What is Inspection?

Inspection in 3D scanning services is about ensuring that a design or prototype is fit for purpose – an essential part of any scanning service.

What is Inspection used for?

It helps build an awareness of the integrity of a part or project – providing peace of mind about exactly what you need to proceed. With quality prized above all else in the current market, conducting a comprehensive 3D scan of a product can help assure your team or clients about its quality.

Who uses Inspection?

An ever-growing range of industry sectors including Aerospace, Automotive, Heavy Industry, Research and Development, Investment Castings, Forensic Archaeology, Sculpture/Arts, Medical, Animation, Film Industry, Tool making, Product Design and Product Development.

Would you like to know more about how we can assist you with your 3D Printing and Scanning requirements?

Why Inspect?

A NEED FOR LEGAL COMPLIANCE | Depending on the sector that you are operating within, it may be a legal requirement to ensure that your product or parts are produced to the highest possible standards. EFFICIENCY ISSUES | If your product must be constructed to withstand certain tolerances or adhere to specific standards, using a 3D scanning service can help save valuable time and in-house resource. SPECIFIC CLIENT REQUESTS | They may ask for a 3D scan validation from an external provider to ensure that the product matches the original brief and is fit for purpose. PROBLEM RESOLUTION | Refining a product or tool is a highly exacting and exhaustive process. Once it is complete, it’s helpful to ensure the logged problem has been addressed and – in doing so – that other elements of the design have not been significantly changed.

When do you need to carry out 3D scan inspections?

Considering a 3D scan inspection can be helpful if it involves the following elements:

SIGNIFICANT COMPLEXITY | Using a 3D scanner takes as much time to measure conventional parts as it does complex elements. That can lead to significant time savings when it matters most.

DELICATE OR SENSITIVE COMPONENTS | If your item is delicate or needs to be handled with care, deploying a 3D scanner allows you review and inspect elements of the build without risk of breakage or interference.

A NEED FOR CATALOGUING | When an item is scanned for inspection, a digital replica is created. This can then be converted into a CAD file for 3D printing or used as a digital twin to test tolerances and understand areas of improvement for future build or redesigns.

AN ELEMENT OF UNCERTAINTY | If you are unsure why a specific part or element is failing and are unable to locate the fault, creating a 3D scan lets you get a holistic view of the item. Coupled with professional experience from the team conducting the scan, it can highlight areas of concern or focus for future revisions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | 3D scanning is rarely the end of the process. Having a provider that allows for follow-on actions means that – after the element has been scanned – you can take advantage of additional actions such as 3D printing, reverse engineering, or other complimentary processes that can be undertaken with ease.

What should you look for?

If you are thinking of approaching a provider, here are a few characteristics that are worth looking for when it comes to scanning your product or component:

Experience: 3D scanning is a complex and exacting process, and your provider should be suitably seasoned and fully qualified. Take the time to review their previous clients and keep an eye out for industries that place weight on correctness and performance. That includes aerospace and engineering companies or a wide range of previous clients that provide positive testimonials.

Quality: Ensure that the company enacts their scans to the highest industrial standards. Ideally, any scans undertaken should be carried out in a temperature controlled and air-conditioned room to eliminate variables in material change. The equipment should also be annually recertified, and the team members regularly retrained.

Insight: Along with experience, it’s helpful to get a better sense of the professionals operating in the company. While 3D scanning is relatively new, an individual with a long history in your sector can help provide essential guidance when it matters most – letting you course correct and save on resource expenditure.

What do we do?

If you are interested in undertaking a comprehensive 3D scan, our team at Central Scanning are ready to work with you.

That includes tasks such as part-to-part inspection, CAD-to-part inspection, first article inspection reports and more.

As standard, we regularly recertify our machines and ensure they are continuously maintained to the highest possible standards. In addition to our suite of scanning options, we also offer a range of additional services such as 3D printing work, manufacturing options, and rapid-prototyping actions for proof of concept pieces and more. We can provide additional insight into your work and collaborate with you to ensure you are informed about the specifics of your item and help provide guidance about what steps to take next.

Our previous clients include businesses from the aerospace and automotive industries and representatives from industrial foundries and the nuclear energy sector.

Our 3D scan inspections can cater for methods that include, but are not limited to best fit, rps and feature-based alignment approaches. This is further supported by detailed feedback that includes-

  • Spring back analysis
  • Colour graphic maps
  • Sectional information
  • Wear or distortion characteristics
  • Clearance or interference fit analysis
  • Aerofoil shift and twist analysis

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGIES, OUR TEAM AT CENTRAL SCANNING ARE READY AND ABLE TO HELP.