How to measure 3D angles and angularity

Even in hard-to-reach spaces (inside tubes, bores, slots, etc.)

Published on June 20, 2019

Why angles matter

Angle and angularity measurements are key aspect of geometrical dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) of industrial parts. Correct angles help ensure that assemblies function as intended.

  • Example 1: bevel angles on cutting tools contribute to their efficacy
  • Example 2: angles of mating surfaces determine whether the surfaces will fit together and whether a tight seal is achieved
  • Example 3: the included angle of a drilled rivet countersink in aircraft assembly is one of several aspects determining whether the head of the installed rivet will be flush with the aircraft surface to minimize unnecessary aerodynamic drag (see diagram).

Versatility of angle measurement with Novacam technology

Novacam 3D metrology systems measure angles and angularity in a range of industries.  The systems scan surfaces in a non-contact manner, with micron precision, and at up to 100,000 3D points per second. Thanks to a wide selection of sensor probe models, the systems are versatile enough to measure angles on outside surfaces as well as on surfaces inside tight spaces such as tubes, bores, or slots.

Example where included angle is crucial: in aircraft assembly, drilled rivet countersinks must accommodate rivet heads perfectly to eliminate unnecessary aerodynamic drag.

5 examples of angle measurement applications

The samples below were scanned with Microcam 3D metrology systems. We used industry standard GD&T data analysis software PolyWorks InspectorTM for subsequent 3D data analysis including angle measurements.

1) Chamfer angles in bores

Component with chamfered bores.  Two of the bores have a chamfer on the outer edge as well as halfway down the inside diameter.

Angle measurements: a) included angle of chamfer on the outer edge and b) angle between inside chamfer (ledge) and bore walls.

Measured on the inside with BoreInspect.

2) Angles of rivet holes and countersinks

Aerospace rivet hole

Angle measurements inside a drilled rivet hole: a) included angle of the countersink (100.872º), b) angle between the countersink and rivet hole (125.087º), and c) angle between the countersink axis and the rivet hole axis (180-179.007 = 0.993º)

Measured on the inside with BoreInspect.

3) Angles along the ID profile of a rifled barrel

Inside diameter of a rifled bore (45 cm long, ID ≈ 4 mm). Rifling lands and grooves are machined along the bore length.

Angle measurements inside rifled bore: flank angles, i.e. angles of rifling groove walls

Measured on the inside with TubeInspect.

4) Included angle of a conical bottom of a blind hole

Automotive fuel injector nozzle (37 mm long, ID ≈ 3.8 mm)

Angle measurement of a blind hole bottom: cone angle of fuel injector nozzle tip

Measured from above with SurfaceInspect.

5) Angles of bevels on high-precision cutting tools

Hypodermic needle tip

Slope angle measurements of secondary bevels on a hypodermic needle lancet

Measured with SurfaceInspect.

Other recently performed angle measurements:

Support for automation

With Novacam systems, measurements and data analysis may be fully automated and integrated in inline production lines. Read about the many advantages of the underlying technology.

Do you need to measure angles or angularity?

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