NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra ...

... performs over 400 billion floating-point operations per second—more than the most powerful supercomputer available a decade ago, and five times more than today's most powerful microprocessor ... and still only a tiny fraction of what the human mind can do ... which is exactly WHY we process material for human evaluation

GeoMagic Resellers/Partners

3DFamily Technology Co. LTDContact: Shelley Chen6F,108-3, Ming-Chuan Rd.Shin-Dien CityTaipei 231 Taiwan, R.O.CPhone: 886-2-8218-7699 ext. 668Email: shelley@3dfamily.comWeb: www.3dfamily.com

3D Ouest Ltd.Contact: Jean-Michel DelouardTechnopole Anticipa22300 Lannion, FrancePhone: +33 2 96 48 68 19Email: contact@3douest.comWeb: www.3douest.com
3D Scanworks GmbH
Contact: Mark BermpohlAm Kuhlenkamp 46 D-44795 Bochum, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 234 94428 414 E-mail info@3d-scanworks.deWeb: www.3d-scanworks.com
Acu-Gage Systems Contact: Jack Kane 735 East Industrial Park Drive Manchester, NY 03109, USA Phone: 603-622-2481 Email: info@acu-gage.comWeb: www.acu-gage.com
Callidus Precision Systems GmbHNL KorbußenWiesenring 2107554 Korbußen, GermanyPhone: +49 (0) 36602/3880Email: cps@callidus.deWeb: www.callidus.de
CimCore GmbHEmmy-Noether-Str. 2D-31157 SarstedtGermanyPhone: +49 (0) 50 66 98 99 0Email: : info@cimcore.deWeb: http://www.cimcore.com/main/index.php
CogniTens Ltd. (Headquarters)HaNeviim St. 55P.O.B. 1713Ramat HaSharon, Israel 47282Phone: (972)3-548-8222Email: eyalm@cognitens.comWeb: www.cognitens.com
CogniTens Inc. (USA)Contact: Eyal Mizrahi28221 Beck RoadBldg A 21Wixom, MI 48393, USAPhone: 248-344-2500Email: eyalm@cognitens.com
CogniTens Co. Ltd. (Japan)Contact: Isao Ito301 Takanawa Mansion4-8-11 Takanawa Minato-kuTokyo, Japan 108-0074Phone: 81-3-5420-4057Email: ito@cognitens.co.jp
Creaform, Inc.53 Bel-Air Street, LevisQuebec, Canada G6V 6K9Phone: 418.833.4446Email: cmony@creaform3d.comWeb: www.creaform3d.com
DATAPIXEL S.L.Ronda Sta. Eulalia, 37Nave #13 Parque Industrial Palleja, 1Palleja, Barcelona, 08780, SpainPhone: +34 93 663 30 43Web: www.datapixel.com

Diener Scan Tec LtdStationsstrasse 66Embrach CH-8424SwitzerlandPhone: (41) 44.866.33.55Fax: (41) 44.866.33.56Email: rolf.diefenbacher@dienerscantec.comWeb: www.dienerscantec.com/

Ettemeyer 3D Optische 3D Prüftechnik Contact: Andreas Ettemeyer Bei der Pilzbuche 118 D-89075 Ulm, DeutschlandPhone: (49) 731.725.3702Fax: (49) 731.725.3703Email: ettemeyer@ettemeyer3d.com Web: www.ettemeyer3d.com

FARO Technologies Inc.125 Technology Park Lake Mary, FL 32746 USAPhone: 1.800.736.0234Web: www.faro.comClick here for Faro regional offices FARO Japan, Inc.
1401 Wakabadai, Meito-ku
Nagoya, Aichi 465-0015
Japan
Phone: +81.52.779.8223
E-mail: isajit@faro.com
FARO (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
1st Floor,Building 29
No.396 Guilin Road
Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
Phone: +86.21.6494.8660
Web: www.faro.com
E-mail: mam@faro.com-->

GDV Systems GmbH Contact: Martina Rahlff Tremskamp 5 D - 23611 Bad Schwartau Tel: (49) 451.200.2200 Fax: (49) 451.200.2240 E-Mail: Martina.Rahlff@gdv-systems.de Web: www.gdv-systems.de

Geodetic Systems, Inc. (USA)Contact: Gary Johanning1511 Riverview DriveMelbourne, FL 32901 USAPhone: +(321) 724-6831Email: gary@geodetic.comWeb: www.geodetic.com

