- Detect defects early
- Apples to apples comparison of manufactured parts to CAD models
- Track wear
- Ensure product consistency
- The good news is that with 3D scanning, nothing is lost if you do not get the best results.
- Laser Scanners:Ideal for large targets and high accuracy.
- Structured Light Scanners:Good for small targets with fine geometry.
- Photogrammetry:Useful for very large parts or when mobility is a factor.
- Tolerance requirements of your product
- Material surface (reflective, dark, and transparent surfaces may require prep)
- Scanning environment (controlled laboratory vs. shop floor)
- Clean the Surface:Wipe off dust, grease, or other coatings that can hinder the scanning, such as powder coating or even plating materials.
- Take advantage of Scanning Sprays:Shiny and transparent parts are very difficult to scan because they cause reflections that interfere with the appearance. Apply matte sprays to prevent this effect.
- Cause Tripods:Eliminate too much motion, too many changes of light, or anything that takes things away or shifts them off the ladder even out of the picture.
- Follow the Manufacturer's specifications:Calibrate according to the methods and periods provided.
- Use Certified Calibration Equipment:Certified calibration instruments specifically verify and ensure accuracy.
- Scan A Known Standard:Periodically scan an object with an exact known dimension, to validate the scan output of the scanner.
- Create a scanning protocol:what angles, how many passes, distance, lighting, etc.
- Use automatic fixtures or turntables:This is most significant if scanning multiple identical parts.
- Have a digital twin strategy:Use the same naming conventions or data schema for an easier and more readily usable comparison or traceability.
- Employ Metrology Software:Metrology software like Geomagic Control X, PolyWorks, or GOM Inspect provides a means of rich analysis and comparison.
- Automate Reporting:Visual inspection reports can be generated, including pass/fail. The identified shortcomings are documented in a timely fashion, rather than being left until the final report is produced.
- Link with QMS or ERP Systems:Linking your Quality Management System or Enterprise Resource Planning systems provides traceability, compliance, and improvement tracking.
- Access high-end scanning and software
- Experienced technicians who understand scanning tools and methods
- Faster turnaround time for a large-scale or one-time project
Quality control is not only an important facet of manufacturing in an increasingly competitive environment, but it is also a fundamental ingredient for positive customer experiences and operational efficiency. On the flip side, industrial 3D scanning is one of the most disruptive technologies that is making headway toward that change.
industrial 3d scanning services can obtain accurate 3D measurements of an object, part, or assembly, and fit well into modern workflows of inspection. Yet, for industrial 3D scanning to realize its true potential, manufacturers must utilize the Best Practices for Industrial 3D Scanning.
In this blog, I will enumerate 5 best practices for maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and consistency when utilizing industrial 3D scanning services for quality control.
What is Industrial 3D Scanning?
Before we talk through best practices, we should discuss what we mean by the term.
Industrial 3D scanning is the collection of geometric data of a physical object in 3D through laser, structured light, or photogrammetry technologies.
The scanned geometric data points are then available to convert to digital 3D models that can be quantitatively analyzed, compared to other models, or reverse-engineered. Using 3D scanning technology for quality control allows manufacturers to:
However, the best results will not happen without a little planning, calibration, and intentional implementation.
Choose the Right Scanning Technology for Your Application
The first and most important step to using industrial 3D scanning services successfully is to choose the correct scanning technology. Not all scanners are the same.
What variety of scanner do you prefer, depending on the type of your application? There is a wide range of scanners available, according to such parameters as object size, surface texture, necessary resolution, and even environment.
Popular Scanning Technologies:
Tip:Consider these factors before choosing a scanner:
Choosing the wrong technology can lead to bad data and failed inspections, wasting time and dollars! One of the best practices for industrial 3D scanning is to have a discussion with the professional or service provider who will guide you to the right solution.
Properly Prepare the Object and Environment
Even the most cutting-edge scanner can yield poor results due to the object's and environment's setup. The quality of the 3D scan for quality assurance is heavily dependent upon the quality of the conditions in which the scan is performed.
Preparation Steps:
Environmental compromise may corrupt the scan from being interpreted correctly in the quality consideration. This is why one of the most critical best practices for industrial 3D scanning is to control all variables as much as possible before the scan is initiated.
Calibrate and Validate the Equipment Regularly
Regularly and scheduled calibration is the best means to guarantee that your industrial scanning services will stay predictable and steady. With time, equipment can drift from intended specifications and accuracy specifications, due to wear over time and/or changing environmental conditions.
Calibration Best Practices:
Calibration is essential; with uncalibrated equipment, any degree of drift can lead to misjudgments relative to quality assessment of scanned objects. You may reject acceptable goods or accept rejectable goods. In my view, preventive maintenance and validation represent baseline expectations for scanning your objects.
Implement a Consistent Workflow and Scanning Strategy
Consistency is the key when organizing the quality control of industrial 3D scanning with the help of the service. The introduction of a standardized workflow allows you to reduce the range of your results and make your inspections repeatable.
Workflow Considerations:
These processes above represent some of the least understood of the best practices of industrial 3d scanner india when in a multi-user or multi-technician environment. A standardized protocol ensures the same scanned product and, therefore, the same outcome, regardless of who is scanning.
Integrate 3D Scanning Data into Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Collecting high-quality 3D scan data is just part of the process. The real value lies in analyzing and deploying it into your complete quality control framework.
Integration Tips:
When your industrial 3D scanning services are linked with your current QMS, you get live data, you can analyze data to discover unidentified trends in product characteristics, and leverage data to make informed decisions. This is a key best practice for industrial 3D scanning simply because it enhances the long-term reliability of your process.
Bonus Tip: Leverage Expert Services for Complex Needs
It could sometimes happen that there is not enough inside knowledge or machinery, especially for those geometries that are quite complicated, where high precision is required, or when the deadline is tightened. Consider working with a professional industrial 3D scanning service provider.
Outsourcing value:
Many of these professionals can also assist in auditing your current practices and recommending changes that suit your production context.
Conclusion
By applying these 5 Best Practices for Industrial 3D Scanning, manufacturers can dramatically upgrade their quality control practices. No matter if you are brand new to industrial 3D scanning services or are seeking to upgrade the one you currently use, creating a focus on the right technology, preparation, calibration, workflow, and data integration will enhance inspections and lead to more stable, accurate, and efficient inspections.
Decades ago, the industrial competition needed to be more precise and faster; 3D scanning is not a nice-to-have anymore, it is a must-have. A commitment to best practices today will be rewarded tomorrow with quality assurance, customer satisfaction, and gains in efficiency of operations.
In need of reliable, accurate 3D scanning? Fibrox3D produces industry-grade solutions for your quality control objectives. At Fibrox3D, we utilize precision technology paired with precise service to provide the most accurate industrial 3D scanning services throughout India.
Read More: How AI & Automation Are Changing Scan-to-BIM Workflows