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101- Resource page - What is 3D Scanning

Your end-to-end industrial scanning, metrology, & engineering services partner

What is 3D Scanning?

Get A No-Obligation Quote to fully SEE Any Product

Our engineers are ready to help with your challenges. Send through some initial project details and we'll review and get back to you with a project estimate and additional questions.

Technologically Advanced, Experienced Backed

Delivering the Exact 3D Scanning Services Your Project Requires

Dimensional Inspection
Metrology
Flaw Detection
Failure Analysis
Assembly Accuracy
Reverse Engineering Applications
Capability Study
Layout
Color Map
Porosity Analysis

Wall Thickness Analysis
STL
Engineering Support
Scan Evaluation
Material Identification & Optimization
Engineering Design Assist
Print Development
GD&T Consulting
Datum Structuring
Fixture Design

Faster, Easier, & More In-depth 3D Scans to Get You Answers When You Need Them

Our 3D Scanning is industry leading, but it takes more than just a scan:

Inspection reports get delivered faster, particularly compared to other providers.
Easy to use viewer software, tutorials and help videos.
Access to our experienced team for reviewing results.
Web conferences are always available to discuss results.
Dedicated and responsive account ENGINEERS to keep your tight deadlines met.

3D Scanning & Engineering Experience Across ALL Industries

Serving more than 3,000 clients in a diverse mix of industries.

Medical Devices

Luers, Drug Delivery, Medical Implants, Dental Implants

Automotive

Electric Vehicles, Batteries, Farming & Mining Equipment, Recreational Vehicles, Marine

Aerospace

Manifolds, Pumps, Nozzles, Electronics

Consumer Products

Packaging, Disposable Cutlery, Sporting Goods, Tech Manufacturing

Traditional Manufacturing

Die Casting, Metal Stamping, Plastic Injection Molding, Metal Injection Molding

Additive Manufacturing

3D Printing, Medical Implants, Rapid Prototyping, Direct Manufacturing, Tech Tooling

Defense

Firearms, Weapons Systems, Hypersonics

Equipment & Expertise Make The Difference

Coordinate measuring machine

Cutting-Edge Equipment

Ziess Metrotom 800
Zeiss Metrotom1500
ATOS Q Blue Light Scanner
Unique Laboratory:

- Maintains 68°F ± 0.5°F
- Maintains 45% humidity ± 5%
- Controls dust particulate, light candelas, noise decibels, air velocity
- Maintains positive pressure

Multidisciplinary Team

Work with CT specialists who are physicists. They understand the science behind x-rays.
Team up with designers who are also metrologists. They understand 3D scanning and the uncertainties involved in data capture.
Benefit from mechanical engineers who understand the way your part works, how it was designed, the forces applied to it, and how it fits within the context of an assembly or gage.

Accreditation

Establishes:

Competency of skill
Adequacy of equipment
Reliability of business process/quality management system
Contract review & final inspection
Proven measurement uncertainty

ISO/IEC 17025:2017

3D Scanning in Days, Not Weeks

Product & Problem

Send your part and list specific requirements such as reverse engineering, first article inspection, case study, comparison to CAD and colormap analysis.

Advanced Scanning

Top technology quickly delivers cutting-edge scans & detailed product analysis.

Data Analysis & Support

Results are delivered, backed with our team of engineers to assist in analysis & review.

Case Studies

Colormap of CT scan data within VG software

Challenge:

A major consumer product company struggles to develop, approve, and launch multiple high-level cavitation molds for high-volume production & global distribution.

Solution:

Computed tomography and value-add services from Nel PreTech.

Results:

Client saves $1 million in direct cost and gains $60 million in cash flow four months sooner.

The Scoop: Product development & launch expedited with 3D scanning of new tooling.

View the full Case Study

Industrial CT scanning services allows analysis of hidden elements

Challenge:

Major sporting goods manufacturer needs a CAD model built using scan data from an existing golf club.

Solution:

3D scanning and mesh editing in specialized CAD modeling software to remove features.

