scope:

Optical metrology is an established technology in the coordinate measurement community, with a growing impact on the specialized field of gear metrology. The idea of a contactless and thus fast technology for quality control is promising. Nevertheless, every new technology raises questions: How to use this technology and what are meaningful use cases? Looking deeply into the field of optics evokes even more questions: What kind of optical technologies do exist, what is the adequate technology for your application and do I need a special sample preparation? This paper provides a quick overview about optical metrology for gear analysis and provides some field results of optical gear measurements. The results are focused on gears for automotive applications, especially for the expanding area of electric drivelines. However, the field results can be used as an idea how to apply this technology in other fields as well. Examples of applications, where the use of optical metrology can lead to a throughput enhancement and thus improve the economy of the quality control process, are demonstrated. The results of the optically measured gears, based on a gauge R&R study, are compared to reports from a well-established tactile reference. Practical hints for the needed gear preparation for a fast, accurate and save measurement procedure are presented as well. In addition, a short glimpse into the future of optical metrology in the gear industry is given in summary. Copyright ©