Digital Inspection Market Trends

Key Emerging Trends in the Digital Inspection Market

The demand for better quality in industrial projects is on the rise due to changes in what consumers want and advancements in measuring technologies. This shift has led to a need for more precise and accurate industrial products. To meet this demand, various industries such as automotive, aerospace, packaging, electronics, and mechanical engineering are widely adopting 3D metrology solutions.

In the automotive sector, which is the largest user of 3D metrology, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are focusing on automating inspections and integrating metrology data into their product lifecycle management systems, statistical process control, and supply chain management systems. This integration is expected to reduce ramp-up times and enhance the performance of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Meanwhile, in the aerospace industry, 3D metrology is playing a crucial role in large volume inspection and tracking, measuring aircraft components, precise robot drilling, and inspecting engine turbine blades.

Various tools are employed in the 3D metrology process, including Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), optical digitizers and scanners, and 3D x-ray/CT inspection systems. Key players in the market, such as Hexagon AB, Carl Zeiss, Nikon 3D Metrology, and Faro Technologies, offer these 3D metrology services. For example, Carl Zeiss, a prominent 3D metrology solutions provider, produces CMMs specifically for the automotive market. The company also offers cloud services to network measuring machine data, optimizing production processes and cost-efficiency. Hexagon AB, another major player, provides 3D modeling and CAD/CAM software solutions to enhance manufacturing processes and productivity.

An interesting trend has been noted in the electronics and automotive industries, where there has been a significant decrease in product shipments. This decline can be attributed to longer replacement cycles and the high durability of products. For instance, in the production of aircraft and defense equipment, non-destructive testing is crucial to ensure high accuracy and precision in measurements during manufacturing.

In summary, the growing emphasis on quality in industrial projects is driving the adoption of 3D metrology solutions. This trend is particularly evident in the automotive and aerospace industries, where precision and accuracy are paramount. The use of advanced tools like CMMs, optical digitizers, and scanners is becoming increasingly widespread, and key market players are actively contributing to the integration of metrology data into various industrial processes. As industries continue to prioritize quality, the 3D metrology market is expected to experience further growth.