2D vs. 3D Machine Vision

Both 2D (two dimensions being length and width) and 3D (three dimensions being length, width, and depth) have applications were they work the best and make the most sense from a cost point of view. You can take two 2D cameras and mount 90 degrees apart from each other. With some applications, this will work fine. However, you would not receive surface depths that are hidden from the second camera. Below are some of the strengths of both systems.

2D Machine Vision

2D vision systems use area scan or line scan cameras and appropriate lighting to measure the visible characteristics of an object such as:

• quality of surface appearance
• edge based measurements
• presence and location of features

2D Applications include:

• food sorting of color, shape, and size
• automotive parts needing location and presence

3D Machine Vision

3D vision systems use a specialized high speed camera and a projected laser line to measure the physical deviations of an objects surface such as:

• Volume
• Flatness or shape
• Density

3D Applications include:

• Volume, size and shape measurements of baked goods or produce
• Completeness of molded parts
• Flatness of stamped washers