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Using the latest 3D scanning technology to reverse-engineer metal and plastic
components with complex curves and shapes Hampshire-based engineering company Blue Diamond Technologies is now using
the latest 3D scanning technologies to extend its range of reverse-engineering services to cover non-rectilinear components that feature complex curves and shapes
R
everse engineering is a process used to reproduce a part where the
customer is only able to provide an example of a finished component. Manufacturing companies would normally require engineering drawings and material specifications to enable a duplicate product to be manufactured. However, the reverse engineering techniques used by Blue Diamond enable an existing part to be replicated by capturing its physical dimensions and analysing the composition and properties of the materials used. Capturing the physical dimensions
of rectilinear parts is relatively easy but components with complex surfaces require a different approach. For non-rectilinear items, in particular, Blue Diamond performs a 3D scan of the part, which is then translated into an accurate 3D CAD file. In addition, care is taken to understand the fit and function to ensure correct tolerances are applied to each component. In-house metallurgical analysis of the original component using the latest spectrometry technology can also be offered, with further analysis of material hardness and tensile strength, enabling accurate material specifications to be determined. These material specifications, together with the CAD file, are used to create a CNC machined replica of the original sample which is submitted to the customer for checking and verification. “Customers are regularly approaching us
with a requirement for a component but they don’t have any drawings or material specifications,” said Mike Hobson, engineering manager, Blue Diamond. “This might be because the part is an obsolete catalogue item or the drawings and specifications have simply been lost. Often the customer is looking for an alternative supplier either because they are being held to ransom by their existing supplier, or the existing supplier has decided to cease production, or impose excessive minimum order quantities.” An important benefit of the reverse
8 MAY 2016 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
engineering process is that it provides an opportunity to modify the design, to improve the fit and function of the part, to overcome quality issues evident on parts supplied previously and to remove cost from the part. When the design has been finalised and approved by the customer, the resulting 3D CAD file can then be used to produce manufacturing drawings and tooling, as well as providing the basis for checking critical dimensions on the finished part.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE, LOWER COST Blue Diamond is well established as a quality supplier of mechanical components and assemblies. The company also specialises in the production of cast and turned parts, plastic mouldings, rubber parts, bearings and seals, supplying to a wide cross-section of industry including instrumentation, construction, automotive, marine, furniture and medical. Components can be supplied in almost any material including stainless steel and a range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, unfinished or anodized, plated or plastic coated. The engineers at Blue Diamond
are dedicated to solving customer problems, typically the design and development of bespoke
Blue Diamond can utilise its latest 3D Scanning Technology to reverse engineer non-rectilinear parts
components for individual applications where suitable devices are simply not available, or re-engineering existing components to improve their operating performance or reduce cost. Reducing costs without affecting the functionality or quality of the finished component is very much a hallmark of Blue Diamond operations. When it comes to manufacture, Blue
Diamond sources many of its components from outside the UK, working with the best overseas suppliers to provide all the benefits of global procurement with the convenience of a single UK source. With over forty years of experience in sourcing, importing, stocking and distributing, Blue Diamond has both the expertise and the resource to meet the most exacting demands for quality, price and delivery. Indeed, the company recently expanded its storage and distribution capability with a new 1250 square metre facility. Finally, a word about quality control.
Investment in the latest inspection and measurement technologies allows for the quick and accurate inspection of all components for which Blue Diamond is responsible. A quality management system which complies with the requirements of BS EN 9001:2008 ensures that quality control of the highest order is maintained across all areas of activity.
Blue Diamond’s new expanded storage and distribution capability
Blue Diamond Technologies T: 023 8025 8966
www.blue-diamond.co.uk
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