UVX3D vs. Traditional 2D Video Systems: Why 3D Stereoscopic Wins

Traditional video extensometers typically use a single camera (2D) to track movement in x & y plane. While effective for perfectly flat, stationary specimens, they struggle with real-world testing environments. If a specimen moves slightly toward or away from the lens, introducing z movement, the camera perceives a change in size. This “out-of-plane” movement is incorrectly recorded as strain, leading to significant measurement errors.

• Immunity to movement: UVX3D utilises two synchronised cameras to track the exact XYZ coordinates of the specimen. It is inherently immune to out-of-plane errors, ensuring accuracy even if the specimen rotates during a test.
• True strain measurement: By capturing the specimen in 3D, UVX3D provides the material’s actual performance data, unaffected by the environment. 
• Telecentric lenses: Although telecentric lenses are designed to reduce issues caused by out-of-plane movement, their effectiveness is limited. These lenses are often bulky and costly, and they can only compensate for out-of-plane movement within a very small range, typically just a few millimetres.
• Configuration and set up: Because 2D systems must operate at a precise working distance, any change in specimen type, thickness, or positioning often requires recalibration or adjustments to the setup, resulting in increased testing time.