Why car manufacturers depend on 3D scanning

The variety of car models available today is huge. In the UK alone, there are over 3,000 companies involved in the automotive sector. Back in 1950, Volkswagen produced just two models of car – the Beetle and the Transporter. But today, we live during a time when a focus on frequent model changes and smaller volumes of cars is the leading strategy of car companies. And to do this successfully, they need 3D scanning. Read more about our work in the automotive sector and how we helped Roger Clark Motorsport over the finish line! THE FUTURE OF CAR MANUFACTURING With so many models being created, many are looking towards a new way to produce a wide range of vehicles efficiently and affordably. A car factory with one production line, able to manufacture multiple models, is likely what this future will look like in the automotive industry. It would make production more flexible, with more robots, and higher levels of digitisation. 3D MODELS FOR PRODUCTION LINES Computer scientists can send a 3D scanner through the production line during live operation. The data gathered can then be used to generate 3D images of said production line. Then, using this model, car manufacturers can simulate changes that would allow them to produce a new model of car. This process isn’t fast. It takes around a month in total. But, the advantage is that 3D modelling is an accurate way to analyse the production line as construction plans, if they are available, are usually outdated as small changes are constantly being made. The 3D scanner also allows them to access hard-to-reach areas. At the end of the process, it’s easier to see where changes need to be made. For example, if ceilings need converting to prevent collisions during production or if machinery needs moving. It’s not only easier, but also less expensive to test this virtually rather than in real life. REVERSE ENGINEERING While most of the focus in automotives is on brand new models, 3D scanning also comes with huge benefits to lovers of classic cars. These cars can be over 100 years old and, before 3D printing, finding parts to replace old ones was impossible. With 3D scanning, you can scan the old part and use the data to reverse engineer a brand new one that fits the dimensions perfectly. DESIGN 3D scanning has also provided a cost-effective way to use existing car shapes to influence new designs. A 3D model of a car can then be adapted and changed to produce a new design, altering some of the features. An example of this is the Polish supercar project, Arrinera Hussarya. During this project, the team used a professional SMARTTECH 3D scanner to get geometric information about the car parts. They designed and manufactured a sports clutch, which is subject to different pressures than a normal clutch, by using the design of an existing clutch on the market then redesigning it in CAD software to fit their new vehicle. 3D scanning is a fast-developing technology that is already influencing the automotive world. The technology will continue to advance and its impact is likely to be felt throughout more of society.

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