Digital Engineering Service: 3D Scanning

Whether scanning individual parts and components to tackle obsolescence, scanning critical components for condition-based maintenance or scanning entire vehicles to aid multi-million pound integration projects.

3D scanners are yet another use of innovation technology to speed up our response to engineering concerns. We can 3D scan parts and components and quickly digitalise the files, aiding rapid design and removing the need for manual measurements and 2D drawings. The result is reduced time to component production which ensures your vehicle is back in service quicker.

It isn’t just 3D scanning individual parts and components, we manage yearly service contracts to scan critical components such as fuel tanks – providing both scan data and supporting structural analysis and corrosion inspections to provide time-stamped condition assessments. We can also 3D scan space envelopes to validate installation as part of a large integration project or 3D scan larger sub-systems to aid with engineering change, re-design or other technical requirements.

From 3D Scanning to Production

The primary aim of the 3D scanning process is to capture as much information as possible on parts where drawings and spares are not currently available. This raw 3D scan data is then post processed and converted into a useable STL file format. We then use CAD to convert this STL file to a STEP file whilst adding new features and improving the design. This STEP file can then be used to manufacture the parts using a wide array of available digital manufacturing processes.

4. tech spec space profile scanner

Request a scan

A 3D scanning day is a visit to a site or depot where we aim to scan as many parts with obsolescence or supply chain issues as possible. We will undertake 3D scanning of a pre-defined list of components and once scanned, we will complete an initial feasibility study of their suitability for digital manufacture, either 3D printed or otherwise.

Parts can also be sent to our site in Derby and returned to you once the digital data has been captured.

We then look to provide indicative costs for the re-engineering and future supply of each component.