Scan a part into digital format

[dsi]

We use a part, referred to as a transition nozzle, that I need to model and perform finite element analyses on. This part is simply a short section of pipe that is smashed on one end. The supplier has given some very rough dimensions for these parts. I would like to have the part electronically scanned in such that I can get a list of points on the inside and outside surfaces of the part. Unfortunately, I do not know where to begin looking. I am not even sure what the actual process is called.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

 

[asmenut]

You might try your CAD reseller. Most resellers also do consulting work doing such as you describe. They may even be able to suggest vendors that you can obtain teh software and hardware needed if this task is needed frequently.

 

[13]

I would recommend that you contact the manufacturer and ask if they have a 3D version of the part somewhere. You could save yourself a lot of time by just asking.

 

[lyletk]

Option 1
I agree with 13. Many vendors supply engineers with CAD files via email. Its worth a try.

Option 2
My company had a large aircraft panel that we needed to match a backplate with. Our machine shop used its coordinate measuring machine to locate all of the holes and perimeter cuts. We had a perfect match.

 

If I understand what yo are saying. You need to know the coordinates of the neutral fiber of the wall of this piece of pipe. If it is not to big, you can go with your metrology guy, and have him design an experiment to obtain the coordinates on a longitudinal section; the rest is mathematics so you can generate the coordinates for the rest of the points, to feed your FEA pre-processing program.

 

[JEDIDI]

I know a solution using laser. That is in France. trimicron@aol.com

JEDIDI
s.jedidi@mepax.com

 

[MortenDK]

I have been in the same situation, maybe it now will be solved by a program called "photomodeler" . They have a homepage:

http://www.photomodeler.com

I haven't tried to import the files to my cad yet (still looking for time to test the 'lite' version), but if they work fine withouth too much manual labour, It will be precise enough to cover my needs.
Morten K. Thillemann

 

[dsi]

I found what I was looking for, a service with a coordinate measuring machine. This will scan the actual part with a laser and report the coordinates to almost any density. Thank you for all of your help!