Introduction

A 3D Laser Scanner is a device, and it is a method to capture a physical object’s exact size and shape in the computer world as a digital three-dimensional representation.

3d laser scanning is like taking a picture but with depth. So that they can be remodeled in the digital world. It delivers a faster and more accurate approach to data collection, and it is a cost-effective approach for creating as-builts of a facility. It is usually done for the purpose of 3d modeling. The benefits of 3d laser scanning are high accuracy, long-range, rapid data acquisition, and many more. Manufacturing, Automobiles, Power Plants, Oil & Gas Industry, and Heavy Engineering are starting to steadily adopt this technology and use 3D scans for development, comparisons, record keeping, new building, and alterations.

What is 3d Laser Scanning?

The 3D laser scanner is a device that captures shapes of surrounding objects in a form of “point clouds” which means that all information becomes digitized. The data can be utilized for modeling, monitoring of infrastructure, designs, and many more. With laser scanning, we are capable of measuring a target in one day which would take one-month using traditional methods. It can reduce production schedule, minimize risks and enhance operational efficiency. 3D scanning and modeling can be used to create detailed digital models of factory and plant layouts, which can be used for planning and design and also for virtual reality experiences that permit workers to interact with digital models of the factory or plant in a safe and immersive way, which can help to enhance training and maintenance.

How Does a 3D Laser Scanner Work and Output in the Manufacturing Sector?

3D laser scanning is very simple in principle. A laser scanner is mounted on a tripod and positioned within the area to be scanned. The laser will start scanning, measuring distance one point at a time. It collects accurate data by radiating laser light and then calculating how long it takes for the light to hit the surface and reflect back to the sensors. This collection of measurements is called a point cloud. A 3D point cloud is a collection of data points identical to the real world in three dimensions which provide engineers with the information to make a mesh and CAD file of the object. The amount of information included in these point values permits users to build the most accurate models possible digitally. It is powerful and dynamic information storage technology.

When to use Laser Scanning in Manufacturing?

Major manufacturers have seen the potential of this technology in the virtual manufacturing world. Many manufacturers want to build or redesign new manufacturing facilities. However, in many instances, the current installation buildings lack new plant layouts or records. The traditional way of documenting a layout is usually with the help of 2D CAD drawings which are susceptible to measurement mistakes like human error, and changes that are not updated regularly. In these cases, the required data on current layouts can be accurately supplied by a laser scanner for planning purposes. The point clouds produced through 3D scanning are being utilized in industries to verify installments of machines and plan layout improvements.

Reasons to use 3D Scanning

• Lack of drawings
• No modification documents are available.
• Modernization and remodeling of existing buildings
• Relocation of the whole plant
• Investigation of hazardous plant

Benefits for Industrial Sites

• Minimize shutdown times.
• Calculate the most complex industrial building accurately and quickly and it is more accurate than traditional methods.
• This 3d Laser scanning permits us to get measurements in hard-to-reach areas without putting someone in unsafe conditions.

Laser scanning for the digital factory

3D laser scanning is a real breakthrough for industrial applications. The digital factory represents the idea of a network with digital models, methodologies, and various applications that integrate the planning and design of a production system. Nowadays more companies utilize laser scanning for modern plant construction projects. Building a new factory or installing a new machine in an existing flow is absolutely costly.

Changes are always more costly at the end of a project than at the beginning. Making errors and having to redo them in retrospect must be avoided. Therefore, this 3d laser scanning is more cost-effective to simulate the factory in the digital environment. Digital representation of the production line will support us in better managing our industry in several ways. BIM models will exponentially facilitate maintenance processes and will cut downtime and costs.

Scanning services we offer

At Desapex our 3D scanning services can assist you to make smarter decisions during any remodel or construction project. Our scanners will capture your “as-is'' data, integrating references and actual measurements. It will help you make knowledgeable decisions about the machines and building in a fraction of the time. No matter how complicated your project or objects are, our 3D scanning service will help you capture exact scans to provide your project with valuable data and models. By utilizing our 3D laser scanning technology, you will get a detailed, as-built survey of your environment to speed up your project planning by eliminating the need for revisits or multiple inspections.

Conclusion

The 3D laser scanner has more benefits compared with traditional measurement methods. Major advantages are saving a lot of time, fast and accurate measurement and it is suitable for measuring complex objects and their details on the surface.  In Industry 4.0, this 3d technology is used to produce data useful for manufacturing, modifying components, and enhancing quality.