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Q-PLUS Labs Case Study: GQ Moto Inc., 3D Scanning Takes Entrepreneurial Ideas from Designs to Finished Products

Posted by Mike Knicker on Jan 30, 2018 1:41:17 PM

 Q-PLUS Labs Case Study GQ Moto Inc., 3D Scanning Takes Entrepreneurial Ideas from Designs to Finished Products.jpg

Often times, necessity is the mother of invention. Many products are conceived out of necessity, while there are products which occur from what may seem like serendipity. With the prevalence and popularity of 3D printing among a variety of users, from elementary students to precision machine shops, the ability to develop products is becoming a more appealing and accessible process. But how does what starts as a design concept make it to the finish line as a final product? After all, an idea is only as good as its execution. Q-PLUS Labs uses 3D scanning to help with this process for the founder of GQ Moto Inc., who intends to show the story of an invention's journey, from idea to production.

Introduction

George Parstch, a pre-med student and business student turned inventor and patent holder is familiar with the dilemma of having an idea and figuring out how to execute on it. He's encountered this scenario quite a few times in his career – at least eight, to be exact. Most of these ideas came from his experience in a wide variety of fields from personal stylist and wardrobe consultant to medical device engineer. Parstch envisions bringing eight unique products to market while showing people how they can do it too through video documentary of his design's journey through development to delivery of the finished product.

Our Process

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Parstch approached Q-PLUS Labs seeking 3D scanning expertise for reverse engineering some of the prototypes he's developing. 3D scanning provides two main benefits for product development. One is reverse engineering which allows you to obtain the exact dimensions of an object so you can replicate it or in this case, improve upon it. The second benefit that 3D scanning provides for product development is dimensional inspection which aids in comparing the actual condition of a manufactured part or component to the nominal condition as defined by engineering drawings and blueprints, metal or film templates (decreasingly), digital files and 3D CAD models (increasingly), or even a master tool or part.

With a step by step documentary on how to bring new products from concept to completion, Partsch seeks to creatively innovate products used on a daily basis from menswear to children’s sports equipment. His background in medical device design, also has enabled him to develop a device that is more custom fit and functionally appealing to the user or consumer than what is currently available on the market. Q-PLUS Labs’ 3D scanning expertise enables companies like GQ Moto Inc. to get what they need for their design concept or refining their finished product. If you’d like more information about how we can use 3D scanning services as well as a wide variety of dimensional measurement services to help with your current idea or manufacturing process, click here to schedule an assessment.

 
 
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Topics: dimensional inspection, reverse engineering, 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, 3D scanning equipment, case studies, 3d scanner, case study

How Does It Measure Up: CMMs vs. Structured Light 3D Scanners

Posted by Mike Knicker on Oct 31, 2017 1:38:53 PM

 How Does It Measure Up CMMs vs Structured Light 3D Scanners

With their repeatable accuracy and programmability, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) have universally been known as the ultimate dimensional measurement and inspection equipment by using contact probing to deliver single point by point sparse measurement data. However, 3D scanning is widely accepted as an effective, accurate, and fast way to collect and analyze measurement data. The integration of robotic technology with structured light 3D scanning systems has made tremendous progress that, under optimum circumstances with high-end equipment, now approaches the accuracies of CMMs, but captures millions of measurement points in seconds without any contact to the part. With the growing demands of accurate measurements involved in manufacturing, it is important to understand what types of measurement devices are available for your application as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each.

What is a CMM?

