3D Inspection Services

What is 3d Inspection (CAE)?

Part-to-CAD Computer-Aided Examination or 3d Product Inspection is the process of comparing parts and tooling directly to CAD files without the need for dimensional drawings.

Information gathered via means of optical scanning systems is then aligned and compared to the nominal CAD model providing a graphic comparison in the form of a color deviation map displaying differences between the measured physical part and that of the design data set .

How is 3d Product Inspection useful?

By comparing the Digitizing / Scanning data that represents the physical production part geometry to the original design (CAD geometry), information concerning such matters as part verification can be addressed.

That is to say, the conformance of the part relative to design specifications. Whether the part adheres to critical tolerances and if quality standards are being met.

What is involved with the process?

1. The product or component is Digitized.
Free-form surfaces are either:

• Optically scanned by such systems as the ATOS digitizer from GOM mbh of Germany to produce high density 'point clouds', hundreds of thousands or even millions of closely packed data points that entirely capture the shape.
  
  or
  
  
• Photogrammetrically captured by a system such as the TRITOP of GOM mbh, producing results in select key regions of interest.

2. The data is then refined and registered to the CAD model inside an inspection software program such as RapidForm Verifier from Inus Technology.

3. Inside programs such as Rapidform the distance from each data point to the surface of the model is automatically calculated in a direction normal to the CAD surface. Based on the calculated distance, the point is assigned a color.

4. Color plots showing the part in various positions are created as well as custom format reports illustrating sectional analysis, geometric tolerances and precise dimensions.

5. The reports are then delivered both electronically and in hardcopy.

What are the advantages of this process?

This process is

• faster,
• more complete and
• more accurate

than using a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) or other more traditional methods.

Utilizing the ATOS scanner and looking at dense scan data describing the entire part a more complete picture is possible. This enables the early identification of problem areas that possibly exist outside of those previously considered.

Utilizing the immediate results capable of being produced by the TRITOP system facilitates an immediate response to problems identified thus avoiding lengthy and costly production delays.

Who is benefiting from this process?

Organizations involved with the production of components within industries such as

• Consumer Electronics
• Recreational,
• Automotive Aerospace Animation Sculpture Consumer Products Tool Makers Industrial Design,
• Aerospace,
• Defense and
• Medical applications

are benefiting significantly as a result of CAD Inspection.

By clearly highlighting part non-conformances Product Inspection reports are helping reduce troubleshooting and engineering time by eliminating the guesswork.

This not only affects the bottom line, but also reduces development cycle time.

What are the applications?

It is rapidly becoming the process of choice for

• first article examination,
• tooling verification and
• numerous quality applications involving complex surface engineering geometry's.

Applications are extremely varied and include:

• automated inspection and quality control;
• automobile manufacturing from auto bodies to tires and other components;
• timber and composite products;
• metals production
• and just about any other high-volume application.

How can I find out more?

By contacting one of the helpful and experienced representatives of Scan-Xpress who will talk to you about what can be done to benefit your organization.

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