Increasing planning certainties through 3D laser scanning?
For a plant layout study ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer was assigned a contract to efficiently create complete plans and sectional views of an existing carmaker production plant. ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer considered the need to implement the laser scanning data into existing CAD systems (AutoCAD/FactoryCAD and RobCAD) without delay as one of the primary goals.
What is the major advantage of 3D laser scanners compared to old-fashioned measurement methods?
Within a short time frame, 3D laser scanners enabled Laserscanning Europe to record and represent the building, the steel construction, the conveyor system, the equipment and supply means — accurate in every detail. That way, 3D laser scanning provided a real and visually faithful representation of the entire installation, which was not obtained in several but in just one step. Thus, the user may use the generated laser scans to obtain additional information and ensure correct planning decisions. Laser scanning is therefore a major factor in ensuring that planning decisions are based upon sound analysis.
Is it possible to analyze point clouds on site?
The engineers of ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer requested an on-site analysis of the scan results without delay. Consequently, Laserscanning Europe provided a new and unique service. To achieve the objectives of the customer, Laserscanning Europe generated layout plans and sectional views with the software Point-Cab. In this particular case, it was on the next day that the planners could use plans and views of the robot cells to examine the position of robots, cable tunnels and safety devices. The automatically generated plans and views could be easily implemented into AutoCAD (FactoryCAD) and RobCAD. Thus, all planners were able to use the generated results in their CAD environments without requiring them to understand the underlying principles of laser scanners and point clouds.
Converting point clouds into as-built 3D CAD models
An on-site analysis was performed while — at the same time — the results were converted into a 3D CAD model for SolidWorks. Based on CAD guidelines (colors, use of layers, etc.) and criteria (content and precision) specified by the client, Laserscanning Europe created CAD models from scanned point clouds. The result was a real representation of the installation, which could be directly used with CAD tools by the client. Planning uncertainties and time-consuming measurements could be drastically reduced on site.
Thanks to this innovative method, the customer of ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer received a CAD model, which is an entire reproduction of reality and can be utilized for other purposes. Accordingly, the data of a supplier may be used, for example, to estimate time and effort or to plan and integrate components into the plant.
