SuPAR

SuPAR is an augmented reality inspection software tool. Scan a physical part with an iPad and SuPAR overlays the 3D CAD model directly onto it. This lets you quickly see whether the physical product matches the design—without having to constantly refer back to technical drawings.

Modernize Visual Inspection with SuPAR

Parts inspection

Augmented Reality (AR) is a game-changing technology transforming visual inspection in quality control. SuPAR was developed to address a common challenge on the shop floor: quality inspectors often rely on 2D paper drawings to verify parts—a time-consuming and error-prone process that has remained largely unchanged.

With SuPAR, operators can overlay CAD data directly onto physical objects using an iPad for instant comparison, creating a more intuitive and efficient inspection process than conventional inspection methods.

SuPAR empowers you to:

  • Identify and diagnose problems more easily
  • Reduce inspection time—without compromising accuracy

How It Works

SuPAR is an all-in-one solution that covers the entire visual inspection workflow—from CAD data preparation to inspection and reporting.

Step 1

Import Your CAD File into SuPAR Composer on the PC

SuPAR Composer is the desktop platform where AR inspection projects are created and prepared. Import native CAD data including common file formats: STEP, FBX, gITF, USD, OBJ, and more.

SuPAR Composer automatically generates tracking geometry from CAD data. This feature enables precise AR alignment for accurate inspections.

Step 2

Prepare, Configure, and Preview AR Inspection on the PC

Using SuPAR Composer on a PC, position and optimize the CAD model, as well as define the checkpoints operators will verify on the shop floor. Create inspection templates to guide the inspector, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient inspection process.

Once complete, the project can be published to the SuPAR iPad app, transforming existing CAD data into a live AR overlay for first-article, incoming, and in-process quality inspections.

Step 3

AR‑Powered Visual Inspection on the Shop Floor

Point the iPad at a part, and SuPAR App brings the CAD model into the real world, aligning it directly with the physical object. Instantly spot missing, extra, or misaligned components as they inspect—eliminating the need to constantly switch between the part and printed drawings or depending only on manual visual comparison.

Inspections that previously took a quality engineer over an hour can be completed in as little as 15 minutes (depending on part complexity).

Step 4

Report in Seconds

Once the inspection is complete, SuPAR App automatically generates detailed reports in PDF, Excel, Word, and 3D formats within seconds, including all captured images and comments.

Comment lists are also generated automatically in Excel, keeping documentation up to date without slowing down production.

Customers using SuPAR 3D Inspection Technology:

  • Alstom
  • BMW
  • Magna
  • VW
  • Hitachi Energy
  • Nissan

Benefits of Using Augmented Reality for Quality Control

Wing assembly 3d inspection
Intelligence for Your Shop Floor

SuPAR can identify issues in real time by using AR technology to take immediate corrective actions. This means that companies can detect problems early, before they become costly and time-consuming to fix.

Results
  • Real-time visual guidance
  • Digital traceability
  • Streamlined inspection workflows
Your Assembly Guide Planner

With augmented reality, SuPAR provides visual guidance for parts placement and assembly procedures. Using a tablet, operators can follow intuitive step-by-step instructions, ensuring accurate placement and consistent assembly.

Results
  • Improve efficiency
  • Reduce errors
  • Consistency and accountability

SuPAR AR-Based Visual Inspection 3 in 1 Software

  • Preparation SuPAR Composer

    Preparation SuPAR Composer

    Automatically generates tracking geometry from CAD data for precise assembly component tracking. Create custom inspection templates to guide inspectors through a comprehensive and efficient inspection process.

  • On-Site Inspection SuPAR App

    On-Site Inspection SuPAR App

    Interactive inspection of components by using augmented reality technology. The defects are instantly recorded in 3D format and at the same time reported as digital in PDF and Excel with images and comments for easy analysis and sharing.

  • SuPAR viewer

    Sharing Reports SuPAR Viewer

    Anyone can access and review 3D visual inspection reports for free on any web browser, including mobile devices. All inspection details, such as photos and notes, can be viewed directly on the 3D model, making analysis and interpretation more accessible.

Why Choose Artec SuPAR?

  • 80% Less Time on Inspection and Reporting
    Up to 80% Less Time on Inspection and Reporting

    Depending on part complexity, a three-hour inspection process with 2D drawings can drop drastically to approximately 30 minutes with SuPAR.

  • Real-Time Error Detection
    Real-Time Error Detection for Better Reliability and Accuracy

    Defects are identified instantly by comparing the physical part directly against the nominal CAD model, reducing reliance on manual visual inspection.

  • fully digital—capture
    Go Paperless

    Go fully digital—capture, document, and manage every inspection without the paper trail. All records are stored digitally, making it easy to access and review information whenever you need it.

  • No Special Skills Required with better user experience
    No Special Skills Required

    Guided checkpoints and step-by-step navigation make SuPAR easy to use for anyone, even when inspecting complex parts. Once a project is prepared in Composer, inspectors simply load it on the iPad and begin inspecting.

  • Flexible and Mobile
    Flexible and Mobile

    Run SuPAR in your own plant, at a supplier site, on the shop floor, or anywhere a part needs checking. An ideal solution for companies that need to perform inspections in multiple locations.

  • Built-in Remote Collaboration
    Built-in Remote Collaboration

    Access inspection reports instantly in the free SuPAR Web Viewer from any browser. Share results effortlessly with suppliers, customers, and colleagues.

Key Benefits

  • Improve Accuracy
    Improve Accuracy in Your Inspection Process

    Use native CAD as the single source of truth—eliminating manual 2D drawing preparation.

