"After testing several systems during complex procedures, we opted for the HandySCAN 3D scanner, based on our decision criteria. Even today, we're confident that we made the right decision.
TÜV AUSTRIA AUTOMOTIVE GMBH is an accredited technical service provider, specializing in the testing, inspection and approval of vehicles and components, as well as electromotive and automated driving systems. The company advises customers on all relevant fleet issues, with a focus on the economic and ecological use of new driving technologies. Since 2018, the company has been using a HandySCAN 3D in his workshop for his services.
Why invest in a new measuring system?
Today, most companies have measuring systems, or use services to measure components or whole objects. In the past, TÜV AUSTRIA AUTOMOTIVE has used portable devices to measure the contours of brake linings on a vehicle. However, it was necessary to attach these devices to the vehicle with several adapters. By digitizing the required contour with the measuring tip, a point cloud was created and the contour was displayed as a 2D file in the AutoCAD program. Since traditional measuring devices were custom-made products, they could only be used for very precise applications. The company's measuring capabilities were therefore very limited. In addition, it was generally necessary to manufacture replacement parts, which were very difficult to obtain and costly.
The challenge was to find a low-cost 3D measurement system that would also help the company expand its range of state-of-the-art inspection services in the future. The purchase was also influenced by additional criteria such as a visible improvement in measurement quality and traceability, as well as a reduction in errors. In addition, the new system had to be easy to handle, reduce the effort required to carry out measurements, and improve efficiency and user satisfaction. These numerous requirements had to be incorporated into a new, modern and scalable measurement system.
Choosing the HandySCAN 3D
After three years of evaluating numerous systems, and after TÜV AUSTRIA AUTOMOTIVE had provided an overview of the measurement technologies available on the market, the HandySCAN 3D, Creaform's portable 3D scanner, was chosen.
The HandySCAN 3D met basic requirements concerning its suitability for applications in the fields of quality control, competitive product analysis, temperature control, transfer of 3D scans to CAD, finite element analysis and reverse engineering. Mobility, flexibility and ergonomics were also factors in the investment decision. Thanks to the HandySCAN 3D's laser technology, it can be used outdoors in sunlight, as well as scanning glossy surfaces without the need for additional white powder. The 3D data preparation, data quality and support provided by Creaform (e.g. device replacement in case of failure) also made the decision easy. The accuracy of the 3D scanner was decisive for our future services.
Fields of application
The HandySCAN 3D is used in conjunction with VXelements and Geomagic Design X software for a wide variety of measurement tasks carried out by TÜV AUSTRIA AUTOMOTIVE, mainly in the workshop. In addition to measuring the circumferential distance in the wheel well at the stop, the 3D scanner can also be used to measure rims, floors, trunks, RDKS sensors, engine compartments and gaps when replacing components. In future, the 3D scanner can also be used to assess hail damage to body parts.
At present, TÜV Austria AUTOMOTIVE is also involved in the development of a database for the automotive supplier industry. This means that in future it will be possible to derive the required dimensions based on a 3D model, in order to produce the corresponding prototype. - key word: accessory parts. As TÜV Austria AUTOMOTIVE already uses one of the world's largest databases, comprising serial production data from all automotive brands worldwide, this service will be offered additionally. The data will be available as a fast, easy and high-quality download for registered customers.
The purchase of the HandySCAN 3D has already paid for itself in a very short time. Previously, two employees had to operate the measuring system, whereas only one is now required with the 3D scanner. The FMECA analysis has shown that the use of the 3D scanner has considerably reduced risks. Data can be traced and verified more easily, which means that the majority of costs associated with direct and indirect errors can be avoided in the future.
"After testing several systems for complex procedures, we opted for the HandySCAN 3D scanner, based on our decision criteria. Even today, we're confident that we made the right decision," explains Friedrich Fleischer, Dipl.-Wirt. Ing (FH) (industrial engineering graduate) at TÜV AUSTRIA AUTOMOTIVE GMBH.
Measurement of circumferential distance in wheel arches, as well as component deviations from customer drawings.
More on the web : www.creaform3d.com