3D Laser Scanning Services Aiding Public Transportation
The Benefits of 3D Technology
Those who operate an Italian trolleybus have figured out that 3D laser scanning services paired with 3D printing can lead to phenomenal solutions. They can create pieces needed to keep the trolley going on-demand through cutting-edge technology. Many people rely on public transportation, and having spare parts is crucial for a well-running system.
When a trolley breaks down, it has to stop completely. This can cause people to run late for work; it can cause the trolley system to back up because this bus has to go back to the station or to a mechanic to get fixed. Having spare pieces could save time, money, and frustration.
Creating 3D printed parts for public transportation has grown over the last several years. It is a trend that is growing rapidly because of all of the benefits. Instead of waiting months for a piece, it could be a much shorter waiting period. This means more trolleys on the schedule and happier residents of an area.
How does 3D laser scanning work?
3D laser scanning services has many forms, but all work relatively the same. They rapidly capture information through pictures or sensors. The information then goes to a computer-aided-design software that then layers the individual images on top of each other for a complete 3D picture.
This data can be fully edited to enhance the accuracy of the image.
How does 3D printing work?
A CAD will feed the 3D printer information that also acts as coordinates. The printer will read this like any other printer, but instead of using flat pieces of paper, it prints physical objects. It uses the coordinates to move its arms which also has a nozzle at the end. The nozzle spews hot material that then hardens. The printer goes layer by layer until there is a complete object.
It allows things to be printed and made with less human interaction and can create intricate pieces faster than a human could make by hand. This means that if only one person in the world has a piece the trolley needs, the information can be sent to the scanner, and they can print it in a shorter period of time rather than wait for a piece to be delivered.
What else is being done with 3D printing?
The most remarkable thing about 3D printing is it is a huge trend in the automotive world. It is being used to make 3D printed parts for race cars, regular cars, and even motorcycles. Custom-made pieces have never been easier to acquire, and it is all because of these two high-tech pieces of equipment.
3D laser scanning services are being used to dissect race cars and figure out how to upgrade the bodies faster than ever before. Most importantly, 3D laser scanning services are also being used to test race cars safety.
Final thoughts
We are seeing 3D laser scanning services being used in powerful ways. However, the best way we see this technology used is by helping public transportation. This is a crucial part of daily life that is often overlooked by others. By getting the pieces quicker, more busses can be in use.
A lot of 3D Printing going on
The project was started by a company that does additive printing, WinSun Construction technologies Group Co., Ltd, located in JinShanYuan, Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone. This company has been doing other projects like toilets, villas, and courtyards. Apparently though they have found their next calling in making public bus stops. The bus stops look like a big rectangle with rounded corners. Inside the rectangle there are seats. All of this is made using 3D printing services material. Each one was produced using a 3D printer and ink, and built layer upon layer. They were first made off site and then transported to each location. The great thing is each of these was created using recycled materials so as to help protect the environment. That is good for China.
Popping up all over
Right now Shanghai is not the only city that has seen these 3D printed bus stops popping up around town. Cities like Fenjing are also seeing them. And because they are not made at onsite, these things can pop up anywhere at anytime. One of the benefits for using a 3D printed bus stop that can be installed at any location and at anytime, is that the cities can test out bus routes. Some bus routes have bus stops with rarely any people. So instead of making everyone always stop at that place, they could move it to another location that would have more people. Also these bus stops can allow for experimenting with different bus stop features. They could try placing desks for study if someone wanted to work as they wait for a bus instead of the normal benches used at most bus stops.
China seems to be doing a good job at putting these 3D printing services to work to create things that are good for the environment and good for communities. I just wonder how many more ideas are waiting to be discovered like these 3D printed bus stops. My guess is that there are a lot.