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Find a 3D camera for machine vision

3D cameras open up an additional dimension of machine vision: in addition to length and width, you can also capture height and volume – the basis for precise dimensional inspections, surface checks, or reliable robot guidance.
 
As a manufacturer-independent supplier, STEMMER IMAGING offers one of the widest portfolios of 3D camera solutions. From compact stereo systems to high-precision laser triangulation sensors, you will find the right technology for almost any application.

Explore our 3D Camera Models

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No problem—our specialists will be happy to help you choose the right solution for your application. Simply describe your requirements to us and we will show you suitable options—manufacturer-independent, practical, and efficient.

LMI Gocator

3D Smart Sensor for Profile Measurement

Questions about our cameras? We are happy to advise you!

Our experts will help you find the right 3D camera for your application – from selecting the appropriate measurement principle to coordinating resolution and accuracy to interfaces and integration. Use our contact form or speak to us directly – we will guide you on your way to the optimal solution.

More than a 3D camera – your project – our service

At STEMMER IMAGING, you not only get individual components, but a solution that is tailored precisely to your project. We accompany you from the selection of the right 3D camera to the combination of optics, lighting, and computer, right through to installation, calibration, and ongoing optimization.
 
This means you benefit from a partner who provides comprehensive support – manufacturer-independent, experienced, and always with your specific requirements in mind.

Guide: Choosing the right camera

The requirements for a 3D camera are as diverse as the applications. Below you will find the most important selection criteria to help you make the right settings in the product filter and find the right camera more quickly.

Selecting the appropriate measurement principle

The first step in the selection process is choosing the right measurement principle. 3D cameras operate with different technologies, each of which has specific strengths.
 
  • Laser triangulation provides highly accurate height profiles and is ideal for measurements in the near and medium range, such as inline inspections. Highly reflective or transparent surfaces can make measurement difficult.
  • Stereo vision uses two cameras based on the principle of human vision. Passive stereo methods are robust against extraneous light and are also suitable for outdoor areas, while active systems with additional pattern projection deliver better results on low-texture surfaces.
  • Structured light offers the highest level of detail, but works best under controlled lighting conditions and in more static scenes.
  • Time-of-flight (ToF) measures distances using the time it takes for light to travel. These cameras capture entire scenes very quickly and are particularly suitable for large measuring ranges or high cycle rates, such as in logistics or robotics.

Field of view and measurement volume

The field of view (FoV) determines the area that a 3D camera can capture. A larger field of view allows entire components or larger scenes to be captured in a single step. At the same time, the detail resolution decreases because the same sensor area is distributed over a larger scene. If you want to check the finest details, it is therefore better to choose a smaller FoV, while a larger measurement volume is crucial for large objects or conveyor applications.

Resolution and accuracy

The resolution of a 3D camera is divided into two parts in the product filter:
 
  • X-resolution describes the lateral resolution across the width of the field of view. The smaller the X resolution in millimeters per pixel, the finer the details that can be captured.
  • Z resolution indicates the accuracy in depth, i.e., how precisely height differences can be captured. It also depends on factors such as working distance, signal quality, and optics.
 
In line or profile scanners (e.g., laser triangulation), the second lateral direction (Y) is created by movement: the higher the profile rate or the slower the object is moved, the denser the scanning.

Working distance and installation

 

The working distance specifies the distance between the camera and the object at which reliable measurements are possible. The size, weight, and protection class of the system must also be taken into account, especially if the camera is mounted in confined spaces or on a robot arm. A robust mechanical design and suitable mounting ensure that measurements remain stable even in the presence of vibrations and temperature fluctuations.

Material and surface

 

The nature of the surface plays a major role in the measurement results. High-gloss or transparent objects often pose a challenge for laser or structured light-based methods because the light is reflected or refracted. Dark, highly absorbent surfaces, on the other hand, produce weaker signals. In such cases, special measures such as blue lasers, polarization filters, or HDR exposures can help. For outdoor applications or applications with highly variable ambient light, methods such as stereo vision or ToF are usually more robust.

Speed and scan rate

 

The scan rate indicates how fast a 3D camera captures data. There are two different cases:

  •  For snapshot methods such as ToF or structured light, it is the frame rate in frames per second.
  • For profile-based methods such as laser triangulation, it is the profile rate in hertz or kilohertz. In conjunction with the speed of movement, this results in scanning in the Y direction.

A high scan rate is crucial when objects move quickly through the system or a robot has to react in real time. At the same time, higher rates also increase the demands on interfaces and computing power.

Software stack and compatibility

 

In addition to the hardware, it is important to consider how well a camera integrates into existing software environments. Standards such as GigE Vision ensure that devices from different manufacturers can be addressed via the same interface. A stable SDK with sample code and drivers for different operating systems greatly facilitates integration. It is also important that the camera supports common 3D data formats so that point clouds can be further processed without additional effort.

