamic 9D LADAR offers the world's first interferometry-based LADAR system incorporating Optical Frequency Chirping Interferometry (OFCI) technology.

Dynamic 9D LADAR will be the centerpiece attraction of API's booth (#135657) on Level 3 of the East building. IMTS will be taking place from September 12-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. IMTS will mark just the second time 9D LADAR has been shown at a North American trade show after CMSC in July. 9D LADAR will be available for demonstration every day in the booth, showcasing its applications for automated inspection for automotive and aerospace manufacturing and assembly.

9D LADAR's accurate data collection of production measurements represent the next generation dimensional inspection solution, replacing traditional, off-line, large volume coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and near-line and in-line inspection solutions using both optical laser-line and structured light scanning sensors.
The two-axis 9D LADAR system processes measured data at the impressive rate of 20,000 points per second and with scanning speeds of 0.2 seconds/cm2. Furthermore, 9D LADAR's high Dynamic range is insensitive to target reflectivity, can measure translucent materials, and is able to measure target features with up to an 85-degree incidence angle. High-density raster scanning delivers up to 50 lines/second, with 0.1mm line spacing. 9D LADAR's on-board scale reference system delivers unparalleled 2D and 3D accuracies of just 6 µm/m providing comparable accuracies to benchmark accuracy large volume CMMs.
Dynamic 9D LADAR's compact design, weighing just 10.4Kg, incorporates an integral controller with ethernet communication, allowing for seamless integration to both portal CMM frames or 6-axis industrial robots, including 7-axis rail mounted configurations.
9D LADAR's iVision smart camera system provides instant part visualization for automated scan path planning, providing both automated feature and targeted region measurement, along with remote measurement operation viability.
API's Dynamic 9D LADAR delivers X, Y, Z, I, J, K data for each generated cloud point along with the addition of R, G, B data allowing for scanned data to be imaged directly onto the captured camera image. This unique capability allows display of characteristics with distinct background color contrast, surface vectors, surface roughness etc., which are difficult to isolate with only the standard 3D point cloud data.

ABOUT API
For more than 30 years, API has pioneered advancements in laser-based metrology equipment for industrial inspection and calibration. API is continually developing products to deliver innovation and automation to the manufacturing floor.
API's advanced 6DoF Laser Trackers, Scanners, and Dynamic 9D LADAR provide customers with tools to complete complex production tasks with next-level speed and efficiency. Our customers can perform in-line inspection, automated measurement, and precision robot verification to increase production and decrease costs.
Register to attend IMTS at https://www.imts.com/show/reg.cfm, and learn more about API's Dynamic 9D LADAR at https://www.apimetrology.com/LADAR.
Fig. 1: The DYNAMIC 9D LADAR captures both dimensional and surface geometries
Fig. 2: Automated near-line inspections with 9D LADAR
Fig. 3: 9D LADAR performing in-line car body inspection