During product demonstrations and onsite project work we often get asked about the scanning technology, how it works and how we can ensure the accuracy and quality is as stated. Creaform has recently published a paper on it’s technological fundamentals. This publication is available for download from the Creaform website for those that are interested in learning more about how the systems actually work.

In a nutshell

3D optical sensor technologies can capture a huge number of data observations at very high rates, on the surface of objects. Based on that huge number of data observations, Creaform has developed a new framework to generate very accurate points. Thanks to this technological advancement and based on the concept of intelligent measurement, it is now possible to deliver a very accurate high density set of points, in real time and without noise.

Intelligent measurement process, data framework, real-time processing, calibration and acquisition model are a few keys elements of Creaform?s technological fundamentals that make for more accurate systems in 3D optical metrology.

Technical Fundamentals Link

TRUaccuracy: Accurate Measurement Solutions for Real Life Operating Conditions

The technological fundamentals on which our entire research & development is based have been crystallized into the TRUaccuracy technology, that powers the HandyPROBE CMM and the MetraSCAN optical CMM 3D scanner. The technology ensures highly-accurate measurements, regardless of the environment (instability, vibrations, thermal variation, etc.) or operator skills.

Thanks to the capability of our optical tracking devices, we have developed numerous software functionalities in order to significantly increase the accuracy of the data generated by our technologies and simplify the measurement process. Below are a few examples of the VXelements software functionalities, and the advantages they bring:

• When selecting dynamic referencing, the coordinate system can actually be “locked” onto the part(s) being measured, thus maintaining part alignment during the entire measurement process.
• With the automatic alignment function, manual operation is no longer needed during the alignment phase and root cause errors are drastically reduced.
• With the fast user calibration process using a certified gauge, the system delivers constant accuracy during its entire life cycle.
• With the continuous monitoring of parameters (temperature, accuracy, etc.), constant accuracy is ensured during the entire useful life of products.

We at Rapid3D get asked very often, what kinds of things can you do with your 3D Laser Scanners. We thought we would put together a short list of ideas and each newsletter we will continue to add new and interesting applications as they come up:

1. Prototyping: Many designers create new designs using many different techniques that are not designed in CAD ahead of time. When a part, mould or prototype is created and the designer is satisfied with the design they often need to capture those design elements so that CAD models can be created for the production version of the part. This is where 3D Laser scanning and Rapidform XOR can be invaluable, to be able to capture the design intent with scan data and create CAD models for production purposes.
2. Complex Designs: Designs that require shapes from existing objects to work. An example would be having to design a part to fit against another part, particularly if the shapes are complex. We often get asked to scan a complex shape so that a design will fit against it or match it correctly. This is an excellent use for 3D Laser Scanning.
3. Part to CAD Inspection: Companies that have parts that are difficult to measure or inspect can benefit from the use of an EXAscan and Rapidform XOV. This combination allows the user to scan difficult shapes such as casted parts, free form shapes etc and digitally compare them to the nominal CAD model.
4. Reverse Engineering: Companies are often asked to fix or recreate an old or obsolete part. Sometimes it may be a casting, or a part from a piece of equipment whose manufacturer is long gone and you need a new part to fix the equipment. 3D Laser Scanning and Rapidform XOR work very well to get the shape data from the old or broken part and XOR can then convert the scan data to a parametric, feature based solid model that can then be used in a CAD system or manufacturing or design purposes.

Rapid3D recently got the opportunity to participate in a project with Tangent Design Engineering through the Applied Research and Innovation department at Red Deer College. Our role in the project was to provide an accurate 3D scan of the major components on the inside of the ambulance, front and back.

Next Generation Ambulance Study

The Problem

A large regional health services provider was exploring the feasibility of building an ambulance from the ground up. One of the major concerns was the enhancement of patient and operator safety and comfort.

The Process

Tangent met with emergency medical services personnel, examined historical ambulance designs, and went for a ride-along and tailgate meeting as an immersion into the world of emergency medical services in order to fully understand the issues and identify what the future options might be. As well, starting with a general outline, Tangent laid out a 3D model of an ambulance, and then used advanced 3D scanning technology to scan the interior of an existing ambulance in order to show the effects of any changes that might be made in that space.

Tangent. Problem solved

This process has provided a baseline to pursue development of an improved future ambulance that is now currently in concept development.

So it?s no surprise that a recent study funded by the U.S. Air Force found that ?Rapidform is the only viable choice for parametric solid modeling? from 3D scans.

