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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

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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