3D Model Laser Scanning for Molding and Casting

3D Model Laser Scanning for Molding and Casting

Laser Scanning can have big payoffs for Molders, Mold Makers, Foundries and Pattern Makers.

1. Faster mold qualification with fewer development cycles, especially for overmolding.
2. Reuse of existing geometry from previous projects.
3. Precise capture of customers' prototype geometry.
4. Protection of legacy tooling.

Instead of relying on a few gauge points, laser scanning captures the entire part. By comparing the scan data to the nominal CAD model, the amounts and locations of all deviations can quickly be determined. When correcting overmold problems, the scan data can be used to create solid (CAD) models of the parts going into the overmold tooling. These models can be used to modify the overmold tooling to provide precise matches and/or crushes to eliminate shutoff failures.

When building new tooling to replace or supplement existing tooling, like going from single cavity to multi cavity, laser scanning can be used to create accurate CAD models of the existing tooling. The models can then be used to machine molds, electrodes or patterns. When the new tooling is complete, it can be scanned and the scan data compared to the original scan data to confirm that the new tooling precisely matches the old.

Customers don't always have complete CAD models for their products; they may only have hand made prototypes or they may have machined parts with hand made modifications. Laser scanning can be used to create accurate high quality CAD models that can be used to machine molds, electrodes or patterns. Before any tooling is built, the CAD models can be used for Additive Manufacturing (rapid prototyping) to produce models for customer approval.

Many shops have tooling that predates their current CAD system. Even if compatible CAD models exist, the models may not include all the "tweaks" that were done to make the tooling perform. Laser scanning can capture the existing geometry including any tweaks. The scan data can be stored as STL for later use or it can be used to develop compatible CAD models. In the case of a catastrophic event, tooling can be rebuilt.

Laser scanning can be a cost effective tool with large ROI. Contact me and let me explain how.

3D Model Restless Legs and BPA

3D Model Restless Legs and BPA

Eliminating BPA from my diet appears to have made a significant improvement in my RLS symptoms.

Essentially all canned foods and beverages contain BPA as do foods and beverages stored in containers made of polycarbonate (recycle code 7). A recent Harvard study showed that eating canned soup five days in a row raised BPA levels in urine almost 1300%.

For years, I've suffered from RLS. Recently, the symptoms became so severe that they were affecting my ability to work. After reading about the Harvard study and, separately, about a possible link between BPA and RLS, I decided to eliminate BPA from my diet; no canned foods, no canned drinks, nothing stored in plastic containers with a recycle code of 7. Also, no restaurant foods that may have canned origins like tomato sauces.

The change in my RLS symptoms has been dramatic. While there is no scientific proof that eliminating BPA helps RLS, it's something that's easy to do. For me, it has been well worth the effort.