Rapid prototyping when accurately converting clay models into CAD files

Applications: Product Development and Design, Reverse Engineering
Industries: Consumer Products

Challenge: Digitizing complex physical objects for prototypes

When designing a first prototype, it is wise to make a physical model first in order to hold it and try it. Indeed, the physical reality is often different from the CAD models. Thus, a first prototype will enable designers to make modifications to style lines and ensure a perfect design. In addition, it is interesting to look at what the market is already offering to ensure that the foreseen design is better than what the competition offers. However, what rapid prototyping phases need to be monitored or archived digitally? How should one take this information and bring it back to CAD software? How should complex physical objects be digitized? How should the proof of concept be made?

Solution: Clay Models and 3D scanning

When designing complex shapes, the easiest approach is often to use clay models, which can be converted easily into 3D models. Designers and engineers have the flexibility and freedom to play with the prototypes until they achieve the perfect shape. 3D scanning can rapidly digitize complex shapes in high resolution for a fast and accurate conversion of the clay models into CAD files.

Benefit: Accelerate time-to-market for new products

3D scanning technology offers a versatile and user-friendly solution that yields accurate measurements quickly while eliminating the need for long measurement sessions and costly prototypes. The competition analysis is done quickly, the design of the part is done efficiently, and the modifications are integrated into the CAD model easily. Thus, a lot of time is saved, allowing designers to accelerate the time-to-market for their new products.

SCOTT Sports

For Bertrand Didier, Chief Engineer in the Sports Division at SCOTT Sports SA, 3D scanning was the perfect solution for the development of high-performance headgear that meets both the industry’s safety requirements and athletes’ fit and comfort needs. Using Creaform’s HandySCAN 3D, Didier’s team was able to significantly reduce the design and production cycle time. The 3D scanner provided required assistance to facilitate the shape’s integration and improve overall design efficiency, accelerating time-to-market. The size and portability of the scanner allowed SCOTT engineers and industrial designers to 3D model the helmet right in their offices, which also proved to be a significant time saver. Thus, HandySCAN 3D scanner helps designers accelerate time-to-market for their new products.

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