Safety aspects (laser class)

 
3D cameras with laser or LED light sources are subject to safety standards.
 
  • The laser class describes whether a system is eye-safe. Class 1 devices are safe for users and can be operated without additional protective measures. Higher classes require protective eyewear or enclosures.
  • For LED-based systems, the LED risk group is also specified. This indicates whether an LED source can potentially pose a hazard, for example due to very intense light sources at close range.
This information helps to assess at an early stage whether additional protective measures need to be planned for the system.

The widest range of 3D cameras

 
Interfaces: GigE Vision, USB3 Vision
Measuring principle: Laser triangulation, digital fringe projection, stereo vision, time-of-flight, line confocal imaging, structured light, LiDAR

Frequently asked questions about 3D cameras

What is a 3D camera?

 
A 3D camera not only captures the length and width of an object, but also its height and volume. This provides depth information that goes beyond a classic 2D image. This enables precise dimensional checks, surface inspection, and reliable robot guidance.
 
Technically, this is done differently depending on the measuring principle: With laser triangulation, the height is calculated from the offset of a projected laser strip; with stereo vision, from the comparison of two slightly offset camera images; with structured light, from the distortion of projected patterns; and with time-of-flight, from the transit time of light pulses.
 
As a result, 3D cameras deliver metric data such as point clouds or height images. These can be used directly in industrial image processing for inspection, measurement, or automation tasks.

When are 3D cameras used?

 
3D cameras are used wherever pure 2D image information is not sufficient and additional precise depth data is required. Typical areas of application for the systems available from STEMMER IMAGING are:
 
  • Quality control and measurement technology
  • Robotics and automation
  • Logistics and material flow
  • Special industry solutions: Food and pharmaceutical production (fill level, shape control), wood and metal industry (profile and surface inspection), medical technology (e.g., patient positioning).
STEMMER IMAGING's broad portfolio includes a variety of technologies – from compact stereo systems and high-precision laser triangulation scanners to fast time-of-flight cameras. This means that the right solution can be found for almost any application.

How does a 3D camera work?

 
A 3D camera combines optical sensors with special depth measurement techniques. Unlike a conventional 2D camera, it not only detects the intensity of the light, but also the distance of each individual pixel from the sensor.
 
Various measurement principles are used for this purpose:
 
  • Laser triangulation: A laser strip is projected onto the object. A camera offset to the side measures the offset of the strip and uses this to calculate the height.
  • Stereo vision: Two cameras observe the object from different angles. The depth can be determined from the shifts in the image (disparities).
  • Structured light: A projector casts a pattern of stripes or dots onto the surface. Its distortion provides information about the 3D shape.
  • Time-of-flight (ToF): The system measures the time it takes for emitted light to be reflected by the object and uses this to calculate the distance.
The result is metric data such as point clouds or elevation images that represent the geometry of an object in all three dimensions. This information forms the basis for precise measurements, quality checks, or the positioning of robots.

What measurement principles do the cameras available from STEMMER IMAGING use?

 
At STEMMER IMAGING, you will find 3D cameras with all common measurement principles. Each method has specific strengths and is suitable for different applications:

 

  • Laser triangulation Provides very precise height profiles and is ideal for inline inspections in the near and medium range. This technology is widely used in quality control and for profile or contour measurements.
  • Stereo vision (passive/active) Uses two cameras that capture an object from slightly offset angles. Passive systems are robust against extraneous light and are also suitable for outdoor use, while active stereo systems also work with projected patterns, enabling them to reliably capture even unstructured surfaces.
  • Structured light Projects a pattern onto the surface of the object and calculates the 3D geometry from the distortion. This method offers the highest level of detail and is particularly popular in measuring rooms and for precision tasks.
  • Time-of-flight (ToF)  Measures the transit time of light pulses. ToF cameras deliver fast, full-surface depth images and are suitable for applications with large measurement volumes and high speeds – such as in logistics and robotics.
STEMMER IMAGING thus covers the entire spectrum of modern 3D technologies – from compact stereo systems and high-precision laser scanners to fast ToF sensors.

Does STEMMER IMAGING offer support with configuration and assembly?

 
Yes. STEMMER IMAGING provides customers with comprehensive support in selecting and configuring their 3D cameras – from choosing the right technology to coordinating optics, lighting, and computers, right through to calibration. STEMMER can also assemble complete modules before the finished systems are delivered.

Does STEMMER IMAGING supply complete 3D image processing systems?

 
Yes. STEMMER IMAGING not only supplies individual cameras, but also complete solutions. In addition to the appropriate 3D camera, these include optics, lighting, computer hardware, software, and accessories – right through to assembly, calibration, and ongoing optimization. This provides customers with a coordinated complete system from a single source that is precisely tailored to their application.
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