Non-contact 3D laser scanning the casting would give the customer a quick as-built CAD model which he could compare to his original CAD model.
The Challenge:
The customer, a supplier for a large company, wanted to make sure his tooling for one of the parts he supplied matched the original CAD which was created many years earlier. Because of their age, the molds were somewhat worn.
The part had many complex shapes, free-form curves, and radii that were critical to its function. Complex features such as these are very hard and time consuming to duplicate with a CMM. Non-contact 3D laser scanning the casting would give the customer a quick as-built CAD model which he could compare to his original CAD model.
The Solution:
GKS metrologists laser scanned the casting on the Laser Design Surveyor WS-Series system using the SLP-500 laser probe. Scanning time was 4 hours. Over 2.5 million points were collected in the point cloud data. Conventional measuring would have taken much longer, up to 20 times longer, and the data would not have been complete or as accurate.
The Results:
After scanning the part, general clean up was needed on point cloud to produce an STL file for the customer. This data editing and file creation took approximately 4 hours. Building the CAD model and making the necessary modifications to produce the new improved molding took another 4 hours.
The data from the new CAD model was compared to the old model to find areas that were out of spec and needed retooling.
View the edrawings file for a complex part
About GKS
GKS Global Services is a leading provider of 3D laser scanning, dimensional inspection, long-range scanning, and CT scanning services for over 25 years. GKS also offers development and design services, rapid prototyping, complete contract manufacturing services, and equipment rentals.
For more information, call 1-888-457-7727 or request an online quote.
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