3D laser surveying of components is extremely precise
Various measuring systems can be used to survey components. However, most systems have the disadvantage that, on the one hand, they are not as accurate as laser scanning. On the other hand, it takes a great deal of effort to create templates for replicas from them. With 3D coordinate measurement using a laser scanner and the resulting point cloud, modern CAD programs can produce design templates or templates for 3D printing within a short time. With the documents created by laser-based component surveying, spare parts made of plastics and some metals, for example, can be supplied particularly quickly by specialist 3D printing companies such as Rapidobject GmbH.
We arrange surveying with a laser tracker for you as a measurement service and convert the resulting point cloud into a 3D printing template. Get in touch with us so that we can send you an individual quote.
What are the advantages of 3D coordinate measurement?
One of the biggest advantages of laser-based component surveying is the fact that the form and position tolerances are considerably lower than with a manual survey. In the best case, they are just one micrometre (one hundredth of a millimetre). This plays an important role above all in reverse engineering, which refers to obtaining spare parts through analysis and replication without any documentation of the original design. The underlying process is called surface reconstruction and is achieved by filtering the point cloud. Filtering produces polygon surfaces, from which the shape and size of the entire surface of an object are then calculated.
Any damage to the components to be replaced is also captured in the point cloud generated by the laser scanner. It can be eliminated by post-processing the CAD files derived from it. This applies in particular to deformations caused, for example, by abrasion on rotating parts. Thanks to this possibility of post-processing, the design documents produced by 3D surveying of components are very flexible and also allow adjustments to optimise the required components, for example for improved running behaviour.
Coordinate measurement with a laser tracker enhances safety
3D component surveying offers further advantages, as it can be used for more than just reconstructing components. Such measurement services make a decisive contribution to safety. Laser scanning also detects irregularities. One example is the three-dimensional surveying of load-bearing elements of bridges. By comparing the results with the original construction drawings, deformations become visible, from which the current risk of instability can in turn be derived. Such measurements to check the permissible form and position tolerances are necessary above all for the supporting elements of bridges that are exposed to strong winds or whose piers are exposed to considerable current pressure.
In the interest of safety, 3D surveying of components is also used in road and railway tunnels. In modern tunnel construction, the tubes are lined with concrete elements. Using the laser scanner, continuous component surveying provides early indications of deformations and safety risks caused by material fatigue or by shifts in the pressure points of the overlying soil and rock masses. In addition, these measurement services can detect possible subsidence of road and track beds caused by vibrations during normal use before they pose any real danger.
NASA and ESA also use laser-based component surveying
Space travel faces a very particular problem when it comes to procuring spare parts. Here, necessary spare parts cannot be delivered on demand because the effort involved would be far too great.
This is precisely why there are 3D printers on the International Space Station ISS. If components fail, the operators send CAD files created through component surveying, which serve as print templates for manufacturing the spare parts on site in the space station.
This principle will also become established on Earth. Delivering the digital print template derived from the point cloud generated by the laser tracker is considerably more environmentally friendly than delivering a finished spare part directly. This saves substantial amounts of fuel, reduces costs and benefits climate protection by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. With the growing spread of 3D printers, 3D surveying of components and surface reconstruction using the algorithms of CAD systems are therefore becoming increasingly important. However, professional 3D printers are still too expensive for private use. This is why 3D printing services such as those of Rapidoject GmbH are currently still in high demand.
What conclusion can be drawn about 3D surveying of components?
The importance of component surveying by laser scanning will grow, because it offers some significant advantages. These include:
Of all measuring systems, laser scanners currently deliver the highest accuracy.
The CAD data developed from them allow components to be replicated even in distant locations and even in space.
Laser-based component surveying can optimise hazard and risk management.
CAD-based surface reconstruction expands the possibilities for non-destructive research into historical technologies.
With laser scanning and the creation of templates for 3D printing, spare parts manufacturing can be made considerably more environmentally friendly.
Would you like to benefit from these advantages? Then do not hesitate to contact us! We will be happy to arrange component surveying with a laser tracker for you on individual and fair terms.
The image shows the LSA scan of a building shell survey.
