28 3D scanning
The power of 3D scanning Houghton International explains how advances in 3D scanning capabilities have brought a range of benefits to the electro-mechanical repair sector – especially when coupled with modern machining and 3D printing technologies.
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n recent years there have been significant advances in computer-aided design software along with 3D laser scanning and printing capabilities. Not only have these advances helped bring 3D technologies to a wider market, they have also resulted in improved reliability, accuracy and speed. Today, 3D scanners can produce models to within microns – one-thousandth of a millimetre – collecting data from millions of points to produce a highly accurate digital file. For example, the Hexagon Absolute Arm has the capability to collect data down to just a few microns, which, for context, is smaller than a single red blood cell. This level of resolution means it is simple to capture slight variations on complex surfaces within a relatively short time. At Houghton International, services can range from the overhaul of century-old equipment to cutting edge R&D projects, such as new product development for leading-edge drive solutions. For this wide range of operations, the use of a 3D laser scanner enables rapid and accurate measurement and digitisation, freeing up valuable labour hours. 3D scanning technology can be utilised for the scanning of various parts from motors, pumps and other electrical rotating machinery. These parts often have complex geometry, the measurement of which can be time-consuming and less accurate when using traditional methods.
Quarter 4 2020
Just one example of where this technology proves especially useful is in the measurement of pump volutes, which, due to their curvature, are difficult to measure accurately. The irregular curve is difficult to accurately represent through more traditional measuring techniques. However, through a combination of laser and hard probes, accurate representations of complex threedimensional shapes, planes and curves, both internal and external, can be captured. This means equipment can be reverseengineered when no drawings or component details are available. From here, the product can be, for example, CNC machined or 3D printed. It can also be modified or reverse engineered using CAD software, enabling performance improvements and the manufacture of obsolete or long lead time parts. This leads to savings in cost and time when manufacturing replacement parts and allows effective repairs to be performed more quickly as a result. This is advantageous as speed is
“Equipment can be reverse-engineered when no drawings or component details are available.”
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