3D Scanning

  • A laser scanner is used to capture the three dimensional surface of objects for digital manipulation and inspection. Here a sculpt of the UWM mascot, Pounce, is being scanned.

What is 3D Scanning?

Laser Scanners and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) can map physical complex shapes and translate into electronic CAD models—including complex contoured surfaces—to enable design, quality assurance, and rapid prototyping using 3D printing and machining. It also assists us in generating CAD models when reverse engineering existing parts.

Finally, 3D scans can also be compared to native CAD files to generate inspection data reports of dimensional accuracy.  We can also verify that our parts meet print tolerances and can inspect to within one thousandth of an inch.

Current Equipment

Edge FaroArm and Laser ScanArm

Image of the Edge FaroArm and Laser ScanArm

The Edge FaroArm provides a portable system for mapping the profile of any 3-dimensional object to allow initial CAD baseline models, reverse engineering, dimensional verification, and quality control of manufactured parts.

Software Used: Geomagic Design X, Geomagic Control X