Enhancing Mold Production with QUICKSURFACE Reverse Engineering software

Precision molds are vital in industrial manufacturing, especially in aerospace, nautical, and automotive industries. F&N COMPOSITI, a leader in this field, specializes in composite component production. In a recent case study, they demonstrated the efficiency of integrating advanced 3D scanning technology with QUICKSURFACE reverse engineering software. This streamlined the mold-making process, focusing on a carbon fiber mold for a bike fork and the fork itself. Let’s explore how this innovative approach is reshaping mold creation.

The Challenge of Mold Making

Designing and creating molds is a major investment in time and money. Using composite materials can internalize this process, cutting costs and speeding up production. Composite molds are lighter and have the same properties as the final product, minimizing expansion and eliminating the need for scaling during mold design.

Advanced 3D Scanning with FreeScan Combo

The first step in the reverse engineering process involves capturing the precise geometry of the mold and the final product. This task is accomplished using the FreeScan Combo 3D scanner by Shining3D. The FreeScan Combo excels in capturing high-resolution, metrology-grade data, crucial for ensuring the digital model matches the physical object with great precision.

The scanner employs laser scanning technology, ideal for objects with complex geometries and challenging surfaces, such as the black, reflective carbon fiber mold and fork. The scanning process entails placing markers on the objects and using a turntable to capture circular and symmetrical geometries efficiently.

QUICKSURFACE: From Scan to CAD

QUICKSURFACE is a powerful tool for converting scanned 3D data into CAD models. It integrates seamlessly with any 3D scanner capable of exporting STL or PTX files. Unlike some software that struggles with handling large point clouds and complex meshes, QUICKSURFACE excels in managing and optimizing this data.

Key Features of QUICKSURFACE

• Mesh Editing: QUICKSURFACE provides robust tools for editing meshes, including closing holes and optimizing surfaces, crucial for ensuring the digital model is complete and accurate.

• Alignment and Comparison: The software allows precise alignment of the scanned model with the original CAD design through a point alignment method, ensuring accurate alignment.

• Deviation Analysis: QUICKSURFACE can create a deviation graph that visually represents differences between the scanned model and the CAD design, allowing for fine-tuning and adjustments.

• Section Extraction and Lofting: For complex shapes like the bike fork, QUICKSURFACE can extract 2D sections along the model, used to reconstruct the model accurately in a CAD environment using the loft command.

Exporting and Final Adjustments

After the reverse engineering process, the model can be exported in STEP format, fully editable in a CAD environment, allowing for final adjustments and refinements before manufacturing.

Conclusion: The Future of Mold Making

The fusion of advanced 3D scanning with QUICKSURFACE reverse engineering software is transforming mold-making. It captures precise data, creating editable CAD models, cutting costs, saving time, and improving product quality. These evolving technologies drive efficiency and innovation across industries.

Utilizing tools like the FreeScan Combo and QUICKSURFACE keeps companies leading in industrial manufacturing. They guarantee products meet top standards in quality and performance.

Thanks to our partners CREA 3D for this case study.

Lerm more about QUICKSURFACE software here: www.quicksurface.com