REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (July 20, 2015) -- Laser scanning technology is a standard tool used to rapidly capture the shapes of objects, buildings and landscapes. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center's Engineering Directorate Visualization Laboratory is capable of creating 3-D engineering models for visualization, simulation and virtual prototyping of designs. These 3-D models are used in customized engineering analysis and logistical applications.
The VizLab has added a ROMER Absolute Arm for their 3-D modeling projects. The ROMER is a laser scanner that can be used in the lab or out in the field. This scanner can also support CAD-to-part comparison, verification of installation alignments, reverse engineering, virtual assembly and space claims analysis. Typical measuring applications for this high performance laser scanner include 3-D scans of sheet metal parts, molds and installed components.
"By reducing the time required to take the measurement and optimize the 3-D model production activity, we're saving time and money at the same time we're improving our speed and accuracy in producing the end product," said Dewayne Ricketts, AMRDEC VIZLAB, project lead.
The VIZLAB team recently put the ROMER Absolute Arm to work conducting laser scans of CH-47 Cargo helicopters fitted with Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures, Head Tracker, and encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercom System. The dimensionally accurate 3-D models will be used to support space claims analyses and planning for installation of the Line Replacement Units onto the aircraft platform.
The ROMER Absolute Arm has six rotational axes designed for highly accurate tactics measurements even in harsh environments. This allows for reliable part inspection on features of sheet metal parts, plastic components or composite material structures in the lab or in the field. With a fully integrated and certified laser scanning system, this metrology system is the perfect tool for 3-D digitizing, 3-D modeling, point cloud inspection, reverse engineer and rapid prototyping.
"What used to take days now only takes a few hours, and we have the ability to bring LRUs into the lab to scan so we have zero impact on other scheduled activities with the aircraft," Ricketts said.
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The Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
Related Links:
<b>Army Technology Magazine</b>: 3-D Printing
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