Handheld 3D Scanner SIMSCAN for Inspection of Mechanical Parts

Ennovi Energy & Power Solutions Czech Republic s.r.o. is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of mechanical parts like interconnects, which serves a diverse range of sectors including medical and information & communications. The company was looking for a fast, easy-to-use and user-friendly solution for 3D inspection?on the shop floor for the Tool Machining department.

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The implementation of a handheld 3D scanner aimed to enhance capability and speed in operations, serving as an efficient alternative to the traditional 3D Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) located in the metrology laboratory.

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Mechanical Parts to be Measured

Ennovi deals with a diverse array of mechanical parts that need to be measured. These parts come in different materials, shapes, sizes and workmanship:?

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• ?Materials: Plastic, sheet metal and more.
• ?Shapes and Sizes: Parts vary widely in size, ranging from 10 mm to 1500 mm.
• ?Workmanship: High-precision molding and machining component.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for the scanning solution were stringent:

• ?Accuracy: Between 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, depending on the type of part being scanned.
• ?Speed and Variability: The chosen solution needed to offer rapid measurement capabilities and versatility to handle a variety of part types and sizes.

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Scanning Workflow

The scanning process at Ennovi was streamlined for efficiency:

• ?Equipment Used:?Ennovi used the palm-sized SIMSCAN portable 3D scanner, which is specially designed for 3D scanning hard-to-reach areas and details. It has ultra-fast, hyper-fine, deep-hole scanning modes to measure parts with various finishes, shapes and sizes.

• ?Rotary Table: A manual rotary table equipped with targets was utilized, covering approximately 90% of the product portfolio without needing to attach targets directly to the parts.
• ?Preparation: The preparation time for parts was significantly reduced due to the lack of need for additional targets.
• ?Scanning: The process involved placing the part on the rotary table and scanning it using the SIMSCAN, which captured detailed 3D data quickly and accurately.

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One of the significant challenges encountered was scanning the bending copper connectors for electrical circuits. These parts required a combination of targets in the turntable and on the parts themselves to achieve comprehensive scanning. By leveraging the standard mode in the scanning software ScanViewer, the optimal settings were identified to capture the best details for these intricate components.

Scanning Results

The results from the scanning process were exemplary. The STL files offered precise 3D data and the inspection reports showed intuitive deviations. No issues in capturing any type of part in the portfolio arose during the scanning process, demonstrating high performance and accuracy of SIMSCAN. Notably, the scanning process did not require the use of any spray, simplifying the workflow further.

Advantages of Scantech’s 3D Solution

Traditional fixed CMMs are not as versatile or portable and often require more setup time, dedicated space and high maintenance costs. These equipment can be slower in capturing complex geometries. The adoption of Scantech’s handheld 3D scanner brought several notable advantages to Ennovi:

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• ?Portability: The portability of the 3D scanner made it easy to use in various locations across the facility including the office, metrology lab, and shop floor.
• ?Efficiency: SIMSCAN 3D laser scanner delivers a measurement rate of up to 2.8 million measurements/s to capture 3D data efficiently. The measurement process was significantly faster compared to traditional methods.

• ?Noise-Free Scanning: The scanner produced clean, noise-free data with an accuracy of up to 0.020 mm.
• ?User-Friendly:?The 3D scanner was easy to operate without requiring extensive programming knowledge. Both professionals and beginners can use it without much training.

• ?ISO Certified: SIMSCAN’s ISO certification ensured its adherence to international quality standards, which makes it qualified for high-precision industrial measurements.
• ?Support: Access to a service and support center in Germany provided reliable assistance. They can always reach out for professional help no matter what technical issues come up.

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Conclusion

The use of the Scantech portable 3D scanner SIMSCAN at Ennovi Energy & Power Solutions Czech Republic s.r.o. has successfully met the goal of providing a speedy and easy-to-use solution for 3D inspection. The flexibility and efficiency of the SIMSCAN have not only streamlined the inspection process but also maintained high standards of accuracy and quality, significantly enhancing Ennovi’s operational capabilities on the shop floor. This case exemplifies how advanced 3D scanning technology can drive innovation and efficiency in precision manufacturing environments.