  • Improve Consistency
    Improve Consistency Through Standardization

    Digitizing your process by defining inspection checkpoints and annotations once, reuse them on every part.

  • Cut inspection setup time
    Fast, Measurable Outcomes

    Cut inspection setup time and get operators measuring sooner. Proven 6x faster than traditional drawing-based visual inspection methods.

Core Capabilities

Features that set SuPAR apart.

AR Interactive CAD-Guided Inspection

SuPAR delivers real-time visual inspection by overlaying CAD models onto live camera imagery. Advanced dynamic tracking maintains continuous, accurate visualization—even in challenging environments—for faster, more reliable quality inspections.

Fixture Assembly: AR Physical-Digital Mock-up

Display the right CAD model components at each assembly step, guiding inspectors to the next component while improving assembly accuracy,—especially for complex, multi-stage processes—and reducing inspection time.

Assisted Inspection & Edge Comparison

Assisted Inspection & Edge Comparison

Compare CAD edges with physical part’s edges in real time. Instant visual feedback is given for accurate geometry verification. Green means matched, while mismatches appear in red.

Color-Mapped Deviation Visualization

Color-Mapped Deviation Visualization

SuPAR uses AR color mapping with scan data to make visual inspections more precise. Customize the color scale to clearly see deviations, with advanced Gap & Flush visualization to help maintain the highest quality standards.

SuPAR digitizes quality processes for heavy industrial manufacturing, from welded structures to large components.
Scanning in tunnel

Applications

Built on Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing principles, SuPAR digitizes quality processes across automotive, transportation, aerospace and defense, heavy industry, and injection molding.

  • First Article Inspection (FAI)

    Create PPAP-ready inspection projects directly from production CAD, ensuring first-article inspections align precisely with engineering intent.

  • Assembly Verification

    Overlay the full assembly CAD to verify component presence, correct orientation, and completeness.

  • Incoming Goods Inspection

    Create reusable inspection checkpoints to verify supplier parts against master CAD upon arrival.

  • Tooling & Fixture Setup

    Validate jigs, fixtures, and tooling against design data to identify deviations before they reach the production line.

  • In-Process Quality Control

    Define critical-to-quality features once, then guide operators through AR verification at every production stage.

  • Operator Training & Work Instructions

    Transform CAD checkpoints into intuitive AR guidance that new operators can follow without 2D drawing expertise.

Comparing Different Methods of Visual Inspection in Manufacturing

AR visual inspection using SuPAR can reduce errors by providing standardized, feature-specific guidance and minimizing reliance on separate 2D drawings or written instructions. Structured checkpoints help operators follow the same inspection sequence consistently across repeated checks.

Visual inspection
Typical Visual Inspection Time: ~3 hours

Traditional Method

Visual Inspection with 2D Technical Drawings

  • Inspector Variability: Lead to inconsistent inspection results, making quality dependent on who performs the inspection and when.
  • Cognitive Fatigue: Reduce inspection accuracy over time, especially when detecting subtle or infrequent defects during repetitive, extended inspections.
  • Vague Instructions: Paper drawings, checklists, and verbal instructions can leave room for interpretation, creating gaps between specifications and what inspectors actually check—leading to missed defects and false accepts.
  • Inconsistent Lighting: Make the same defect clearly visible in one condition and nearly invisible in another, leading to unpredictable inspection results.
  • Delayed Reporting: Traditional manual inspection provides no real-time visibility into quality issues, delaying corrective action and allowing defects to continue through production.
Visual Inspection with Interactive AR
SuPAR AR-Assisted Inspection: ~30 minutes

SuPAR Method

Visual Inspection with Interactive AR

  • Standardized Execution: AR inspection platforms deliver step-by-step guidance in the inspector’s field of view, overlaid on the physical part. Helps every inspector apply consistent inspection criteria.
  • Consistency: AR brings known defect examples directly into the inspector’s field of view, enabling instant visual comparison and more consistent identification of subtle or subjective defects.
  • Comprehensive Defect Detection: AR platforms display reference images of known defect types directly in the inspection area, enabling immediate visual comparison and helping inspectors identify subtle or subjective defects where verbal descriptions fall short.
  • Spatial Context: AR overlays place inspection instructions and reference geometry directly on the feature being inspected, making it easier to identify missing, extra, or misaligned components.
  • Digital Documentation: AR-guided inspection captures findings, photos, annotations, and results in real time, creating a traceable digital record that can be reviewed, reported, and shared.

* Time shown is for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on the complexity of the project and part.

Technical Specifications

SuPAR
Supported CAD & 3D Formats Native import: CATIA, JT, CGR, and OBJ.
Large multi-part assemblies supported with model optimization.
SuPAR Composer supports the following 3D file formats: JT, STEP, FBX, STL, VRML, WRL, CATPart, CATProduct, SLDPRT, IAM, IPT, IFC, ACIS, Open CASCADE, Parasolid, Rhino, and NWD.
Supported Hardware SuPAR Composer: runs on any Windows PC for project preparation.
SuPAR App: runs on iPad Pro with LiDAR sensor.
SuPAR Web Viewer: works in any modern web browser with no installation required.
Report Format Professional digital reports in PDF, Excel, Word, and 3D formats. Generate reports with photos, 3D visuals, annotations, and results in just one click after inspection.
Internet Connectivity SuPAR works fully offline during inspection. Projects are synced to the iPad beforehand. Reports and data can be uploaded when connectivity is available.

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