Marine Aerodynamics Now Possible with the Use of 3D Laser Scanners
Sports cars aren't the only aerodynamic vehicles using 3D scanning technology
3D laser scanners have opened up numerous ways to create and invent new objects that improve consumers’ lives in various ways. It is no longer for individuals to use, but this technology can now be used for mass production. 3D laser scanning has become one of the best, budget-friendly ways to create large scale products with accuracy.
With the unlimited amount of uses, 3D laser scanning has emerged in various fields. It will continue to be adopted globally among different professionals.
Who can benefit from 3D laser scanning
Any artist looking for accurate measurements will benefit from this technology. Doctors who are performing full-body scans. Project managers are seeking to access all of the details of a previous space or scene to renovate and rebuild. Architects who are looking to rebuild homes in third world countries. Students who are looking to have the best study buddies. Now, this technology has entered the field of aerodynamics, merging it with something that usually wouldn’t fly, boats. Creating marine aerodynamics with the help of 3D laser scanning.
Making this possible
Scott Porta took on the challenge of merging the marine industry with aerodynamics. This is no easy task since it involves a lot of time and tedious studying of how the entire product would work before even starting the construction of it. Porta was able to take a 3D scanner from FARO technologies; these scanners are usually used for very prestigious sports cars.
Clay Ratcliffe, who is the performance project lead, says, “The FARO Super 6DoF TrackArm Technology was the perfect choice. After reviewing and performing test scans with the available technologies, it was the only system that did not require any compromise between the physical size of the job, the accuracy over that volume, any line of sight challenges caused by the size and shape of the subject matter and the resolution required to adequately capture the complex surfaces.”
Once everything is scanned with this technology, the team will be able to 3D print a model that can be tested in a wind tunnel. Giving the team an accurate way to examine how the design would actually work on the water. The overall goal of this research is to create a boat that can sail through the wind and sea.
Once this is complete, this boat will be able to compete in the world championship in the Offshore Powerboat Association. Also known as OPA.
Ed Smith CEO of OPA says, “In the automotive industry, all new cars are tested on the track before production. For us, OPA is proud to be slated as the primary real-time test tool for this new technology. With our variety of wind, water, and weather conditions, we are the logical choice. We see this as a new marine design solving old school problems.”
3D laser scanning has changed the way researchers invent objects but giving them precise and accurate details at a fast pace. These characteristics make this technology unbeatable in many aspects, and the adoption of this technology will expand globally in all areas of life.