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Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are mechanical systems that use a contact measuring probe and transducer technology to convert physical measurements of a surface into electrical signals that can be analyzed by specialized metrology software. CMMs range from basic XYZ read-outs utilizing hard-probes to fully automated systems with articulating continuous contact probing that can perform CAD model-based inspections. The measurement envelope of CMMs ranges from desktop systems to those large enough to measure an entire car and beyond. Since volumetric accuracy is usually stated as an equation in which the error increases as a function of size, larger CMMs generally tend to have less accuracy then smaller systems. However, just because a CMM is large does not mean it cannot also be accurate. CMMs that are large and accurate exist but certainly cost much more. While both manual (free floating) and DCC (Direct Computer Control) CMMs can be programmed, DCC-CMMs are robotically driven by motors instead of the operator. This makes for huge time savings in inspecting many of a given part configuration, over and over again. However, with power, comes responsibility. Automated measurement systems such as DCC-CMMs have the possibility of a programming error which can lead to it being misused, causing damage to the CMM or the part being measured, however newer software reduces the chances of such accidents.

The sensors for CMMs are not limited to touch probes. Advanced systems can also include continuous contact scanning probes, indexable vision sensors, laser scanning heads, and even surface finish probes. CMMs measure points and DCC-CMMs can control the direction in which these points are measured. Everything else is in the software, which makes the features of the software integral to the machine's output. It's important that the software offer the right combination of power and ease of use. All CMM software provides for taking measurements of points and basic geometry such as planes, circles, and lines, as well as cylinders, spheres, cones, and more. Operations are then performed on the geometrical elements which are then generated into dimensional readings, compared against design tolerances, and distilled into reports. Newer CMM software allows for model based inspection where the CMM measurements and program are written using a 3D CAD model of the part of interest. Special software modules exist for complex parts containing airfoils, gears, or free-form non-prismatic geometry. However, contact sensors generally do not work well for dimensional inspection applications where the object is soft, elastic, or extremely small.

What Is a Structured Light 3D Scanner?

Structured Light 3D Scanner

One of the most common types of non-contact 3D scanning is structured light scanning. Sometimes also called white light or blue light scanning, this method of 3D scanning includes a projection light source which could be either white or blue light, and involves projected light and typically 1 or 2 cameras to measure the three-dimensional surfaces of an object via triangulation. To obtain scan data via triangulation, a pattern of light is projected usually in a series of parallel lines which become distorted on the surface of the object when viewed from a perspective different from the projector. Each camera utilized captures this distortion from varying, sometimes multiple angles, and triangulates the distance of numerous points on the part being scanned. Finally, these three-dimensional coordinates are used to digitally reconstruct the details of the object. As part of the post-processing, the digital “mesh” of facets is created from these scans at multiple orientations via software which cleans the scans up, merges the multiple scans, and stitches them all together. This meshed representation can then be used to perform dimensional inspection operations or reverse engineering.

This method of 3D scanning can be used on objects and quickly captures a high volume of data without impacting the surface of the object. Because structured light scanners operate with immense speed relative to measuring devices like CMMs that measure at each area that the probe comes into contact with, producing a sparse amount of points, structured light scanning offers advantages, particularly with data density, that are simply not feasible on a CMM. Like CMMs, structured light scanners comes in various sizes and can be used on everything from the micro scale such as orthodontics all the way to large volume objects such as airplanes (when used in conjunction with retro-reflective targets and photogrammetry). Other applications for this technology would be when contact probes like CMMs are not appropriate. For example, if the object is elastic, delicate, or otherwise difficult to handle, structured light scanning can be used without any physical contact with the object being measured. The use of structured light scanning on a specific application depends on factors including surface characteristics such as reflectivity, transparency, and roughness. In some cases, structured light scanning is not an appropriate method because diffraction and reflection can affect the measurements. This can usually (but not always), be overcome either by special system settings or by the application of a fine and easily removable chalk spray.

Consider All Factors

There are several factors to consider when choosing measurement equipment. It is important to understand how each of these factors will affect your application's measurements.

