3D SCANNING AND REVERSE ENGINEERING

3D Scanning has a range of uses and applications and is ideal for clients where the original CAD data has been lost or physical parts modified.

A relatively simple process, optical scanning involves the projection of light onto the object and capture of the reflected light by cameras. Repeat scanning at different angles allows gathered information to be converted into a 3D CAD file, which can be exported in various formats.

Why scan a 3D object?

Scan in 3D when the original CAD files do not exist

Manufactured parts can be scanned to produce an STL file for prototyping without the need for the original CAD geometry.

Example: Part of a classic car, remaking old castings or castings that have been damaged.

Hand crafted parts can be scanned to produce an STL file for prototyping. E.g. A clay model (Size dependant).

Copy natural or artistic shapes

Complicated organic shapes can be scanned that would be difficult to model with a traditional CAD system.

Examples – A worn-out shoe for artistic purposes or a pineapple for a scaled model.

Inspection of Parts

Manufactured parts can be scanned to compare the physical part to the original CAD file. A colour map file can be produced to show the difference between the two parts.
Example – Inspection to see where tool modifications have been made to the original design or deviation is suspected.
Critical dimension can be taken but a CMM process might be more efficient for a large amount of dimension checks or checking multiple parts of the same design.

Example – Assembly components can be aligned in CAD to check for interference.