The proven benefits of 3D scanning
3D scanning is an extremely useful tool for any design or engineering endeavour. It captures physical objects by using either an array of lasers or high-powered LEDs in combination with cameras.
The data is then processed and translated into a digital 3D surface. Depending on your requirements, this can then be used to: generate data for reverse engineering; inspect a manufactured part against the original CAD model; or used as a basis for creating a new feature or assembly that interacts with the original scanned object.
3D scanning can help shorten the time to market of a project, while also helping to refine overall quality. It also frees up resources within your company, or workflow.
New product design and innovation
If you want to create a component based on an existing product – for example, an aerodynamic component for a vehicle – an accurate 3D mesh is essential.
Having a full 3D representation of the area you are designing around, along with the adjacent area, improves the design and implementation of your new product. Compared to traditional measuring methods, 3D scanning gives you the ability to create something more functionally and aesthetically integrated.
The scanned data can be used to create a model for CFD simulations, which is extremely useful for performance-oriented projects.
Having a 3D model of an entire vehicle will allow you to engineer multiple iterations of your design, and test their functionality, before moving forward with production, saving time and money while delivering a better product.
Repair and Restoration
3D scanning can help with vehicle repair, especially when parts are hard to find.
For vehicles that have composite body components, 3D scanning can be used to recreate components which have been damaged or are missing. For instance, if you need to recreate a left-hand fender for a vehicle, but only have access to the right-hand fender, it can be 3D scanned, mirrored in CAD, and be used to create a new mould for construction of a brand-new fender.
Jigs & custom tools
Almost every process has room for improvement. 3D scanning and 3D printing are a quick way to improve process efficiency. Having access to digital 3D scan data of your physical workflow can enable you to continuously modify and improve process iterations, and operator workflow – simultaneously streamlining your production line and improving the operator’s experience.
Ergonomics
You can improve workflow efficiency and ergonomics by using 3D scanning.
A simple but repetitive operator task can be improved by the integration of tailored ergonomics. For example, a 3D scan of an operator’s hand grip can be used to design and 3D print a custom-tailored interface between their hand and the tool – reducing fatigue and risk of injury while also improving efficiency.
Quality Inspection
3D scanning is a major leap forward from using probes, where only certain features and points could be referenced for comparison.
Scanned 3D data can be overlaid onto original CAD data, and a complete deviation analysis can be performed. This is a crucial step in the early production phase of a new component which can prevent costly reworks once a component is in full production.
Applications
Automotive aftermarket products
Quality inspection
Manufacturing workflow streamlining
Ergonomics
Complement to 3D printing
Capturing natural forms
Architectural & Industrial design
Digital archiving
Benefits of working with Pfaff Technologies
We are a design and manufacturing company – from idea to final product, and everything in between. We have expertise in every aspect of the design and manufacturing workflow, so we know exactly which details are essential to help complete your project effectively and efficiently.
Our team is experienced in what we do.
We have developed our skills during an important transition period between two paradigms in design and manufacturing. Our foundation of traditional design and manufacturing methods –sketches clay models, or good old fashioned hand labour — helps us maximize the benefits of technological advancements in digital engineering and computational manufacturing.
We understand the benefits of these new technologies and how to use them correctly. Our processes and workflows are lean, and our deep knowledge base comes from extensive experience. We’ve put in the time, so you don’t have to.
3D scan data - Technical specifications
Contact Pfaff Technologies to see how we can add value to your next project using 3D scanning. And be sure to browse our other services and current projects to see if we can help in any other way, or to get inspiration for a future project.
Pfaff Technologies also offers 3D printing services. Unlock further possibilities of 3D scanning with the addition of 3D printing.
