In a Sulkava-based engineering company Rautaseiska Ltd, custom-made individual machines and equipment for various needs are manufactured. In this case example, 3D scanning was utilized for reverse engineering in the design of a spreader tool. Since there were no precise dimensional data available for the 500 kg capacity spreader, it was decided to scan the component. Using a Handyscan Elite scanner, the scanning process took approximately 30 minutes. From the scanned model, a 3D model in STL format was saved and imported into Autodesk Inventor. With the precise 3D model, the design of the plate parts related to the spreader was carried out without any additional hassle.
Lassi Toropainen, from the management of Rautaseiska, is satisfied with the execution.
The manufacturing process was pleasant to start when we knew that the fitting of the parts had been precisely done in the 3D model during the design phase, which was based on the physical object. The scanning method brought predictability to manufacturing in this case, and functional solutions could be planned in advance during the design phase, which shortened the manufacturing lead time and reduced manufacturing costs. We will likely continue to utilize this method in the future.
The starting point of the scan was to obtain the necessary dimensional data in 3D format for the reverse modeling of the spreader. Therefore, small imperfections in the model were allowed, and there was no desire to spend unnecessary time on scanning or, for example, disassemble the spreader into small parts. In practice, the spreader was scanned from two positions, and the scans were merged together using common surfaces. With Handyscan Elite, the scanning accuracy can reach up to four hundredths of a millimeter, which enables its suitability for a wide range of precise needs.
In comparison, the supplier's product image (red) and the scanned 3D model (blue)
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