3D Scanning Services

What is 3D scanning?

3D Scanning, also known as digitizing refers to the process by which information about the size and shape of an object is gathered.

That is to say the physical form of real world items such as cars, planes, phones, teeth and even people are digitally captured and transformed into meaningful and useful digital information. This information can then be shared among a variety of end users such as engineers, designers, architects, manufacturers, researchers, artists and medical workers to name a few.

Why use 3D scanning?

3D scanning can save significant amounts of time.

Global competition throughout nearly all industry makes it increasingly necessary for companies to be able to react quickly to the needs and wants of their customers. The most significant attributes towards achieving this goal include:

• Reduced development and manufacturing lead times
• Variety of products
• Assured quality
• Quick and professional service in the event of product faults
• Cooperation of suppliers and subcontractors in the development of products and solution to problems

The technique of measuring 3d objects is a very important factor when standing up to the competition. Objects have to be scanned or verified in many stages of product development:

• Design and development
• Construction of models & molds
• Prototype construction
• Reverse engineering & Pre-production
• Production

To this end the process of 3d digitizing overcomes many problems associated with traditional measurement techniques, making it easy to capture high density geometry, compound surface curvature and draft angle.

What technologies are available?

There are a number of different technologies that facilitate the capturing of three dimensional data. Some of the more popular are:

• white light,
• touch probe ,
• laser light.

No single technology can do everything. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses and suitability for specific applications.

Most technologies are limited by "line of sight". That is to say the desired feature must be visible to the measurement system and therefore must lay on the surface of the part. Other technologies however, such as destructive scanning, x-ray , CT scanning and MRI allow the description of internal geometry.

What technology does Scan-Xpress offer?

Scan-Xpress offers two technologies.

Firstly, it utilizes a non-contact means known as structured white light in which a series of light patterns are cast across the object. The system is known as ATOS and is produced by GOM mbh of Germany who are recognized worldwide as a leading developer of measurement technology.

The process involves digital cameras capturing the way projected light holds the shape of objects as it bends across the surface contours Multiple images known as scans are processed by the 3d software that uses its intelligence to produce a digital file that can fully describe every visible detail.

The second technology offered by Scan-Xpress is photogrammetry . The TRITOP system also developed by GOM mbh of Germany enables the rapid and accurate description of key features such as coordinates, primitives and sections.

The process involves digital images of the part being collected from various viewing orientations and the processing of the images by specialized software enables the digital description of the part to be assembled.

What are the advantages of this technology?

The optical 3D measurement systems within the GOM family have been tried and tested for hundreds of applications around the world, and are now established as a standard 3d digitizer in many companies both small and large.

The combination of white light as well as photogrammetric techniques allows Scan-Xpress to offer a unique capability of being able to capture both small and extremely large objects quickly and very accurately.

The systems themselves have proven their flexibility and robustness in a variety of measuring conditions. They offer:

• Ease of Use
  The straightforward measurement concept and user friendly software enable the system to be used efficiently and applied repeatedly in a variety of applications and by a variety of users.
  
  
• Rapid Results
  Time consuming digitizations using mechanical measurement are replaced by optical scans.
  
  
• Flexibility
  Both small and large objects (10mm to 10m) can be measured efficiently using the same sensor. A complete measurement of multi angled components, lacking even locating surfaces is possible using standard equipment.
  
  
• High Detail Resolution
  Due to the high point density of the system, all the details of the component are represented exactly. The precision f the point cloud is equivalent to that obtainable with mechanical arm CMM's.
  
  
• Mobility
  The system is transportable in flight cases allowing it to be used wherever the customer needs and can be packed into a car if necessary. Calibration of the machine takes only a few minutes.

Choosing the right technology

While there are many choices amongst competing technologies, there are in fact just three key considerations when choosing the right technology for your application.

They are Volume, Accuracy and Speed.

Volume refers to the size of an object that can be measured by the system.

Small parts particularly if they are complex require the system to have enough resolution to describe adequately the detail of the part.

Larger parts require the system to be able to cope with describing greater surface area while maintaining tolerances to an acceptable level. That is to say they accurately reflect the dimension of the object rather than merely represent the visual form.

Accuracy in applications such as engineering and manufacturing is often critical as important decisions based upon the reliability of this information can involve significant company resources.

The rate at which data is captured and the speed with which a project can be completed are also crucial factors that can affect the suitability of a system. Can the technology be applied in the time frame available to make the project cost effective.

How can Scan-Xpress help?

Scan-Xpress's technology has been developed with all these considerations in mind and while as previously stated no individual system is ideally suited to every application Scan-Xpress's state of the art technology goes a long way towards making a wide variety of applications feasible.

In addition its competent and experienced staff will help you determine what is the best solution for your requirements.

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