We are proud to inform you that we have recently purchased an advanced optical measuring instrument (ATOS compact scan) for Hi-Tech Mechanics and for Hi-Tech Engineering Planning and Developing. This device increases the accuracy of measurements and makes it possible to quickly measure every element of the part, particularly in parts that are very complex.
The device is manufactured by a German company called GOM, an abbreviation for Gesellschaft für Optische Messtechnik, which means “optical measurement company”.
It is an innovative machining device based on advanced optical technology permitting parts to be examined without being touched.
The device originates from car industry production lines, and was born out of the need of car manufacturers to quickly sample a large quantity of car parts on their assembly lines, and immediately locate items with deviating dimensions without sending each part to a testing lab.
The bottom line: it permits us to provide you with quick, accurate, high quality service!
Here is a short video demonstrating the new measuring device’s method of operation:
The device is in fact a three dimensional scanner with three cameras photographing the part from three different angles at any given moment. Additionally, it is portable, allowing the part to be photographed from different directions, thus making it possible to obtain accurate dimensions for each of the part’s elements. The device can also compare the results obtained to the model received from the customer and identify deviations.
It is used mainly by our quality control department. Compared to the XYZ device, the optical scanner is much faster, and a detailed report of the part’s dimensions can be obtained within 20 to 30 minutes.
In addition, the device can be used for Reverse Engineering when a 3D model needs to be made for an item for which no model has been received. This is normally performed by Hi-Tech Mechanics’ subsidiary, Hi-Tech Engineering Planning and Developing, as one of the services it provides is Reverse Engineering.
Within seconds a model can be obtained – whereas formerly this would require long hours of work.
In this case, the device samples hundreds or thousands of images of surfaces (depending on the required resolution). A software component called Scan to 3D is used to construct a “cloud of dots”, and this cloud creates surfaces that finally form a 3D model.
Some items are very complex, with elements that are not accurate geometrical elements. For example, a curve with an irregular radius, where the curvature is variable. In such a case, creating a model for this item isn’t simple, and this is one of the tremendous benefits of the Compact Scan.