  • Accuracy of measurement results
  • Portability of the system
  • Size of the parts being measured
  • Features that will be measured
  • Degree of automation required during measurement
  • Speed of the measurement process
  • Cost of the system
  • Cost of training operators

CMMs still and will continue to play a vital role in today's dimensional metrology applications, however structured light scanning can offer many advantages in scenarios where:

  • the given application has a large amount of complex geometry
  • a high percentage of the parts need to be measured
  • the parts can’t accommodate contact measurement
  • the measurement process needs to be very fast

Since 1987, Q-PLUS Labs has been a leading dimensional measurement laboratory specializing in assisting companies with finding the right measurement solutions to meet their needs. In addition to offering a vast product line, Q-PLUS Labs provides both CMM and 3D scanning services and products, in addition to a full range of other dimensional measurement and inspection services. Contact us for answers to your dimensional measurement and inspection questions or to request a quote.

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Topics: dimensional measurement, 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, dimensional inspection equipment, CMMs, 3D scanning equipment, dimensional measurement services, coordinate measuring machines, metrology lab, inspection services, measurement, dimensional metrology, structured light scanning

The Importance of Part Sorting & Inspection Services

Posted by Mike Knicker on Jun 30, 2017 3:21:36 PM

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We all know the old adage, "time is money." For OEMs especially, both time and money are essential factors when it comes to the entire production process, from design down to inspection. With the exponential improvements to the technology involved in the production process, the amount of time it usually takes to mass produce parts has been considerably curtailed, saving companies also on the cost it usually takes to previously produce those parts. But what happens when something goes wrong in the final stages of production, and defective parts are shipped out?

Can it be fixed?

The solution depends on factors unique to your specific schedule and cost of production. Will the cost to recall the parts back to their original destination be significantly more than the cost to have the parts inspected and sorted at their shipping destination? How much time will be involved in the inspection, sorting, and containment of the parts compared to the amount of time it will take to have them scrapped and start over with production? No one likes having to deal with the consequences of mistakes, but part sorting and inspection at the shipment's destination can be a viable solution for these mistakes when the factors of keeping costs down and maintaining the delivery schedule are of critical importance.

What will fix the situation?

Inspecting and sorting parts at the shipment's destination is a corrective measure that may involve quite a few more services. It is important to find a company that is able to deploy personnel quickly to efficiently execute on these types of services, thereby streamlining the process to help get things back on track.

In addition to part sorting and inspection, some of these services include:

  • Part Rework or Repair
  • Light Assembly
  • Part Containment
  • Quality Partnerships
  • Scanning

Every company wants happy customers. Inspecting and sorting parts at their destination may help save time and money in the corrective process to stay on schedule and deliver the right parts. Services that help you provide defect-free products also help to reinforce your relationship with your customers while maintaining your product's integrity.

Q-PLUS Labs offers a full spectrum of solutions

As a registered ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, Q-PLUS Labs is committed to making sure your product meets your expectations at the highest standards. With our fully equipped dimensional metrology lab, our personnel are veterans at helping our customers maintain their product's integrity. Whether you require on-site inspection or in a controlled lab environment, we deploy both speed and accuracy with our services, and will help you maintain your tight schedule. With over 30 years of experience in the field, you can be assured that we are deeply knowledgeable in understanding our customer's needs when it comes to maintaining and delivering quality.

Contact us for assistance with your dimensional measurement needs, part sorting and inspection questions, or to request a quote.

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Topics: dimensional measurement, 3D scanners, dimensional inspection equipment, 3D scanning equipment, dimensional measurement services, metrology lab, part sorting, part sorting and inspection, part containment, part rework, part inspection, sorting services, inspection services

How Does It Measure Up: CMMs vs. Articulating Arms

Posted by Mike Knicker on May 31, 2017 4:18:18 PM

 How Does It Measure Up CMMs vs Articulating Arms.jpg

How are your measurements adding up? Do you need automation combined with a high level of accuracy? Or perhaps, your application demands a portable measurement device for its ability to reach difficult to measure features? With the ever growing need for accurate measurements in a rapid paced manufacturing industry, knowing the best type of universal 3D dimensional measurement device available for your application will help streamline both your manufacturing and quality inspection processes. 

What is a CMM?

