Our technology

The NX3D™ Digitizer

Based on MVE (Multispectral Volumetric Encoding) full-frame 3D snapshot technology, NX3D™ digitizers provide the fastest and most accurate 3D data on the market for real-time industrial inspection.

  • Optimum accuracy in all situations, even if the object is moving or vibrating.
  • Best precision / speed ratio on the market.
  • Delivered pre-calibrated and ready to use for maximum productivity.
  • Easily integrated in typical industrial environments.
NX3D™ digitizers

Revolutionary MVE Technology, Acquires Full-Frame 3D Snapshots in 50μs.

NX3D™ Digitizer Specifications

NX3D-15
  • Field of view
  • 15 x 11 mm
  • Depth of field
  • 3 mm
  • Pixel size
  • 12.5 µm
  • Depth resolution
  • 5 µm
  • Working distance
  • 75 mm
  • Maximum object speed
  • 0.8 m/s
  • Exposure time
  • 50 µs
  • Frame rate
  • 12 fps
  • Size (L x W x H)
  • 525 x 433 x 95 mm
  • Data interface
  • GigE Vision
  • Control interface
  • - 4 digital input - 4 digital output - RS-422/RS-485
NX3D-50
  • Field of view
  • 50 x 39 mm
  • Depth of field
  • 15 mm
  • Pixel size
  • 42 µm
  • Depth resolution
  • 9 µm
  • Working distance
  • 315 mm
  • Maximum object speed
  • 2.8 m/s
  • Exposure time
  • 50 µs
  • Frame rate
  • 12 fps
  • Size (L x W x H)
  • 548 x 581 x 179 mm
  • Data interface
  • GigE Vision
  • Control interface
  • - 4 digital input - 4 digital output - RS-422/RS-485

Numetrix Studio™ Software Platform

Our dedicated software platform, Numetrix Studio™, allows full customization and editing of user interface and machine vision algorithms. We work closely with our clients to develop custom solutions that fully meet their automated inspection goals.

Services

How does it work?

Numetrix uses a structured “white” light technology to calculate the tridimensional shape of the object. This method projects a number of striped patterns across the object to be imaged. Phase shifted patterns reflected by the object are then grabbed by an imaging device. In a structured light imaging system, the depth resolution and the scanning range are proportionals to the number of stripe patterns that are projected onto the object. Usual structured light digitizers require exposure times of a few hundreds of milliseconds to several seconds in order to grab numerous patterns for a single 3D image. Unlike the usual systems, Numetrix Digitizers grab a high number of patterns within 50μs (1/20,000 of a second). To do so our digitizers shine a 50μs burst of multiple ultra-short flashes (about 10 us per flash). Each flash is split in different colors, projecting a stripe pattern of each color in every single flash. The striped patterns are grabbed individually in a proprietary high speed multispectral imaging device.

The short duration of flashes makes it possible to achieve a lateral resolution of 40 microns and a depth resolution of 6 microns on objects moving as fast as 2,8 m/s (550 ft/min). The 3D image acquisition can be performed at 12 frames per second. Each frame is a high resolution 3D snapshot of a full-field surface area.

Eye Safe Technology. High Speed Multispectral Imaging Device
Numetrix Digitizer
  • Accuracy
  • High lateral resolution along two axes
  • Vibration
  • Unaffected
  • Texture
  • Accuracy in three axes simultaneously
  • Speed of moving objects
  • Up to 2.8 m/s and allowing vibrations
  • Integration to production environment
  • As simple as fitting a simple camera on a conveyor belt
  • Eye safe technology
  • Yes
Laser
  • Accuracy
  • High in one axis, but overall precision is greatly dependent on movement stability generated by the mechanics on the other axis
  • Vibration
  • Highly affected, critical
  • Texture
  • Laser strength is to represent forms in one X-Z plan. “Speckle” effect poses limitations on resolution and accuracy. Laser scanner is also prone to artifacts at sharp reflectance changes
  • Speed of moving objects
  • Can handle movements, but resolution greatly affected by vibrations
  • Integration to production environment
  • Difficult, industrial environments often generate conditions that are not compatible with laser technology
  • Eye safe technology
  • Class 3 lasers require a regulated environment and training

How can we fulfill your requirements?

Contact us

Works on Black Surfaces

Unlike laser lines profilers, Numetrix digitizers are not limited by speckle effect. Speckles happen when the projection of a spatially coherent light beams onto the optically rough surface, which introduces a shape variation of the spot image and causes errors in point triangulation. Numetrix digitizers use 100% incoherent light source, projecting broadband images and therefore avoiding speckle effects.

Vibration Resistant

Numetrix digitizers gather all the information required to model the 3D surface with a series of very short flashes. Since the flash duration is 1/20,000 of a second the part under inspection can move or vibrate within distances of the desired resolution.

Greater Accuracy

Limitations of a 3D scanner are typically derived from its positioning method. Object motion relative to the scanner must be much more precise relative to the desired measurement. Every positioning error, vibration or yaw will lead to noise between each laser profile. Even though software algorithms can reduce this noise, it cannot be totally eliminated in real production environments.

Automatic inspection algorithms need the amplitude of the defects to detect to be quite larger than the noise of the measured data. Numetrix surface digitizers allow taking instant snapshots of a full area of your object, avoiding all the possible errors linked to movement or vibrations.

The technology section provides an understanding of how instant snapshots work. If the object is larger than the field of view of the digitizer, it is possible to perform the inspection on individual images before or after digitally stitching the slightly overlapped images.

Laser scanner is prone to artifacts at sharp reflectance changes as they measure the centroid of the laser spot. The centroid can be shifted by any reflectance change. Numetrix digitizers build the 3D surface using only the light reflected by each location without considering the neighboring pixels. Results are not affected by sharp changes or shape discontinuities.

Improved Safety

Numetrix digitizer is safer for users, especially compared to laser technology using Class 3 devices. These are highly regulated, potentially dangerous to human eyes, and require environment conditions to be adapted to reduce the risk of injuries.