Topic Track: Quality
Session Topic: Using 3D Optical Scan Data to Enhance 3D Printing Capabilities
Optical 3D scanners create digital versions of physical objects. 3D printers create physical parts from digital data. Some synergies are clear; however, the full potential of pairing the technologies remains untapped.
Metrology-class 3D scanners can play a role at multiple stages in the 3D printing process. 3D scan data is often used as input information for 3D printers. Common applications include creating direct replicas of real-world objects and customizing products to work with existing geometry. Each scenario requires specific data processing techniques to achieve the desired results.
At the other end of the process, after a 3D printer has produced a part, a 3D scanner becomes a vital quality control tool. Traditional measuring techniques may fall short for characterizing the complex geometries output by a 3D printer. The millions of X
Deviations found by way of this scan-based analysis can then be applied as corrections to future iterations of the printed part.
ShapeGrabber is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quality Vision Int’l, the world’s largest vision metrology company. Based in Ottawa, Canada, ShapeGrabber designs,
IMTS 2018 Booth #135602
www.shapegrabber.com