3D Modelling Services

What is 3D modelling?

3D modelling, also known as surface development and construction, is a process that is used to create 3D CAD models directly from measurement data with little or no additional design documentation.

Modelling can be done from design specifications starting with nothing but a blank screen or from digitized or scanned data. By digitizing items that have insufficient design documentation or require CAD data for modern manufacturing methods, a component can be quickly and accurately re-engineered.

What kinds of 3D modelling are there?

Essentially there are two types of modelling:

• Solid Modelling and
• Surface Modelling

Surface modelling concerns itself with the definition of complex shapes. To fully define such complex geometry often Nurbs (Non Uniform Rational B-Spline) surfaces are required. These mathematical surfaces allow a great deal of flexibility when the need to describe free-form organic shapes arises.

Most parts manufactured with tooling require some kind of Nurbs surface to support production. Reverse engineering is heavily dependent on Nurbs surfaces to transform captured digitized points into surfaces.

Solid modelling on the other hand is useful when building primitive geometry. Primitive geometry consists of basic surfaces such as planes, cylinders, cones, and spheres.

Solid modelling is much faster than surface modelling for simple shapes but generally speaking not capable of defining free form objects effectively or creating sophisticated features such as a fillets.

Some intelligent and specialized programs such as Rapidform from Inus Technology of Korea enable the best of both worlds. By combining free form NURBS surfacing techniques with the simplicity of solid modelling, enormous savings in time can be achieved.

What is involved with the process?

3D modelling begins with the data acquired by a digitizing system of physical production parts and 2D drawings (if available). The production parts are digitized and the data is imported into a surface modelling package such as RapidForm from Inus Technology of Korea.



This information is then used to create surface or solid models for use in downstream CAD/CAM/CAE software systems.

Simply put the process is as follows:

      Step 1. Sample parts, drawings and available CAD documentation are provided (if available).

      Step 2. The object is digitized.

      Step 3. The data is refined and used as a foundation for creating one of the various 3D file types available.

      Step 4. Prototype Presentation models are made for design confirmation.

How can 3D modelling benefit your business?

In short 3D modelling allows the user to take advantage of the combined benefits of design for manufacturability, production efficiency, and product durability. This can occur in different ways:

• Modelling can help you achieve production efficiencies not possible with outdated 2D drawings alone or math data that may no longer reflect the 'real' situation.
  
  Often, due to variations in the production process or tool degradation over time, design content greatly differs from the real world article or tool . In this case, tools or parts can be completely described by a surface or solid model.
  
  If a master file exists, then changes not currently reflected in the original math, can be captured and incorporated into the file thus creating an accurate and true record of the current manufacturing condition.
  
  
• In addition newly developed CAD models can be used inside stress analysis software to identify over and under engineered areas of the product. This can lead to reduction of part volume for material conservation as well as confirmation that product integrity is sound and endurable.

How can Scan-Xpress help?

Before commencing any modelling project it is important that the specific requirements and end application are thoroughly understood. This can directly affect the approach taken to the modelling project and significantly assist in optimizing the time taken to complete the task.

To this end, thinking things through and speaking with knowledgeable parties is of great value.

By allowing Scan-Xpress to utilize its expertise and technology we can assist you in quickly and accurately bridging the gap between poorly or undocumented tooling and fully modifiable 3D CAD models useful for many modern manufacturing methods.

The potential of this exciting process can be realized within your organization by contacting Scan-Xpress and speaking with one of our helpful and skilled representatives.

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