GFMesstechnik GmbHContact: Knut LehmannWarthestrasse 21D-14513, Teltow/BerlinPhone: +49 3328-31676-0Email: info@gfmesstechnik.comWeb: www.gfmesstechnik.com

Imetric 3D GmbH Contact: Horst Beyer Le Bourg 9 CH-2950 Courgenay,SwitzerlandPhone: (41) 32.471.1409 Email: contact@imetric.com Web: www.imetric.com

INB Vision AGContact: Hans KritzlerLeipziger Str. 44Zenit Technology Park39120 Magdeburg, GermanyPhone: (49) 391.6117.303Fax: (49) 391.6117.301Email: info@inb-vision.comWeb: www.inb-vision.com

IVB GmbH Contact: Peter Brakhage Moritz-von-Rohr-Strasse 1a 07745 Jena, Germany Phone: (49) 364.160.9794 Fax: (49) 364.160.9795 Email: p.brakhage@ivb-jena.deWeb: www.ivb-jena.de

Kreon TechnologiesContact: Carole MbengonoEster Technopole87 069 Limoges CedexFrancePhone: +33(0)5 55 42 80 40Email: kreon@kreon3d.comWeb: www.kreon3d.com

Laser Design, Inc.Contact: Marty Schuster9401 James Avenue SouthSuite 132Minneapolis, MN 55431, USAPhone: 952.884.9648Email: sales@laserdesign.comWeb: www.laserdesign.com

Metron Systems, Inc.Contact: Paul Henwood34935 SE Douglas Street, Suite 200Snoqualmie, WA 98065Phone: 425.396.5577Fax: 425.396.5861Email: info@metronsys.comWeb: www.metronsys.com/

MiiC/OptonContact: Tobby Li41208 CapitalCanton, MI, USA 48187Phone: 734.453.2176Fax: 734.453.2216Email: tobby.li@miicamerica.comWeb: www.miicamerican.com
Minolta Corporation (USA)Contact: David Sarson 1945 Alkire St.Golden CO, 80401, USAPhone: 303.462.4545Email: dsarson@minolta.comWeb: www.minolta3D.com
Minolta Europe CorporationContact: Thorsten TerbovenGustav Heinemann Ring 212Munich D-81739, GermanyPhone: 49 89 6302 6797 30Email:Thorsten.Terboven@seu.konicaminoltaeurope.comWeb: www.konicaminolta-3d.com
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Italia SpaContact: Daniele MolinaVia Stephenson 37Milano, Italy 20157Phone: +39 02 390.11.206Email: daniele.molina@bs.konicaminolta.itWeb: www.konicaminolta-3d.com
Minolta United KingdomContact: David LowrieRooksley ParkPrecedent DriveMK13 8HF Milton Keynes, Great BritainPhone: 44-1908 200400Email: dlowrie@minolta.co.ukWeb: www.minoltaeurope.com -->
Open Technologies S.r.l.Contact: Matteo ManerbaVia IV Novembre 14I-25010 S. Zeno Naviglio (BS)Brescia, ItalyPhone: (+39) 030.35.43.106Email: commerciale@opentechnologies.it

Optical MetrologyContact: Michael Doherty8 Hartom Street Beck Science Center Jerusalem, 91450 IsraelPhone: 978 657 6303Email: sales@optimet.comWeb: www.optimet.com

Perceptron, Inc.Contact: Rhex Edwards47827 Halyard DrivePlymouth, MI 48170, USAPhone: 734.414.4770Email: rhex@perceptron.comWeb: www.perceptron.com
Perceptron Asia Pte. Ltd Contact: Song Yop Chung3 International Business Park #04-02 Nordic European CentreSingapore 609927 Phone: +65 6890-6676 Email: song@perceptron.comWeb: www.perceptron.com

PolhemusContact: Kenneth P. Jedrzejewski 40 Hercules Drive Colchester, VT 05446-0560 Phone: 802.655.3159 Email: sales@polhemus.com Web: www.polhemus.com
Saint Buffalo Technologies Limited Company Contact: Liu XianyongB 308 Science Incubation BuildingMiddle of Jiuzhou StreetMianyang 621000 ChinaPhone: +86 816 2549273Email: tn-kj@163.com

ShapeGrabberContact: Pierre Aubrey1900 City Park Dr.Suite 304Ottawa, ON K1J 1A3Phone: 613-247-1707 ext 230Email: pierre.aubrey@shapegrabber.comWeb: www.shapegrabber.com