The study, conducted by Professor Kuang-Hua Chang of the University of Oklahoma, took three months and compared Rapidform with both dedicated reverse engineering software and mainstream CAD software. Dr. Chang and his students surveyed the landscape of software available for converting 3D scans into parametric solid models usable in CAD and evaluated and tested the front runners using practical examples.

The results were published in a paper in August 2011 in the journal CAD and Applications, an independent, international peer-reviewed technical journal dedicated to the applications of computer-aided design and manufacturing.

Read the Entire Report

Study Highlights

On the need for parametric solids-based reverse engineering:

The study explains that specialized reverse engineering software is superior to mainstream CAD:

Rapidform?s superiority in solid modeling:

Rapidform offers much better capabilities than Geomagic for parametric solid modeling. Excellent CAD-like capabilities, including feature tree, are available to the users. These capabilities allow users to create solid models and make design changes directly in Rapidform.

Conclusion of the study:

INUS Technology had no knowledge of the study or its outcome until it was published in CAD and Applications.

The inspection of external corrosion on pipelines has reached a new level of speed and quality with the Creaform 3D laser solution. This ASME B31G code compliant solution allows the replacement of traditional NDT techniques such as the pit gage. The EXAscan 3D laser scanner manufactured by Creaform is designed to be truly portable, provide high accuracy and ensure repeatable results. The corroded area of interest is scanned in minutes to acquire the complete topography in 3D. The inspector simply needs to input the pipe and analysis parameters to generate a complete report.

Analysis

The corrosion analysis module automatically generates a complete report in Excel file format for fast analysis time and ease of use. This streamline process makes the analysis repeatable and independent from the operator.

Report features:

• 3D color map with critical path overlay
• Interaction rules
• Corrosion depth measurement, dimensions and position on the pipe
• Estimated burst pressure calculation with 3 methods based on ASME B31G code
• Worst case profile

At Rapid3D we strive to offer the utmost in customer service and support. We are very lucky to have many good customers that we work with who have purchased equipment and software from us or whom rely on us to help them with scanning, modelling or inspection projects. As we continue to grow our company our goal is to offer the best customer support and service in the industry while expanding our product and service offerings.

If you are interested in having an onsite demo done of any of our equipment or software or if you have a project in mind and would like us to look at what it would take to complete the project don’t hesitate to give us a call, we look forward to working with you.

Team News

We are very happy to announce that we have a new applications engineer on board at Rapid3D. Josh Hines has joined the team and brings his vast manufacturing experience as a Mechanical Engineer to our team in a lead role and partner. We hope many of you will get the opportunity to meet with or work with Josh and his team in the near future.

Project Spotlight: Badland Buggy

Badland Buggy of Leduc, Alberta, an off road vehicle design company, partnered with TMD Custom Fab Inc of Edmonton, Alberta, are prototyping a new single seat 180hp Hayabusa powered sand rail design named ?MEGALODON?. MEGALODON features design innovations such as a completely modular bolt-on front suspension/steering system & modular bolt-on rear drive system including coil-over shocks, CV joints, full disc brakes & an optional high performance reverse gear box with a differential. Badland Buggy would like to thank our sponsors on Project: MEGALODON including Rapid3D, Karma Machining & Manufacturing Ltd, Radflo Suspension Technology, sandparts.com (Owner: Anthony Widdle).

Badland Buggy commissioned Rapid3D to scan & create 3D CAD models of a Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa motorcycle engine as well as a Corbeau FX1 Pro Racing Seat. The Rapid3D CAD models created for Badland Buggy are used to design highly accurate engine mounts, custom exhausts, firewall clearances & shifter linkages.

Badland Buggy?s owner, Bruce Hodder, a Certified Engineering Technologist by trade, began designing off road vehicles in 2001. His company has since sold over 5000+ DIY vehicle construction plans in over 100 countries worldwide. Badland Buggy has become one of the most recognized names online in the DIY mini buggy industry.

Badland Buggy is heading to SEMA 2011 (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) in Las Vegas on Nov 1-4 to attend this years? largest automotive aftermarket trade show in the world with the intention of debuting Project: MEGALODON at SEMA 2012.

For more information, please visit www.badlandbuggy.com & like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/badlandbuggy

Introducing the MaxSHOT 3D optical coordinate measuring system, a new complementary product that adds the accuracy and speed of photogrammetry to the wide range of applications already possible with Creaform technologies, particularly when it comes to larger parts. Creaform is renowned for the portable, reliable and very easy to use technologies it designs. In concrete terms, the system, which combines the MaxSHOT 3D photogrammetric video camera and the VXshot processing software stands out from other systems because it is so easy to use. Its user friendly design allows even those new to photogrammetry to quickly and easily generate a high accuracy positioning model based on a series of photos.

