Three-dimensional (3-D) assembly refers to the use of high-accuracy, in-place, 3-D coordinate measurement devices for the digital assembly of parts. This process is often referred to as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) or gaugeless manufacturing. Whatever the name, 3-D assembly is replacing classical techniques centered on the use of tools, gauges and other mechanical processes of part assembly. In a nutshell, 3-D assembly can produce more accurate assemblies more rapidly and at lower cost.

In the aerospace industry, where parts are large and required accuracy is high, and where the building and maintenance of tooling and gauges is very expensive, 3-D assembly is gaining much wider adoption. It is also well-suited to shipbuilding applications where, although accuracy is less of a concern, the scale of the parts being assembled is very large, indeed often too large for gauges. In the automotive industry, 3-D assembly is utilized in many areas, for example, the dimensional inspection of incoming parts to ensure good fit-up during later assembly, and for in-line process monitoring and control.

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