[Editor's Note] The 3D scanner market is gradually expanding in various industrial fields. In addition, with the advent of the smart factory and industrial automation era, 3D scanners are attracting attention for the era of customized manufacturing. It is also directly affecting the method of automating dimensional measurement using this. Creaform is a company that develops, manufactures, and sells 3D measurement technology for industrial applications. Our magazine met with Creaform’s Jeon Jeong-hwan to learn about the considerations for implementing automated quality inspection and Creaform’s MetraSCAN-R.

■ 3D scanner market trends and outlook

For 20 years, Creaform has been experiencing growing demand in both manufacturing and research fields, from the commercialization of 3D scanners to the present.

The growth factors of the 3D scanner market can be seen as not only the improved specifications and ease of use compared to the initial products, but also the changes in the industries introducing them.

As scanner applications change, demand is increasing not only for simple dimensional measurement but also for reverse engineering.

The demand for scanning automation across a wide range of industries is expected to grow even more in the future than it does now.

■ Things to consider when introducing automated measurement solutions in the field

When introducing an automated measurement solution, considerations must be made from various angles.

First, the inspection quantity of the product you want to measure through the automated measurement solution.

The model of automated inspection solution to be applied may vary depending on whether full inspection of manufactured products is required or whether frequent inspection is performed on a limited number of units per lot.

Second, dimensional inspection using a 3D scanner is different from the commonly used version in that it conducts inspection by digitalizing the shape of the product in three dimensions.

Although it is possible to perform a three-dimensional inspection, it requires a large amount of data size, so the cycle time suitability must be considered.

Finally, it is necessary to review the space and layout configuration of the site where the automation solution will be applied. />
The layout and size of the robot that will perform the scan are determined based on the product size and on-site space.

Creaform provides guidance on the most suitable solution through continuous meetings.

■ Please introduce the MetraSCAN-R scanner series.

Creaform's MetraSCAN-R series is a product that enables automated solutions by combining the MetraSCAN series, a 3D scanner based on optical tracker and laser scanner modules among its product lineup, with robots.

The MetraSCAN series has already proven its fast scanning speed, accuracy, and usability in many manufacturing sites.

MetraSCAN-R can also help you in a short time by applying the existing advantages.

We also recommend a customized layout automation solution based on the MetraSCAN-R, or a fixed layout measurement cell, the CUBE-R.

■ Application examples of MetraSCAN-R scanner series

Automated dimensional measurement using MetraSCAN-R and CUBE-R is being applied in the manufacturing industry worldwide, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries, including North America, Europe, and China.

With MetraSCAN-R, you can inspect your manufactured products faster, shorten your time to market and gain a competitive edge.

In Korea, MetraSCAN-R is installed at Sungyoung Robotics, a partner of Creaform, and solution testing is possible.

The benefits of MetraSCAN-R can also be confirmed through offline seminars in the second half of this year.

■ LastlyPlease say a word to the readers.

Post-COVID, digital transformation in manufacturing has become an essential element for companies.

3D scanners are also being widely adopted in various industries, and the adoption of 3D scanners by companies will accelerate further.

If you are curious about Creaform's 3D scanner, you can easily check out use cases of technology-leading companies on our official YouTube channel , and feel free to contact Creaform's Korean branch.

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