3D Model Overmold Scanning

3D Model Overmold Scanning

3D Scanning can be a very powerful tool for correcting overmold problems.

Flash and/or failure to shut off in overmolding is often caused by a poor fit between the part and the mold. Scanning can provide an easy and straightforward method to correct the fit.

The part to be overmolded is scanned and enough data is collected to accurately describe the part. Software such as Rapidform is used to create a solid model (CAD model) of the part including all the shrinkage, warpage, etc. The end result being a CAD model that accurately represents the part to be overmolded. The model is then used to redesign and modify the overmold tooling to fit the part precisely.

3D Model Dimensional Inspection

3D Model Dimensional Inspection

X-ray CT scanning and 3D Laser scanning are ideal for dimensional inspection of components, especially when ergonomic or freeform shapes are involved.

Modern CAD software is not limited to prismatic features. Designers are able to incorporate a wide variety of shapes that often defy inspection without the use of scanning. This is especially true with injection molded components.

When diagnosing overmolding problems or assembly issues on parts with complex surfaces, scanning is often the only way to collect enough data to accurately characterize the components and find the problems. Sometimes it's even beneficial to "reverse engineer" the molded component and create a solid model (CAD model) with shrinks, checks, warps, etc intact.