Producing Geometry You Can Trust

QC provided an engineer for our project who did a great job of collecting the dimensional data for the parts to be reverse engineered, creating the CAD models, and producing prints for manufacturing. He kept in regular contact with me throughout the project, allowing us to quickly resolve issues as they arose. He was also very responsive when asked to make changes to the prints. Overall, a superior job.

- Paul,
Power Generation

Go back to Archive

Checking the Results of the 3D Model

Plan, Do, and then Check. Checking is all about analyzing the data developed from the scan. Data analysis begins with verifying that the point cloud came from a quality scan. This includes evaluating stray points and checking to ensure there was no unplanned movement during the scanning cycle. Point Cloud validation

In this image, a clean scan is compared to an invalid scan where scan layers do not match with one another.

Color comparison to CAD

Analyzing the data repeatedly during theconstruction of theCAD file is an integral part of the 3D modeling process.

Multiple color comparisons such as the one shown here will ensure that all features are present, constructed to the correct size, and that they are in proper position. A complicated component may require more than one hundred color-comparisons before the file is ready for final inspection.

The final inspection should be accomplished with a second set of eyes. Preferably by someone that has manufacturing or tooling experience associated with the product under review. This final check must include a full review of the plan that was written when the project was initially quoted.

Be well informed about how your provider performs the "check" step throughout the build of your model.

Read Past Engineering Articles