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are mechanical systems that use measuring transducer technology to convert probe and physical measurements of an object's surface into electrical signals that are then analyzed by specialized metrology software. There are many different types of CMMs; cmm_descrip.jpgthe most basic systems use hard probes and XYZ read-outs, while the most complex employ fully automated continuous contact probing. For a system like a bridge CMM which uses this set of axes, each axis is used to indicate the system's position or location in space. The probe head determines the values on the Z-axis by moving up and down the system's bridge. The system's Y-axis determines its values by moving over the entire CMM's base. The values for the X-axis are determined by moving back and forth across the bridge.

Stationary CMMs such as bridge type CMMs, provide quality assurance with efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility due to their programmability. They can be set up for automated, repeated measuring tasks which do not need to be reprogrammed each time. In general, CMMs come with a wide array of sensors and probes and are ten times more accurate than articulating arms. However, due to the sensitive nature of these measuring instruments such as contact and vision-based probes as well as vision and laser sensors, which comprise most CMMs, a temperature and humidity controlled environment is an important factor to consider prior to incorporating a system into the quality inspection process. Unlike articulating arms which offer portability, CMMs are usually stationary or cumbersome to move. Also, there are a number of different software programs that run the machines, which would mean a significant investment in training CMM operators.

What is an Articulating Arm?

An articulating arm is a type of CMM that uses rotary encoders on multiple rotation axes instead of linear scales to determine the position of the probe. These manual systems are not automated, but they are portable and can reach around or into objects in a way that cannot be accomplished with a conventional CMM to perform 3D inspections, tool certifications, CAD comparison, dimensional analysis, reverse engineering, and more. The movement of the articulating arm allows for ease of use, as well as a broader scope of measuring ability as it pivots at the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and base of the system. The encoders at the system's base triangulate the location of each joint to the probe tip in 3D space.

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The measurements of very large parts can be easily accommodated by moving the articulating arm into another location around that part. The system's robust software is able to compile the measurement data from these individual locations and stitch all the data together to extend the measurement volume.

The ability to easily transport a highly accurate system such as an articulating arm allows users to take measurements onsite and in difficult to reach scenarios, without having to disassemble parts or transport large and heavy parts onto a fixed base. Improvements to articulating arms also include the integration of laser line scanners in combination with the traditional touch probe, thereby allowing the system to seamlessly scan across a diversity of surface materials, including those with high contrast, reflectivity, and geometric complexities. Unlike fixed CMMs, the probe of an articulating arm is not restricted to travel within the extent of a confined measurement bed. However, compared to the CMM which can be programmed to automate measurement, the articulating arm is manual and dependent on the operator to take measurements by moving the probe to each location on the part, and produces measurements which are generally less accurate than the fixed CMM. Operators will also have to learn to adjust to the motion of using the articulating arm, as it is fixed to a base.

Consider All Factors

There is not a single particular factor that will determine if a CMM or an articulating arm is best suited for your specific application. However, factors to consider that will inevitably affect the final decision will include:

  • Accuracy of measurement results
  • Portability of the system
  • Size of the parts being measured
  • Features that will be measured
  • Degree of automation required during measurement
  • Cost of the system
  • Cost of training operators

Q-PLUS Labs has been a leading dimensional measurement laboratory since 1987 and, in addition to its wide array of services and products, specializes in helping companies find the right measurement solutions to meet their needs. Contact us for answers to your dimensional measurement and inspection questions or to request a quote.

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Topics: dimensional measurement, dimensional inspection, 3D scanners, dimensional inspection equipment, CMMs, articulating arms, 3D scanning equipment, Faro Arm, dimensional measurement services, measurement services,, coordinate measuring machines, metrology lab

Q-PLUS Labs' Case Study: California State University, Fullerton's Formula SAE Team's Race Car Engine 3D Scanning

Posted by Mike Knicker on Sep 9, 2016 1:20:03 PM

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California State University, Fullerton's Formula SAE chapter is back from their brief break to build another beast of a race car. Using Q-PLUS Labs' 3D scanning expertise to aid them, the team enters into their 3rd year in the challenging Formula SAE competition which encompasses designing, building, and competing a mini-formula style race car that will be evaluated for its potential as a production item.

