Overview
ISO 10360-13:2021 - Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Acceptance and reverification tests for coordinate measuring systems (CMS) - Part 13: Optical 3D CMS describes standardized acceptance and periodic reverification tests for optical 3D coordinate measuring systems (CMS). The standard defines how to verify the manufacturer’s stated length-measurement performance and how users can periodically reverify system performance, provided the scanned surfaces are within a cooperative range of characteristics (e.g., colour, gloss).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & applicability: Applies specifically to contactless area-measuring optical 3D CMS using pattern/fringe projection or similar single-view optical principles; excludes tactile CMMs, laser trackers, X‑ray CT, articulated arms and other CMS types covered elsewhere in the ISO 10360 series.
- Rated operating conditions: Environmental and operating conditions, including material and surface characteristics and pre-processing requirements, that influence test execution.
- Acceptance and reverification tests:
- Distortion characteristics - assessment of global/local distortion and derivation of distortion error.
- Probing characteristics - procedures for probing behaviour, material standards, and flat‑form distortion evaluation.
- Volumetric length measurement error - tests for concatenated measurement volumes and concatenation path effects on error propagation.
- Conformity rules: Acceptance criteria for initial verification and pass/fail criteria for reverification.
- Ancillary material & uncertainty: Normative and informative annexes cover calibrated artefacts, concatenation procedures, artefact alignment, surface-characteristic guidance, structural resolution tests, and guidelines for evaluating test-value uncertainty.
- Traceability & GPS context: Tests provide traceability to the unit of length (the metre) and align with the ISO GPS framework (references include ISO 14638, ISO 8015 and ISO 14253-1).
Practical applications
- Acceptance testing of newly delivered optical 3D scanners or integrated CMS installations.
- Periodic reverification and maintenance scheduling to ensure ongoing metrology capability.
- Supplier and incoming inspection, quality assurance, and process validation where 3D optical measurements determine part acceptance.
- Evaluating suitability of optical scanning for specific parts given surface cooperation limits (colour, gloss, roughness).
Who should use this standard
- Metrology labs and calibration service providers
- Manufacturers and suppliers of optical 3D CMS
- Quality, inspection and production engineers in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, additive manufacturing and tooling industries
- Procurement teams specifying acceptance criteria in contracts
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 10360-13:2021, optical 3D CMS, coordinate measuring system, acceptance tests, reverification tests, volumetric length measurement, GPS, distortion error, probing characteristics.