Dimensional Photonics, Inc. (DPI) announced today the AFI 4000, a new, portable, non-contact, 3D measurement system for high-accuracy surface measurement of parts in the aerospace, automotive and power generation industries. Early customers of the AFI 4000, including Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Toyota Tsusho, forecast substantial cost savings through reductions in production cycles and elimination of hard tooling.
DPI’s AFI 4000 illuminates objects with a three-dimensional pattern of laser light, which is then imaged by a high-resolu to better than 50 microns of accuracy in less than a minute. The AFI 4000 is easily transported to plant measurement locations and can be calibrated in minutes. It does not require special coatings or reference targets to measure objects, reducing costs and potential damages associated with these aids.
Over the next five years, Dimensional Photonics will expand its AFI technology into the medical and consumer markets. Medical engineers will use AFI for faster and more accurate design of prosthetics and orthopedic aids. Consumers will use AFI scanners to purchase custom-made shoes and clothing.
Dimensional Photonics, which was founded by a group of former MIT Lincoln Laboratory engineers, holds the exclusive patent rights to the AFI, a MIT developed technology. The AFI portfolio consists of a half dozen issued patents, with additional patents pending.
The AFI 4000’s two main components are a laser projector and a digital camera, which are positioned on a tripod or an extensible boom. Also included with the platform is analysis software compatible with traditional CAD and design software packages. The AFI 4000 systems start at $215,000.
