Inspect the unexpected

15-11-21 3D Inspection measures

Traditional mold measuring methods are generally done manually using contact measuring tools such as vernier measuring tools or micrometers. A few attributes, such as mold width, height and depth, can be measured, while the surfaces’ curvature and concave surfaces are challenging to measure. These measuring methods can be complicated and time-consuming and make it challenging to ensure large mold measurements’ quality and accuracy.

So, noncontact 3D scanner measurement is gradually becoming one of the primary mold inspection and measurement methods. There is a wide array of 3D inspection tools powered by different scanning technologies. For example, blue light 3D scanning. This process precisely captures small and filigree details of small- to medium-sized objects rigidly requiring persistent performance in their product lifecycle.

Blue light 3D scanning technology can help significantly to inspect the dimensions of a nut assembly and ensure accurate mold maintenance. Measurement requirements include key dimensions according to the drawing. The pitch directly affects whether the bolt and nut will fit together. The half-angle (15 degree angle) of the threaded crescent will affect the fit of the nut and bolt tooth pattern, and the consistency of the flatness of the tooth profile affects the degree of surface engagement of the bolt and nut. Conventional measurement methods are inconvenient due to the spiral arrangement of the teeth. It takes half a day to measure one product.

Using a blue light 3D scanner, you can capture the nut’s 3D data and then import it into measuring software. There are no shape restrictions, and cross sections can be easily measured after 3D data acquisition. The measurement process is as follows:

(example for a NUT measurement)

Use 3D scanning to acquire 3D point cloud data.
Import data into the measurement software and coordinate alignment.
Measure pitch and profile by making a 2D cross section.
Measure the nut I.D. and profile flatness by creating cylindrical features and planes.
The measurement accuracy is up to 0.01 millimeter (0.39 inch), and you can scan and measure within one hour.

Using 3D scanning to acquire 3D point cloud data of headlights.
You can also use blue light 3D scanning to perform a full-size inspection of an automobile lamp housing (e.g. plastic parts). Deviation caused by processing is a human factor and caused by temperature and humidity that affects accuracy. Plus, the out-of-tolerance dimension also impacts the assembly of lights and related parts. Traditional inspection methods, such as calipers and micrometers, can cause deformation of the workpiece.

A blue light 3D scanner can capture the 3D data of the lamp housing and import that data into the measuring software. The measurement process is as follows:

Use 3D scanning to acquire the 3D point cloud data of headlights.
Import the scan and CAD data into the measurement software, align the coordinates and generate the 3D deviation chromatogram.
Perform full-size measurements.
Measurement accuracy is up to 0.01 millimeter (0.39 inch), and you can complete the whole digitizing and measuring task in three hours.

The process itself is easy to perform, accurate and fast, so, in the present we might infer that rhis should be an automotive standard.