Metrology within the Plastic & Injection Mold Industry
Utilizing: ATOS 3D Scanners, TRITOP Photogrammetry, Software, and/or Automation
In plastic and injection molding processes, 3D metrology supports and speeds up all phases in thermoplastic and injection molding: from prototype & tool construction to first article inspection reports through to assembly analysis and load testing. Full-field surface measurements guarantee faster sampling inspection and targeted tool correction, thereby reducing production lead times. Capture 3D metrology solutions are utilized in various processes to optimize plastic and injection mold manufacturing.
Some examples include:
Design
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Concept / Prototype Digital DefinitionQuickly capture the engineering and design intent in an accurate 3D point cloud. High resolution “clean” scan data accelerates downstream processing. |
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Physical to Digital Model Re-creationRapidly scan and generate an accurate 3D digital definition to support CAD model creation. Capture various design iterations and archive “as manufactured” condition. |
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Digitizing Organic, Complex, and Intricate ShapesATOS software automatically merges multiple scans to deliver crisp data on small and intricate features. Scan without costly fixturing set-ups. |
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Small Parts and Components ScanATOS can be configured to various sized measuring volumes. User-defined point spacing ensures the accurate scan capture of very small features. |
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Extra Large Parts ScanFrom fingerprint grooves to a full size aircraft. Rapidly measure a vast array of part sizes while maintaining a high level of data accuracy. |
Tool Building
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Reduce Tool TryoutCustomers have reduced their tooling cycle by 50% or more with ATOS by making smarter corrective action decisions based on instant 3D deviation color maps. Minimize the analysis time and the number of iterations. |
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Direct Milling from Scan DataSave time and money by directly milling from ATOS point cloud data to accurately create tool cutter paths while meeting increased production requirements without CAD modeling. |
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Electrode Verification and Wear AnalysisScan and inspect electrodes to verify injection mold processes. Immediately receive full color plot inspection reports to analyze the wear after the over burn process. |
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Fitting Mold Halves and Gages / Virtual Wall ThicknessAnalyze the assembly build process, validate fit, alignment, closure, and material thickness. |
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Assembly Analysis - Clearance, Flush and GapCalculate the clearance, flush and gap distances to improve tool/mold design. Improve product manufacturing by making it more predictable. |
Analysis
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Parametric Inspection
All elements are traceable and the relationships between them are known. This automates inspection processes and enables simple changes of element properties (especially beneficial for reoccurring measurement tasks). |
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First Article InspectionAutomatically compare a part’s scan data to the CAD model. Instantly see where the problematic areas exist. Customers experience at least a 50% time reduction vs. traditional CMM methods. |
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Trend AnalysisMonitor manufacturing processes in order to depict trends. Applicable to parts, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, etc... |
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Digital Assembly AnalysisAccurately compare scanned components and assemblies vs. CAD. Interrogate mating components to solve assembly, form, fit and finish issues. |
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Measure Warpage, Sink Marks, Draft Angles, and UndercutsATOS provides precision scan data to help calculate warpage, sink marks, draft angles, and undercuts. Improve mold flow prediction. |
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2D InspectionQuickly analyze “as manufactured” part scan data to 2D drawings for inspection analysis to view position of sections, needle plots, deviation points, and tolerance bands. |
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3D Inspection With CADCompare “as manufactured” part scan data to CAD model for accurate inspection analysis that is clear and easy to understand. |
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3D Inspection Without CADFast analysis of components, tools, and cavities to ensure injection mold parameters. Compare entire components from different nests of multi-cavity tools and extract geometry features. |
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GD&T AnalysisVerify and assure form, accuracy of fit and function through Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) features in ATOS software. Fast selection of data, visualization of tolerances, and easy to interpret results. |
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Touch Probe Inspection Add-onEnhance non-contact ATOS 3D scanning by adding on a Touch Probe kit to measure hidden features, discreet points, and deep cavities. Probes and adapters are fully customizable. |
Production
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Root Cause AnalysisFind solutions to issues by inspecting parts and tooling in each stage of the manufacturing process. Accurate and easy to interrupt color maps support informed corrective action plan. |
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Part and Tool Wear TrendsIdentify and document part and tool wear trends. Robust color map deliverable highlights potential problematic areas (out of tolerance conditions, part shrinkage, warpage, and tool/mold wear). Damaged tools/molds can be duplicated quickly. |
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Simplified Low Cost FixturingSave time and money by eliminating high precision expensive fixturing. Part position in fixture is not critical providing a simple set-up. Shape and position of part are automatically transformed into a pre-defined coordinate position. |
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Certifying Check FixturesCertify your checking fixtures with ATOS or TRITOP on the floor between shifts with a very quick and reliable process. |
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Deformation AnalysisMeasure parts before and after testing to analyze 3D deformation. With high accuracy and repeatability, TRITOP digital photogrammetry measures part/assembly deformation of surfaces and component warpage caused by mechanical and thermal loads. |
Related Case Studies
Categories: Injection Mold & Plastics