3D scanning services are suitable for various applications, including manufacturing, engineering, design and development, and quality testing., 3D scanning services can be used at any stage of a manufacturing cycle, saving businesses a lot of time and resources.
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What are 3D Scanning Services?
A 3D scanning service is the process of hiring a company to analyse physical objects using 3D scanning technology. It involves using a laser scanner to measure the geometric data on the surface of any object, with the information being used to create a 3D CAD model that can be used for various manufacturing and design processes, from reverse engineering to quality inspections.
These services offer a range of benefits, including the ability to quickly collect complex data on a physical object for a cost-effective price. 3D scanners can gather massive volumes of data in very short time, which can be used in countless applications across various industries.
3D Scanning Services for Industry
3D optical scanning is a process used in various industrial sectors. It involves captureing the geometrical surface of any physical object, which can be then be used for research, development, product design, and quality inspection.
This service is most widely used in aerospace, automotive, and power generation industries that require precise measurement solutions. As 3D scanning produces the most accurate surface data of an object compared to any other method, manufacturing and design processes become streamlined and more cost-effective.
That said, 3D scanning services are not reserved for industrial scale manufacturing and design. Because it involves gathering accurate geomatic data, it has countless applications, including jewellery making, architectural design, tool development and more.
3DSL Services
Three-dimensional structed light (3DSL) is a 3D scanning process that involves the projection of phase-shifting patterns onto the surface area of an object. This process gathers accurate data regardless of lighting conditions, with narrow-band blue lights ensuring lighting doesn’t impair the accuracy of the scanning.
The data gathered during a 3DSL scan is then uploaded into software that can create a CAD model, reverse engineer the object, remanufacture the object, or analysed using CAE.
Photogrammetry Services
Photogrammetry services are the process of measuring objects using photographs. This can be used to create various output designs, including colour error maps, 3D models, 2D drawings. Images are gathered using a DSLR camera with fixed focus and flash to ensure consistent pixel definition and exposure on each image.
Once images are gathered, special software is used to identify markers that were fixed on/around the object being scanned, allowing each one to be individually orientated as needed. After orientating all the images, the software can then recreate measurements of the object.
This can be used independently to measure objects on their own or in combination with 3D scanning to minimise deviations, particularly on larger objects such as aircraft vehicles.