Introduction

1_DSC_3074.jpgThis year, California State University, Fullerton's Formula SAE is using a Yamaha FZ-07 motorcycle engine which has increased displacement for their new race car design. The new design for the chassis will include a space frame as well as a carbon fiber driver cell. The space frame is created by welding steel tubes together and attaching them to the cockpit and the engine housing, as well as the drive train. Unlike the team's last design which was a stressed engine, this design will be mounted to the inside of the space frame. Weighing 20 to 30 pounds less than the team's original engine, this choice also offers more torque and faster acceleration without creating a heavier car which would give the team an edge against their competition.

Our Process

Because the final race car's design needs to be both fast and safe and relies on the integrity of the engine's measurements, Cal State Fullerton's SAE sought the expertise of Q-PLUS Labs' dimensional measurement engineers. Using the Steinbichler Comet 5, Q-PLUS Labs was able to provide CSUF's SAE team with accurate measurements of the engine to provide the structure for the race car's design. Using these points from the scan data, the team can proceed to confidently to create a CAD model of the car designed with both the driver's safety and structural integrity in mind. Follow CSUF's Formula SAE's journey and results here in our future blog post.

 
 
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Topics: 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, 3D scanning equipment, case studies, Steinbichler, Cal State Fullerton, Baja SAE

Q-PLUS Labs' Case Study: Extreme Components, LP's Surface Finish Analysis of DAT Mold Interlocks

Posted by Mike Knicker on Aug 12, 2016 12:47:02 PM

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Extreme Components, LP is known for designing and creating cost-saving, effective alignment/positioning devices for the Injection Mold Industry that are durable, reliable, and high precision. Their molding alignment locks are manufactured using dynamic alignment technology or DAT, which is a revolutionary method for self-aligning locks that involves minimal friction and wear, even at high speeds. Using Q-PLUS Labs’ nano measurement expertise, Extreme Components, LP wanted to use the surface finish analysis results to find out precisely how well their DAT locks held up against the wear of daily use versus the traditional friction-fit locks.

Introduction

Extreme Components, LP's unique product was designed using DAT which consists of rollers constrained in a cage, and moving in a prescribed manner due to the kinematic relationship between the rollers. The tongue is moved relative to the housing without direct mechanical contact between the tongue and the housing. Because there is very minimal friction between parts, the process decreases the amount of wear that would normally be experienced using methods such as those used with traditional friction-fit locks.

Our Process

Color_Map.jpgTo analyze the exact amount of wear, Q-PLUS Labs performed a surface roughness analysis to confirm the wear on the unused surface of a traditional friction-fit lock versus the wear experienced by Extreme Components LP’s DAT locks after multiple uses. This was accomplished using white light profilometry from CyberTechnologies’ CT 300. The subsequent data from the unused surface of a friction-fit lock revealed an average roughness of 10.6 micro inches. There was major deviation from the level surface while the actual tongue contact surface was too rough to measure using conventional high precision instruments due to galling, or wear caused by adhesion between sliding surfaces, which could be observed from visual inspection.

Color_Map_EC.jpgIn comparison to the friction-fit lock, Extreme Components’ DAT lock that had been used by a multinational medical device manufacturer for 4 years of near continuous service, cycling every seven seconds with a 2,300 pound load yielding more than 10 million cycles, was measured to have a surface roughness of only 5.7 micro inches. The data of the surface map displays better uniformity than the friction-fit lock, and visual inspection shows the DAT lock’s mirror-like surface and no galling.

Usually, this measurement was done using far less accurate and time consuming means. However, with the rapid and accurate surface finish analysis data Q-PLUS Lab’s provided, Extreme Components was not only able to effectively compare their DAT locks to traditional friction-fit locks, but visually show customers the value of how their product holds up in real use scenarios.