DIMENSIONAL MEASUREMENTS THAT ARE EVEN MORE PRECISE

• Increased accuracy in Creaform technologies thanks to photogrammetry
• VERY SIMPLE TO OPERATE
• Real-time visualization and validation of acquired data
• Step-by-step operation entirely guided by the VXshot module
• Ergonomic design
• SHORTER MEASURING TIME ON LARGER PARTS
• Accelerated positioning of the Creaform scanner or optical CMM around the part
• LIGHT AND PORTABLE

(Calgary, CA – June 7, 2011) – Has it been two years already? The last Western Manufacturing Technology Show (WMTS) was in 2009. Now that two years have elapsed, it’s time once again for the bi-annual event. This event is the major forum for manufacturing professionals from Alberta and all of Western Canada to look into the latest technology updates in machinery, equipment, supplies & services for all aspects of their operations. Rapid3D is excited to be part of this major event.

Industry professions can get help from WMTS in the areas of production challenges, as well as gain new opportunities for viewing a multitude of product lines and locate suppliers for products and services that can give your business the competitive edge it needs to have. Rapid3D is just one of those Managed Service Providers that has seized the moment and will be showcasing their 3D technologies at the WMTS show in Edmonton from June 14-16.

Rapid3D is a leading authorized distributor for Creaform, the manufacturer of the full line of handheld, self positioned 3D Laser Scanners and the HandyPROBE, portable CMM. Through a combination of 3D processes and technology, Rapid3D offers creative solutions to solve the needs of businesses throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This year Rapid3D will be demonstrating the features of the EXAscan, 3D Laser Scanner and their Portable CMM, the HandyPROBE. According to Ira Laughy, Owner and President, “We look forward to discussing any potential applications for the technology that you may have, from design, inspection, reverse engineering or any other ideas you may have to unlock the power of our 3D products and services that will help you meet your companies objectives.”

In addition, visitors will have a unique opportunity to see Rapidform technologies in their booth. Rapidform is a modeling and inspection software program that allows businesses to utilize the powerful features of the 3D Laser Scan data. As a result, customers will be able to develop true feature-based, parametric solid representations from scan data using XOR or doing easy to difficult scan to CAD inspections using XOV.

WMTS is a robust and comprehensive manufacturing experience that will give exhibitors and visitors practical knowledge that they put into practice at their own businesses after the show. This is not just a tradeshow; this 3-day event combines an industry keynote, an interactive town hall panel and countless chances for businesses to network and share ideas with their colleagues.

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About the Company: Rapid3D is the Western Canadian authorized distributor of the complete line of Creaform’s Handheld, Self Positioning 3D Laser Scanners, as well as the truly portable CMM called the HandyPROBE, Rapidform Software Solutions and YOUR ENTRY to the World of 3D!

Contact Rapid3 today with questions related to any of the products we carry or services we offer. Call us today at 403.604.2655 or email at ira@rapid3d.ca.

We at Rapid3D get asked very often, what kinds of things can you do with your 3D Laser Scanners. We thought we would put together a short list of ideas and each newsletter we will continue to add new and interesting applications as they come up:

1. Prototyping: Many designers create new designs using many different techniques that are not designed in CAD ahead of time. When a part, mould or prototype is created and the designer is satisfied with the design they often need to capture those design elements so that CAD models can be created for the production version of the part. This is where 3D Laser scanning and Rapidform XOR can be invaluable, to be able to capture the design intent with scan data and create CAD models for production purposes.
2. Complex Designs: Designs that require shapes from existing objects to work. An example would be having to design a part to fit against another part, particularly if the shapes are complex. We often get asked to scan a complex shape so that a design will fit against it or match it correctly. This is an excellent use for 3D Laser Scanning.
3. Part to CAD Inspection: Companies that have parts that are difficult to measure or inspect can benefit from the use of an EXAscan and Rapidform XOV. This combination allows the user to scan difficult shapes such as casted parts, free form shapes etc and digitally compare them to the nominal CAD model.
4. Reverse Engineering: Companies are often asked to fix or recreate an old or obsolete part. Sometimes it may be a casting, or a part from a piece of equipment whose manufacturer is long gone and you need a new part to fix the equipment. 3D Laser Scanning and Rapidform XOR work very well to get the shape data from the old or broken part and XOR can then convert the scan data to a parametric, feature based solid model that can then be used in a CAD system or manufacturing or design purposes.

Booth # 1525
Edmonton EXPO Centre Northlands
Edmonton, Alberta

June 14, 2011 to June 16, 2011

Free Admission to the Show