Hardware variability in the three-dimensional measurement of autobody steel panel surfaces

Abstract

Automotive panel manufacture is an important industrial activity. Research in this area has recently been assisted by an European Community funded research programme on three-dimensional characterisation of steel sheet. This paper describes the results of the first part of the programme in which the emphasis is on a Round Robin Test of the partners measuring equipment. Software was identified as being one of the major causes of variability. It is concluded that standard and stable algorithms are a necessity to ensure reliable interchange of data.