LASER SCANNING - TO CAD MODEL
By: David DeVowe
“Can you output a Pro-E or SolidWorks file with your scanner?”
This is a common question from those who are new to geometry
development from laser and white light scanners. The answer is “No.”
and “Yes”.
No, a scanner will not produce a CAD-readable file in a common 3D
model format. But yes, a model can be produced from the data
captured by a 3D scanner.
A laser or white light scanner will capture points in space on the
surface of a part much like a CMM would take individual points. Key
differences are that the scanner is non-contact, and through
triangulation, calculates positions of hundreds of thousands of
points faster than a CMM might gather 100 data points. The scanner’s
output is a point cloud.
The point cloud is a reference to be used for generating a surface.
The finished surfaces will become the desired solid or parametric
CAD model, only after much work by a skilled CAD technician or
design engineer. Many decisions must be made about how to approach
the surfacing of the part:
- Can it be modeled parametrically?
- Are parametrics important to the customer?
- Is surface texture a desired outcome?
- What is the product design intent?
- What is the next step in the process after the model is
generated?
- How accurately do each of the surfaces need to “lay” on the
point cloud generated by the scanner?
These are some of the many considerations to be taken into
account when producing a model of a scanned artifact.
To assist engineers and other problem solvers, QC Inspection
Services provides a 60-90 minute class at no charge on these
processes for interested engineering groups of 4 or more. Travel
expenses apply outside of the Twin Cities.
For more information, call David DeVowe at 952-895-1150
About the Author
David DeVowe is the Executive Director of Quality at QC
Inspection Services, Inc. As a Certified Quality Engineer, he
has over 20 years of experience in applying quality principles from operations through top management.
David’s industry experiences include aerospace, die casting, precision stamping, quality services,
and quality-related training.
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