Data until October 2023 Scanners, for example, are able to capture the geometry of a product down to the microns, enabling manufacturers to identify design deviations. According to a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study, researchers found that 3D scanning was performed 50 percent faster when compared to traditional manual methods. This efficiency allows for rapid decision-making and less downtime on production lines.
Scan3D’s capability of creating a detailed 3D model enables accurate measurements of all critical dimensions. For example, a single 3D scanner can collect millions of data points in mere seconds and allow you to quickly assess certain product features ranging from angles and edges to surface textures. This feature enhances the overall precision of the measurements, minimizing the chance of missing defects.
In automotive manufacturing, for instance, firms such as Tesla deploy 3D scanners for quality control to examine the fit and finish of body components. Engineers can detect the slightest distortion or misalignment in the parts by scanning them. They then use a 3D scanner to verify that the parts are within the tolerances needed for the strictest industry standards so that that the finished product is safe and performs. In fact, 3D scanners have been known to reduce the error rates for quality control assessment by 90% as compared to traditional inspection methods, according to industry reports.
Experts in the field of manufacturing quality control, including Dr. John Hart, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, have noted how 3D scanning technology is “revolutionizing traditional approaches to quality inspection.” His work also emphasizes the immediacy provided by the real-time data of 3D scanners, making immediate production adjustments a key to reducing defects and improving the consistency of finished products.
In fact, the application of quality control via 3D scanning is not limited to the manufacturing floor. This helps in reverse engineering of a defective product to find flaws in the design and rectifying it accordingly. For instance, in medical device manufacturing, manufacturers leverage their 3D scanners to verify that prototypes and end products comply with strict regulatory standards and are operational.
An efficient tool like the 3d scanner speeds up the quality control processes and in turn, cuts down the costs associated with rework and product recalls. These scanners empower organisations to keep their quality standards high, but at the same time also improve their manufacturing capabilities by allowing detailed inspections and accurate measurements.