Reverse Engineering with ANSYS SpaceClaim

Remarkable, intuitive, and exciting ZScanner® technology is catching the eye of ambitious artists, designers, and engineers. Because they are handheld and self-positioning, these 3D Scanners seem easy enough to operate by a simple “point-and-click” execution. However, implementing the technology is a multifaceted process, and it is best if users have the proper knowledge of its operation.

Becoming familiar with the technology behind “self-positioning” and the correct use of  the reflective targets is crucial. Targets can be randomly placed, but must cover the complete surface geometry of an object in order to perform a comprehensive scan. To employ the scan correctly, the user must “paint” the object, recording the entire surface with the ZScanner’s triocular cameras.

ZScanner cameras record patterns it can recognize, created by the positioning of the targets.  These patterns are then translated into a polygon mesh. Once an object is scanned, the file created must be imported into computer-aided design software. ZScan™ software, which is included with the scanner, can automatically replicate an .stl file for import into a 3D CAD software package.

ANSYS SpaceClaim is the best 3D software solution for designers and engineers who want to output to a 3-D printer for collaboration with other team members. A 3-dimensional scan of a part will have a much lower resolution than an actual solid part.  Therefore, knowing how to re-build your scan data is essential. The re-build process requires an experienced eye for the geometry of the part in order to replicate it accurately. ANSYS SpaceClaim simplifies this process, with its state-of-the-art, intuitive tool-kit.

In ANSYS SpaceClaim’s sketch-mode, experienced engineers and designers can split, maneuver, edit and re-build the scan geometry until it is identical to the solid piece. It is necessary that the user thoroughly understand the skill required for re-drawing a part, and how to quickly and efficiently operate ANSYS SpaceClaim’s Pull, Move, Fill, and Drag tools.

The following video explains in more detail how this process is accomplished.

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