Which of the following tools is an example of a noncontact measurement tool?

A laser scanner is a noncontact measurement tool. It operates by projecting a laser line or point onto a surface and capturing its reflection with a sensor to determine the object's three-dimensional geometry. This process, known as optical triangulation or time-of-flight, allows for the collection of a dense cloud of data points representing the object's surface without any physical contact. This makes it ideal for measuring complex, delicate, or easily deformable parts where traditional contact methods would be impractical or could cause damage.

B. Hardness tester: This tool requires direct physical contact, as it measures hardness by pressing an indenter into the material's surface.
C. Micrometer: This is a contact instrument that measures dimensions by clamping the object between a fixed anvil and a movable spindle.
D. Caliper: This tool uses jaws that must physically touch the object's surfaces to measure the distance between them.

1. K. C. Kapur and M. Pecht

Reliability Engineering

John Wiley & Sons

2014. In the context of failure analysis

non-destructive techniques are discussed

with optical methods like laser scanning being prime examples of noncontact evaluation. (Chapter 11

Section 11.5.2

Non-Destructive Evaluation).

2. MIT OpenCourseWare

2.008 Design and Manufacturing II

Spring 2004. Lecture notes on Metrology discuss various measurement tools

categorizing laser scanners and vision systems as non-contact methods

while micrometers and calipers are classified as contact-based hand tools. (Lecture 10: Metrology

Slides 15-20).

3. B. G. Lipták

Instrument and Automation Engineers' Handbook: Measurement and Safety

4th ed.

CRC Press

2003. This handbook details various measurement technologies

describing laser-based dimensional scanners as noncontact devices that use optical principles for measurement. (Chapter 2.27

Dimension

Section: Laser-Based Scanners).

4. F. T. Farago and M. A. Curtis

Handbook of Dimensional Measurement

5th ed.

Industrial Press

2013. The text explicitly distinguishes between contact and noncontact inspection methods

placing laser scanners firmly in the noncontact category used in coordinate measuring systems. (Chapter 14

Coordinate Measuring Machines

Section: Noncontact Sensing).