Laser Scanning is a technology which is used to capture shapes of various physical objects with the help of laser light. It’s a non-contact, non-destructive technology; more accurate and reliable. It involves the following key process:
Data acquisition; the laser probe is driven over the surface whose image is to be captured with the help of a specialized software. The laser line is in 3 dimensions (x, y and z axis). With the help of two cameras’ it records both change in distance and shape. The data appears as “point of cloud”. It’s very precise and fast - it gathers about 750,000 points/second.
Modelling; all the information which had been acquired is registered and merged together into a 3D image which represents the object. The approach to be used will entirely depend on the imaging principle to be used. That is, there’re some technologies which are suitable for short, mid and long range data acquisition.
3D inspection and scanning
This technology has gained popularity in most industrial applications to control quality of the final products. This ensures consistent reproduction of products. In fact, it’s presently being used in automated in-line inspection due to its high speed and precision. In this process, a comprehensive 3D inspection can be conducted which helps to monitor various process and end products of any production process. But, how is this possible?
Basically, inspecting a product for quality involves comparing two products; one whose quality is to be controlled and the reference product. For the case of 3D inspection and scanning, the data acquired by the scanner is compared with that of the designer which is usually a CAD drawing/ design. The outcome is represented inform of a report. It pictorially gives information about the difference between the CAD data and the scanned data.
Quality Inspection
The traditional inspection techniques relied mainly on coordinate measuring machine (CMM). This was ideal while capturing prismatic features. However, when it comes to complex shapes where high precision is required, one could hardly achieve the required level of precision and accuracy. This makes 3D laser scanners handy for such a task. Remember, certain elements such as deviation and resolution which are important for inspection validity can only be achieved through laser scanners. These may include inspection of complex components such as turbines, ship propellers, rotor blades etc.
With 3D inspection and scanning, it’s possible to compare the manufactured and the designed objects, detect and fix defects which could rise due to the manufacturing process, measure cross-sections and measure tolerance.
Closely related to this is the reverse engineering. Reverse engineering refers to the process of copying either products or components in situations where there’re no definite construction plan to guide the process. With this technology, it’s possible to produce physical objects more accurately and within a short period of time. Ability to obtain precise measurements makes it easier to improve on the general product design.
Another vital element of 3D inspection and scanning is product documentation. It’s easier to document vital features and manufacturing status of complex shapes. It can be used for advanced quality inspection and control. Quality control is a vital aspect which cannot be taken lightly. Therefore, investing in laser technology is a sure way to achieve the best standards possible.
Data acquisition; the laser probe is driven over the surface whose image is to be captured with the help of a specialized software. The laser line is in 3 dimensions (x, y and z axis). With the help of two cameras’ it records both change in distance and shape. The data appears as “point of cloud”. It’s very precise and fast - it gathers about 750,000 points/second.
Modelling; all the information which had been acquired is registered and merged together into a 3D image which represents the object. The approach to be used will entirely depend on the imaging principle to be used. That is, there’re some technologies which are suitable for short, mid and long range data acquisition.
3D inspection and scanning
This technology has gained popularity in most industrial applications to control quality of the final products. This ensures consistent reproduction of products. In fact, it’s presently being used in automated in-line inspection due to its high speed and precision. In this process, a comprehensive 3D inspection can be conducted which helps to monitor various process and end products of any production process. But, how is this possible?
Basically, inspecting a product for quality involves comparing two products; one whose quality is to be controlled and the reference product. For the case of 3D inspection and scanning, the data acquired by the scanner is compared with that of the designer which is usually a CAD drawing/ design. The outcome is represented inform of a report. It pictorially gives information about the difference between the CAD data and the scanned data.
Quality Inspection
The traditional inspection techniques relied mainly on coordinate measuring machine (CMM). This was ideal while capturing prismatic features. However, when it comes to complex shapes where high precision is required, one could hardly achieve the required level of precision and accuracy. This makes 3D laser scanners handy for such a task. Remember, certain elements such as deviation and resolution which are important for inspection validity can only be achieved through laser scanners. These may include inspection of complex components such as turbines, ship propellers, rotor blades etc.
With 3D inspection and scanning, it’s possible to compare the manufactured and the designed objects, detect and fix defects which could rise due to the manufacturing process, measure cross-sections and measure tolerance.
Closely related to this is the reverse engineering. Reverse engineering refers to the process of copying either products or components in situations where there’re no definite construction plan to guide the process. With this technology, it’s possible to produce physical objects more accurately and within a short period of time. Ability to obtain precise measurements makes it easier to improve on the general product design.
Another vital element of 3D inspection and scanning is product documentation. It’s easier to document vital features and manufacturing status of complex shapes. It can be used for advanced quality inspection and control. Quality control is a vital aspect which cannot be taken lightly. Therefore, investing in laser technology is a sure way to achieve the best standards possible.