For many years, the standard deliverable for inspection results from a 3D scanner has been an exported report in PDF format that includes both tabular and visual deviation information. From a 30,000-foot view of the deviation of an as-built part, as compared to a nominal CAD file, to GD&T dimensional analysis results for 10’s to 100’s of dimensions, these reports were a great way to illustrate part characteristics in a more real world, 3-dimensional view. However, the info provided in these PDF reports is static, and interaction with the data is limited. This is made more frustrating when analyzing 3D Computed Tomography (CT) data, as some of the most valuable information is included in the internals of the part, and investigation steps may not be fully known until the data is captured and reviewed.
Let’s Investigate!
To solve the limitations of previous industry standards, Volume Graphics created a free viewer software, myVGL, to allow visualization, interrogation and further analysis of projects created in Volume Graphics Studio Max software. These projects include 3D scan data in the form of voxel, mesh and point cloud formats and allow for part to part and part to CAD comparisons analyzing both form and dimensional details. Additionally, with the addition of the internal material structure information, customers can now understand the material make-up of their part and identify changes in material density and locate defects such as porosity and inclusions. The myVGL free viewer software gives any user the access to this information in an easy-to-use package designed for flexibility and convenience. Rotate, section through, clip and even take precise point to point measurements of the results provided and then easily share with internal and external resources to help communicate findings and define next steps!
With such a powerful tool, why settle for anything else. Take a look at the information below, and the video included, to see how the features within the viewer can help expand your inspection capabilities.
Multiple Layout Views
When working with Laser Design, we provide the best method for 3D measurement and our deliverables include applicable solutions to fit your communicated need. When that need is not able to be defined until the data is collected, our engineer will work with the customer to review the data and setup the layout of your Volume Graphics project in a way that is most beneficial for you. For example, if your part is created from a revolve, and has features concentric to the center axis, our engineer could customize your project to include a view that allows visualization of a cross-sectional plane that rotates around the center axis of the part, or a feature defined in the inspection. The typical default layout is a top, front, right and 3D view. Within each view, the user can see the results that the Laser Design engineer has provided, along with expanding the measurement capabilities with the tools provided in the myVGL viewer. Following is a list of some of the most useful and easy to use tools that can add to the initial results provided.
- Distance point to point measurements: With a single click and drag, the user has the ability to take linear measurements directly on the surfaces within the 2D views.
- Angle (3 points): This is a great tool for inspectors in need of checking for positive/negative draft on side walls.
- Angle (4 points): Like the 3 point, adding an additional point provides the inspector with a more precise measurement option.
- Polyline length: Allows the inspector to measure the length about a free form surface.
- Indicator Notes: Make notes throughout the inspection process for easier and efficient communication when sharing information.
Additionally, a web-based review of the scan data is provided after the initial results are available and the findings can be discussed, and our team will assist with interpreting the data if needed. Through this interactive process, we can create bookmarks within the main Volume Graphics project that essentially capture and save a screen shot of the current view so the user can easily revert to that view when analyzing and discussing the project. Any bookmarks saved in the main project are available when that project is opened by the myVGL viewer software making it easy to navigate to critical areas that have been identified in previous review steps and to share these results with others.
Scan to CAD Overlay
Most products are manufactured from a nominal CAD model. Our engineers at Laser Design can import your CAD data and overlay the scan via best fit, datum alignment, etc. Once we achieve the alignment, a nominal vs actual analysis can be performed to check for deviation. The myVGL viewer allows the user to take annotation points directly on the surface to calculate for deviation. Specify the tolerance of the product and the engineer can modify the color spectrum to show where surfaces are out.
Looking to Measure Critical Dimensions?
Provide the Laser Design team with your 2D drawing and highlight the dimensions you need extracted. We want to make your life as easy as possible. Our engineers will analyze your scan and extract any critical radii, diameters, linear dimensions, GD&T callouts, etc.
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