Results:

Client saves time with our quick turnaround and develops a new product with our accurate scan data.

A Big Hit: Product development expedited by 3d scanning golf club into CAD model.

Read the full Case Study Read the full Case Study

Blue light scan of an automotive door handle

Challenge:

Global OEM medical device company needs help developing and launching drug delivery pumps.

Solution:

CT scanning and value-add services create a turnkey solution to give the client a competitive advantage.

Results:

20 new tools in 20 weeks.

A Medical Miracle: Drug delivery pumps developed and launched in record time with 3D scanning services.

Read the full Case Study

What is 3D Scanning?

3d scanning is a technology used to collect a 3d data set of an object or part. The digitization process captures the exact size and shape of a part without need for cutting or destruction. The data is then used to construct a 3d model.

Surface variations can be analyzed with user-definable color patterns. Cross sections give the ability to see otherwise hidden features. Materials of different densities and surface finishes are a good fit for 3d scanning as well.

There are a variety of technologies used to acquire x, y, z coordinates of a real-world object. If you choose to work with Nel PreTech, you’ll find we employ the newest 3d scanning technologies. Talk to our experts to find the appropriate fit for your application.

Blue light scan of a handle

Beyond 3D Scanning Services?

Fast 3d scanning and accurate 3d scan data are important to you. Instead of commoditizing 3d scanning, let us show you the value-add 3d scanning services we bring to your parts.

30 years in business
In-depth knowledge of mathematics & ASME standards
Maintain, train, & contribute to development of industry's leading metrology, engineering, & 3d scanning software
Results in days to 1 week

Subject matter experts
Physicists & engineering physics graduates
Trusted consultants
Full attention of our resources
Questions answered within minutes/hours

Legal certification for compliance & protection to our clients
Deep understanding & management of measurement uncertainty
Quality assurance

Types of 3D Scanning

Some of the advanced 3d scanning services you’ll be able to choose from at Nel PreTech are structured light scanning and x-ray computed tomography. Each have their own benefits and applications.

Optical, non-contact, structured blue-light technology is used to measure different object sizes, surface finishes, and shape complexities with repeatable accuracy. This type of 3d scanning projects a fringe pattern across the surface of an object. The way the object distorts the light is recorded and turned into a dense point cloud with millions of points of data. Complex geometries and dense materials are a perfect fit for this type of 3d scanning.

Non-destructive, x-ray computed tomography can provide precise examinations of internal structures and external components. This type of 3d scanning projects a beam of x-rays onto the object and a detector collects the data to form a 3d model. It is often used for flaw detection, failure analysis, assembly accuracy, reverse engineering applications, metrology, and 3d measurement.

AOTS Q blue light scanner

Zeiss Metrotom 1500 computed tomography machine showing display monitor and flat panel x-ray detector.

Interior of Zeiss Metrotom 800 industrial ct scanner

3D Scanning Output Options

Getting to know the customer, the part, and intended use of the 3d scan data we provide helps us determine the best delivery method for your objectives. To learn more about our 3d scanning deliverables read: Engineered Formats & Outputs for 3D Scanning Services.

Four Key Outputs:

1. Raw data: A cloud of points. Sometimes a company may want this data for archival purposes or to test a tool over time to see if there is any wear.
2. STL file: Polygon mesh
3. Surface Wrap: Exact and true representation of the part “as is” in a .step file.
4. Parametric Model: Builds perfect surfaces on top of an imperfect part or scan data.

Additional 3D Scanning Resources

Videos:

3D Scanning Interrogation of Brake Shoe

News:

Bathing in Bluelight

3D Scanning: Additive Manufacturing & Medical Implants

A Dose of Iron: Scanning Golf Clubs

Digital 3D X-ray Images Save Glow Plugs

3D Scan to CAD by Nel Pretech Corporation

Blue light scanning, 3D inspection,

Get More Out Of Your CT Scanning

Download the ultimate CT Scanning Buyer's Guide to improve understanding, time, and efficiency in your scanning needs. Over 50 Pages of useful data and case studies.