Data Processing

Data processing

What can the data from 3D scanning be used for?

After scanning the data, the question becomes: what are we going to do with the data next? In most cases, after scanning the data itself, it is necessary to further process the data into the required format or output. In the previous chapter, we discussed the output formats that we can use for the next step.

1. Reverse Engineering (RE)

The term reverse engineering covers the work process in which we transform captured data into a surface or volume model readable for CAD / CAM applications. There are two ways to convert scanned data into a 3D model:

Automatically generated surfaces (NURBS surfaces)
Hand modeling

1a. Automatically generated surfaces (NURBS surfaces)

The program itself or with the intervention of the operator generates four-sided patches (surfaces) on the surface of the polygon network, which fully represent the shape of the model and creates a volume model with a complete polygon network. E.g. artwork cannot be created with any of the available modeling elements such as extrude, templating, rotation, etc. The advantage of this type of data processing is speed. The disadvantage of a model created in this way is that subsequent modification of the shape of the model may not be easy. This way is useful in cases where you want to get the model into the CAD system and then machine it, or the model serves as a basis for construction.

Sample NURBS IGS file (19,3 MB) (flat body)
Sample NURBS IGS file (18,7 MB) (solid body)

1b. Hand modeling

The scanned data is remodelled, using the same principle as in the CAD system, into a parametric model. Thanks to the history of modeling and sketching, the model can be modified at any time without having to create a new model. The entire modeling process is constantly under control of accuracy, thanks to the possibility of displaying the deviations of the created body / sketches against the scanned data. Advanced programs for converting a model from a scan to a CAD format allow the transfer of the entire modeling history to your preferred format. This method is more time-consuming than the variant of generating quadrilateral surfaces on the surface of the model. The method is therefore more time-consuming and expensive.

Sample STP file for download (0,4 MB)
X_T sample file for download (0,2 MB)

2. Quality Control (QC)

The scanned data can be used to check the condition of the manufactured part against the source CAD data or to compare it with another scanned part. Thanks to this option, deviations during production can be quickly detected and it can be proven that the part is manufactured within tolerances. When creating an inspection report, dimensions can be checked, annotations can be made at user-selected locations, elements can be dimensioned in space, and 2D sections with deviations can be made. The result of all the work is an inspection report, where all the steps that the user performed while inspecting the component are displayed. The inspection report can be saved in many formats, but the most commonly used format is PDF. Sample inspection report here. The protocol can be changed based on customer requirements.