Planes become safer through the use of 3D scanning
3D laser scanners have changed the way we manufacture and produce things at high speed. This technology is so useful it has now been adopted as quality control for large companies that have to make accurate, high-quality pieces.
What is 3D laser scanning
3D laser scanners take thousands of pictures of an object and collect information on it. This technology can scan substantial objects like airplanes and buildings, capturing every single detail. From where the object could be missing pieces, to texture, width, size, and overall shape.
After the information is collected, it is then saved in the cloud forever, it is able to be sent across the world for a different team to inspect, or saved for future reference. After the object is saved to the cloud, it can be transferred to a partnering system, this software allows a user to edit the object, 3D print, or create virtual reality from it. All of these ways will enable a researcher or person to thoroughly analyze the scan.
Who is using this technology
Researchers and engineers are using 3D laser scanners to develop faster ways of taking 3D measurements on aircraft to make them safe during flight time. They are using this technology to 100% automate quality control of riveting an aircraft.
A system the aircraft researchers use called Novacam offers riveting inspection that is quick, precise and the best integration with robots for the best quality control. This process of inspecting riveting would take hours a day for less quality.
This system allows engineers to look at the object through the cloud and see all mistakes made through the process and how to fix it quickly. The scanners pick up things like surface cracks, gaps or offsets, burr debris, gaps from tearing of materials, tool marks that are considered defects, rifling defects.
3D laser scanners have allowed aircraft to be safer, and as this technology advances, it will take less time to have a high-quality aircraft for researchers and others to use.
As the systems become better and things become more automated, it will be a rapid process, and the planes will become safer due to 3D measurements and scanning.
Who else can use 3D laser scanners
This technology is not only for researchers or for quality control; it has also been adopted by others. This is a growing market because so many individuals throughout the world have taken use of this technology. Architects have started using this technology to help rebuild historical sites. Researchers from museums have begun using this technology to save and protect artifacts for future generations and maybe even create a virtual museum for people to walk through.
Final thoughts
It has become one of the most versatile tools, and it is no wonder that this technology will grow by a few billion by 2025. Entire companies have started based on this technology. Their goal is to update it and provide the best technology on the market for people to use. As this happens, we will have some of the most high-tech to work with in the future.