 
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Topics: manufacturing, 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, 3D scanning equipment, case studies, nano measurement,, CT300, nano

Q-PLUS Labs' Case Study: California State University, Fullerton Baja SAE Team's Cutting Brake 3D Scanning

Posted by Mike Knicker on Apr 6, 2016 9:03:20 AM

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California State University, Fullerton’s Titan Baja SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team is back at it again preparing for their 2016 competition season and sought Q-PLUS Labs' measurement expertise to 3D scan a crucial component of their new vehicle, dubbed the Hyperion, the second iteration of the team’s 2015 race car, the Cronos which Q-PLUS Labs aided with 3D scanning last year. Their 2015 design of the Cronos not only competed, but beat out half the competition! This year, the team is dialing in on a design that works best for the most random and unpredictable off-road terrain which the race has been known to throw at competitors.

Introduction

Front_View.pngA little background on the rigorous Baja SAE race—it originated in 1976 at the University of South Carolina as a comprehensive engineering competition with the objective for students to function as a team and not only design, build, test, promote, and race a vehicle, but also raise financial support while balancing the demands of their course work. In order to compete as formidable opponent at the 2016 Baja SAE race, the final single-seat, all-terrain sporting vehicle is comprised of parts machined by CSUF’s Baja team.

This year, the team decided to integrate a cutting brake into the vehicle’s design. Because the race course terrain consists of extreme conditions, installing a cutting brake would help mitigate the unpredictable conditions and make the vehicle more maneuverable. It accomplishes this by working in line with the rear brake system to isolate specific wheels, giving the driver greater control of the car and facilitating with sharp terms.

Our Process

The cutting brake’s measurements are extremely vital to the vehiOurProcess.jpgcle’s ability to successfully navigate the race due to the challenging track. CSUF’s Baja team requested Q-PLUS Labs to 3D scan the cutting brake that provided the team with measurement data from which they can derive the best fit area of the car to mount the brake. Using the Steinbichler Comet 5, Q-PLUS Labs was able to give the team precise measurement data for the cutting brake, allowing a new model to be water jetted accurately while reducing the amount of time it would have taken the team to acquire the measurements manually, and helping them quickly prepare for their 2016 race in Gorman, California May 19th-22nd.

 
 
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Topics: 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, 3D scanning equipment, case studies, Steinbichler, Cal State Fullerton, Baja SAE

Q-PLUS Labs 3D Scans & Renders Santa Statue

Posted by Mike Knicker on Dec 22, 2015 9:25:44 AM

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Always looking for an interesting way to convey our holiday greeting, Q-PLUS Labs took on a unique approach to sharing holiday cheer with customers with a 3D scan of a Santa statue.

Our Process

To scan Santa, our engineers used the FARO Edge ScanArm HD which rapidly delivers point clouds with extreme resolution and high accuracy, even across different textures, including highly reflective surfaces. The scan data was then sent to Geomagic Design X, a poweful point cloud processing software for post processing, where it was quickly formed into a mesh and exported as a standard STL file.

SantaClaus_RenderPlay.jpgThe 3D file produced was a one layer, watertight mesh which was then separated into color regions. These color regions allow the mesh to be easily cut into multiple layers which were then imported into SpaceClaim to assign each individual layer its own color in context of the original Santa statue.

To render a 3D photorealistic version of the file, these colored layers into Keyshot, a program that has the ability to process and render the file in actual time. This software creates incredible visuals with 3D data and was able to produce the animations of the final rendered Santa.

