measuring 3D Printed Parts
The first concern in calibrating a 3D printer is making sure that offset layers are smooth and transition-free. A sloped side with a terraced look is inferior.
A second concern is the presence of voids and sprue on edges and surfaces.
Quantifying your three-d printed part’s surface is the way to establish and maintain quality over time.
![](https://4dtechnology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/3D-printed_3DBenchy_by_Creative_Tools.jpg)
On parts, whether plastic or metal, or nearly any other material, you can measure surface parameters and surface shape features like:
- Radius of curvature
- Cracks, pits and dings
- Stair-stepping and terracing
- Chamfer and edge-break
- Surface texture
- Striations and linearity
![3D-printed_3DBenchy_by_Creative_Tools](https://4dtechnology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/3D-printed_3DBenchy_by_Creative_Tools.png)
Video tutorial
Video: Measure Radius of Curvature
This six-and-a-half minute video demonstrates how to take a measurement and get the Radius of Curvature profiles you need from it. You can see more tutorials on our Training Video Page.
App Note: Compare Measurement to CAD
This 4D InSpec application note shows a simple example of exporting a 3D measurement from 4D InSpec as .XYZ, then importing that and the CAD file for the part surface in a third-party software package, comparing the measured part to the designed CAD model.
You can find more application notes on our Support Applications Page.
Learn more about the products
![](https://4dtechnology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/4D-Technology-4D-InSpec-Surface-Gauge.png)
4D InSpec
4D InSpec provides non-contact measurement of surface features and defects, on the factory floor, in machine shops and in field service applications.
![](https://4dtechnology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/4d-inspec-xl-vertical2.jpg)
4D InSpec XL
A handheld defect inspection gauge that works like 4D InSpec standard, but with a larger field of view, to measure wider and deeper features.
![](https://4dtechnology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/through-hole-fixture-Bore-Fixture-and-Focus-Standoff.jpg)
InSpec Accessories
Accessories for improving portability, ease of use, or for accessing hard to reach measurements like sidewalls and through-holes.
Get In Touch
(520) 294-5600
Location
3280 E Hemisphere Loop, Ste 146
Tucson, AZ 85706
4Dinfo@ontoinnovation.com
Office Hours (Arizona Time)
Mon: 8am - 5pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 8am - 5pm
Thur: 8am - 5pm
Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed