AESUBdomes: Marker carriers for precise 3D scan preparation of complex components

AESUB is expanding its accessory range for 3D metrology with the so-called AESUBdomes. The hemispheres made of transparent plastic serve as defined marker carriers and are intended to speed up the setup of scans with structured light, laser scanners, or photogrammetric systems. The goal is reproducible referencing, especially for components with challenging geometry or limited marker areas.

The domes combine a magnetic underside with an integrated M4 threaded insert. This allows them to be fixed directly to ferromagnetic tables or screwed onto custom fixtures. For materials without magnetic adhesion or irregular surfaces, recesses are provided that can be filled with modeling clay to create a form-fitting seat. Thanks to the transparent material, edges, fits, and camera fields of view remain visible, which simplifies placement within the measurement setup.

On the surface of an AESUBdome, up to 19 retro-reflective or highly retro-reflective reference points with diameters of 6 mm or 3 mm can be accommodated. The defined hemispherical arrangement promotes stable marker constellations with good angular distribution, supporting multi-view registration and the accuracy of part alignment. In practical use, this reduces setup time: markers do not need to be repositioned at every measuring position but remain available as a compact unit with reliable geometry.

According to the manufacturer, the solution is designed for tasks in quality assurance, reverse engineering, and first article inspection. The approach addresses a common challenge in optical metrology: securely and repeatedly placing reference points in locations that are not easily accessible on the part itself. With AESUBdomes, an accessory is available that combines mounting options, visual inspection, and marker accommodation in a single component, thereby methodically simplifying the preparation of 3D scans.