3D printed freeform optical sensors for metrology application

3D printed freeform optical sensors are a different and new approach for optical metrology. Thereby the optical design is adapted to the fabrication characteristics of additive manufacturing. All needed optical elements like mirrors and lenses are reduced to one simple printed sample, which is capable to illuminate a complex shaped industrial part for shaped measurement based on light section technique. Additionally the laser line can be formed on the part in a way, so that no shadow appears–even in the case of kinks etc.. Due to the physical limitations of the printing process and different printing techniques each optical design would present some drawbacks that has to be considered prior a printing process in order to obtain the best results possible.