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Topics: 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, 3D scanning equipment, case studies, Faro, holidays, keyshot, spaceclaim

Q-PLUS Labs' Case Study: California State University, Fullerton Baja SAE Team's Brake Caliper 3D Scanning

Posted by Mike Knicker on Nov 11, 2015 11:30:00 AM

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California State University, Fullerton’s Titan Baja SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team sought Q-PLUS Labs’ measurement expertise to assist in jump starting the team’s 2015 season since their 2008 competition hiatus. Originating in 1976 at the University of South Carolina, the objective of this comprehensive engineering competition is for students to function as a team to not only design, build, test, promote, and race a vehicle, but also raise financial support while balancing the demands of their course work. To produce a formidable competitor at the 2015 Baja SAE race, the final single-seat, all-terrain sporting vehicle comprised of parts machined by CSUF’s Baja team from scrap, over the course of 9 months.

Introduction

2car.jpgBefore building their vehicle, CSUF's Baja team designed a virtual rendering of it in Solidworks, a 3D CAD design software. Because each piece of the car was hand machined, the team needed accurate measurements of the car’s calipers before proceeding with the build. Calipers are essential to the vehicle’s ability to stop and are one of the critical components of a car’s breaks. The challenging track consisted of rough terrain, making the measurements extremely vital to vehicle’s ability to successfully navigate the race.

Our Process

Due to its complex geometry, the calipers posed a challenge for the team to model quickly. Using Q-PLUS Labs’ 3D scanning services, the team was able to “test fit” the calipers on the solid model before it was even made. Using the FARO Edge calipers_small.jpgScanArm HD, a 3D laser scanner which rapidly collects high accuracy point cloud data, Q-PLUS Labs was able to provide the team the measurement data they needed despite the reflective surface of the calipers. The scanning information that Q-PLUS Labs provided the team reduced the amount of time it would have taken them to machine the vehicle’s parts to fit the calipers.

Defying the odds of the Baja SAE race where cars were breaking down along the grueling track, CSUF’s Titan Baja team finished the race with 11 laps. Forging ahead and looking to be in the top 20 finishing teams, they are not wasting any time preparing for 2016’s race in Gorman, California on May 19th-22nd.

 
 
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Topics: 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, 3D scanning equipment, case studies, Faro, ScanArm HD, Cal State Fullerton

Q-PLUS Labs' Case Study: 3D Scanning of University of California, San Diego Statues

Posted by Mike Knicker on Sep 15, 2015 1:00:00 PM

 UCSD_Banner

The University of California, San Diego requested Q-PLUS Labs for a unique onsite 3D scanning project of the Something Pacific installation for the Stuart Collection. This installation by Nam June Paik consists of two parts, an indoor exhibit found in the lobby of the university's Media Center as well as 3 statues of tiny Buddhas staring at dead TV sets embedded throughout the landscape UCSD's Communications/Media Center building. The resulting scans will be used to reproduce the Buddha statues in detail should they be damaged or stolen.

Introduction

UCSD Statue ScanNam June Paik designed this installation which is composed of televisions paired with Buddhas watching them to depict extended contemplation. As an integral aspect of UCSD's landscape, the university sought to preserve the statues via 3D scan data in case the statues would need to be recreated in detail. For this particular application, Q-PLUS Labs' engineers used white light and laser scanning technology, specifically the Steinbichler COMET L3D and the Faro Edge ScanArm HD.

Our Process

UCSD Statue Scan

Even with high tech 3D scanning equipment, obtaining accurate and detailed scans in an outdoor and uncontrolled environment was a meticulous process. Because the statues were unmovable and anchored into the ground, the engineers established a controlled scan environment by carefully tenting each statue to block excessive lighting.

Being in an outdoor environment, the statues required thorough and careful cleaning as well as a trench dug around each statue to render more of the statues' surface area for greater scan detail. The freeform and unusual geometry of each statue also provided a challenge to obtain scan details. However, Q-PLUS Labs' engineers completed the job and the scan data produced will help to preserve this interesting exhibit for years to come.

Something Pacific       1986 Nam June Paik       Stuart Collection       UC San Diego       Photo by: Philipp Scholz Rittermann
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Topics: 3D scanners, 3D Scanning, 3D scanning equipment, case studies, Faro, UC San Diego, Steinbichler, Comet L3D, ScanArm HD