Measurement object: Definition & Features

The measurement object is the focus of every measurement. It determines which measuring instruments and measuring methods are used and how the recorded data should be interpreted. Having detailed knowledge of the object is therefore crucial for the quality, accuracy, and reliability of the measurement results. Valid and reliable measurement data can only be obtained if the object to be measured and its properties are fully understood.

Definition: What is a measurement object?

In the field of metrology, a measurement object refers to the object or process that is being measured. It is the central element of any tactile or optical measurement and represents the object being examined. In other words: without a measurement object, there would be no measuring.

The dimensions of a measurement object – i.e. the length, width and height – are often the first and most obvious aspects to consider. The size of an object can determine what type of measuring instruments or techniques need to be used. A micrometer, for example, would be an ideal measurand to measure the thickness of a hair, but unsuitable in the aerospace industry for measuring the length of an airplane wing.
Each measurement object has a particular value expressed in a specific unit. While length is measured in meters or centimeters, temperature can be expressed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Understanding the correct unit and value is crucial for ensuring an accurate measurement and interpretation of the results.
The properties of many measurement objects can change depending on external conditions such as temperature, pressure, or humidity. A metal rod can expand when heated, changing its original dimensions. It is therefore important to take such influencing factors into account and control them if necessary to ensure accurate measurement results.
The material from which a measurement object is made often has a direct influence on the way it is measured. Different materials have different physical, chemical, and thermal properties that can affect the measurement. A magnetic material, for example, can interfere with measurement in a magnetic field. Understanding the material makes it possible to select the most suitable measuring method and potential sources of error.
The surface finish of a measurement object – whether rough, smooth, reflective, or matte – can influence the measurement result, especially when optical measurement processes are used. A highly reflective surface, for instance, can make it more difficult to measure with a laser rangefinder. Similarly, a very rough surface can affect the accuracy of a measuring instrument. It is therefore important to take the surface finish into account and use special measuring instruments or measuring techniques if necessary.

A metrology technician measuring a component with the ZEISS ScanCobot.

ZEISS solutions for your measurement objects

As a manufacturer of multidimensional metrology, ZEISS offers users a wide range of solutions for measuring and testing. Discover our product portfolio of 3D measuring instruments:

3D scanning: The lightweight and flexible ATOS Q 3D scanner is ideal for small to medium-sized components. ZEISS T-SCAN hawk 2 is your portable solution for 3D scanning and basic inspections of measurement objects.
3D measuring machines: ScanBox was specially developed to measure many different objects quickly, automatically and precise.
3D testing: The ARAMIS product portfolio can be used to record deformations of measurement objects in real-time.
Coordinate measuring machines: Measurement objects can be measured with the highest precision using various probing systems, including the ZEISS CONTURA and ZEISS PRISMO product families.
CT and X-ray systems: With ZEISS systems like METROTOM, VoluMax, and many other devices, measurement objects can be measured non-destructively and automatically through industrial 3D computed tomography or X-ray inspection.
Microscopy: For even the smallest measurement objects in the nanometer range, ZEISS offers the perfect solution with the 3D X-ray microscopes of the Xradia product family.