Enhancing the accuracy of high-speed laser triangulation measurement of freeform parts at elevated temperature

Geometrical distortions due to inappropriate setting of process parameters are one of the main causes of variability in manufacturing hot forged thin parts. Their identification and measurement at the earliest steps of the process chain may permit significant benefit especially in case of small batch production. The paper presents a coordinate measuring system for fast inspection of freeform parts at elevated temperatures through high-speed laser triangulation. Main error sources are discussed, including a new method for the correction of systematic errors due to imperfect laser planes alignment. A procedure for testing the metrological performances at elevated temperature is also presented.