Dimensional Inspection and Metrology
Need precise measurements for your critical components? Element's dimensional inspection services, including laser tracking, 3D CMM, and computed tomography, ensure accuracy for manufacturing and industrial applications. We help you optimize production quality, reduce costly errors, and meet exact specifications—whether in our labs or at your site worldwide.
What is Dimensional Inspection at Element?
Dimensional inspection captures the geometric shape of workpieces in two or three dimensions. The components produced must adhere to precise dimensions using quantifiable values to measure any physical characteristics, with only minimal deviations from specifications to ensure functionality and reliability. At Element, we have specialized precision machines and tools to accurately measure complex geometries, surfaces, curves, and straight lines, maintaining an exceptionally clean and stable laboratory environment for total quality control.
What Can Element Offer You for Dimensional Inspection Services?
Components and materials we test
Components and materials we test
From massive wind turbine blades to precision-engineered medical devices, we test components across multiple scales and industries. Our capabilities span large industrial components like aircraft structures, marine vessel hulls, and rail chassis, through to precision parts like tools, dies, castings, forgings, and injection molded components. We specialize in both large-scale industrial components and small, fragile parts requiring delicate handling.
Additional components include:
- Machined parts
- Tools and fixtures
- Fasteners
- Production equipment
Key tests offered
Key tests offered
Our comprehensive testing portfolio supports product validation, compliance verification, and production process optimization. We conduct first article inspection, tool wear analysis, and reverse engineering to maintain quality and improve manufacturing efficiency. Our metrology experts deliver fast, accurate assessments, ensuring products meet precise tolerances and performance requirements.
Services include:
- Tool and die inspection
- First article inspection and verification
- Reverse engineering
- Mold qualifications
- Quality control monitoring
- Production process validation
- Surface measurement
- Equipment calibration
Methods and solutions offered
Methods and solutions offered
We employ cutting-edge inspection techniques to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Using a combination of contact and non-contact methods, our experts can analyze complex geometries and fragile parts with precision. We specialize in laser tracking for large-scale components, industrial computed tomography for internal structures, and profilometry for surface characteristics.
Our advanced methods include:
- 3D CMM Inspection – Tactile probing for detailed analysis
- Laser Tracking – Up to 80m range with ±2.5-micron precision
- Computed Tomography – Non-destructive 3D internal imaging
- Photogrammetry – High-resolution component verification
- Surface Profilometry – Surface roughness analysis
Products we test
Large Industrial Components
- Wind turbine rotor blades
- Aircraft structures and components
- Marine vessel frame structures
- Marine vessel hulls
- Rail chassis
- Rail bodywork
- Production equipment
Manufacturing Tools & Equipment
- Tools and dies
- Molds
- Production equipment
- Measuring equipment
- Manufacturing fixtures
Precision Components
- Machined parts
- Castings
- Forgings
- Fasteners
- Medical devices
- Printed circuit boards
- Injection molded parts
Additional Testing Areas
- Complex geometries
- Surfaces requiring profilometry
- Small/fragile parts requiring specialized handling
- Components requiring non-destructive testing
Laser tracking is primarily used for:
- Dimensional inspection and validation of large components, products, and surfaces
- Alignment and leveling inspections at the installation of production equipment
- Validation and calibration of production or measuring equipment
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
Meeting Tough Quality Standards
Measuring Large and Complex Parts
Preventing Downtime and Quality Issues
Technical Documentation Gaps
Why Choose Element
Global On-Site Capability
Exceptional Laboratory Environment
Multi-Scale Measurement Expertise
Comprehensive Technology Integration
2D & 3D Metrology Services
±2.5 Microns
80mRange
3DLaser Scanning
Frequently asked questions
Can you perform 3D scanning of surfaces?
Yes. Using laser tracking, we can measure 3D coordinates by moving the reflector over surfaces. Measurements can be taken either as single points at set intervals (e.g., every 15mm) or as continuous coordinates at a specified frequency.
How does laser tracking measurement work?
A laser tracker is mounted on a tripod and measures spatial XYZ positions using reflectors held against target points. Our "retroreflective" targets reflect the laser beam directly back to the tracker. Technicians then move these reflectors to specific points for measurement, or across surfaces for scanning. The process is fast and precise, with data available in various formats for plotting points or calculating deviations from drawings.
Explore our global network of labs and find your nearest location
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