SMARTTECH Sp. z o.o. Ltd. Contact: Anna Gebarska15 Lakowa Street05-092 Lomianki, PolandPhone: +4822.751.86.72Fax: +4822.751.86.72Email: office@smarttech.plWeb: www.smarttech.pl

SolutionixContact: Jae Cho[152-878] Room 507, Kolon Science Valley 2811 Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul, KoreaPhone: +82.2.2193.9600Fax: +82.2.2193.9601
Email: sales@solutionix.comWeb: www.solutionix.com

Spatium Technologica 3D Ltda Contact: Israel Nacaxe Rua Alfredo da Costa Figo 280 sala 4, Sta. Candida CEP131087-534, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil Phone: 19.3256.0122 Email: info@spatium3d.com Web: www.spatium3d.com

Steintek GmbHOptical Multi-Axes Measurement SystemsContact: Eliana De SantisMettendorfer Weg 24DE-91171 GredingGermanyPhone: +49 (0)8463 606160Fax: +49 (0)8463 606165 Email: contact@steintek.deWeb: www.steintek.comwww.turbine-blade.de
VEW Vereinigte Elektronik Werkstatten GmbH Contact: Norbert KoppEdisontrasse 19 – 28357 BremenGermany Phone: +(49) 0421 271 530Email: VEW-GmbH-Bremen@t-online.de

Wuhan Binhu Mechanical & Electrical Co. Ltd.Rapid Prototyping Center D8Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhan China Phone: +862 7875 44167E-mail: gangzhou@hust.edu.cn

X-Tek Systems Ltd.Contact: Andrew RamseyUnit 5, Tring Business CentreIcknield Way, TringHerts, HP23 4JX, UKPhone: +44 (0) 1442 828700Fax: 01442 821102Email: sales@xtekxray.comWeb: www.xtekxray.com

Z CorporationContact: John Kawola32 Second AvenueBurlington MA 01803, USAPhone: 1 781 852 5005Fax: 1 781 852 5100Web: www.zcorp.com

Zoller + Frohlich GmbHContact: Dr. Christoph FroehlichSimoniusstrasse 22Wangen im AllgaeuD-88239 GermanyPhone: +49 (0) 7522 9308 0Email: info@zofre.de Web: www.zofre.de

InnovMetric PolyWorks Global Partners

Global Business Partners are 3D digitizer manufacturers who have signed a Global distribution agreement with InnovMetric for the distribution of the PolyWorks software suite bundled with their own 3D measurement systems. These Global Business Partners are market leaders in their respective fields and count on an extensive worldwide distribution network. They benefit from their strong market presence and brand recognition. These Global Business Partners closely collaborate with InnovMetric to provide a smoothly integrated solution which benefit to the automotive and aeronautic OEMs and suppliers worldwide. Current list-->
AICON 3D Systems, Germanywww.aicon3d.com

AICON 3D Systems GmbH is one of the world leading providers of optical camera based 3D measurement systems. AICON develops and distributes systems for the business areas of inspection and testing in the automotive and aeronautic industries. AICON’s DPAInspect photogrammetric measurement system can easily be linked to PolyWorks/Inspector™ as the analysis tool for Part-to-CAD comparisons. In December 2006, AICON 3D Systems and InnovMetric Software signed a worldwide agreement for the distribution of the PolyWorks software suite in conjunction with the DPAInspect 3D digitizing systems.
Automated Precision, Inc., United-Stateswww.apisensor.com

Automated Precision, Inc. (API) develops and manufactures the Tracker3 Laser Tracking System, an easy-to-use, portable, and accurate measurement system that can scan, align, and measure large objects. API has sold its technology solutions and products to the U.S. Dept. of Defense, as well as aerospace, transportation, automotive, machine tool, robotics, and shipbuilding/repair industries for over a decade. In July 2006, API signed a global agreement with InnovMetric Software Inc. for the integration and distribution of the PolyWorks software suite bundled with API’s range of laser trackers and 3D laser scanner systems.
Bio-Imaging Research, USAwww.bio-imaging.com

For nearly 25 years, BIR has designed and built high-performance imaging systems for some of the most prestigious names in medical imaging. BIR is specialized in imaging systems (CT scanners) for medical, industrial, and security applications. PolyWorks is being used by several professionals using BIR's CT scanners.
Dimensional Photonicswww.dpi-3d.com

Dimensional Photonics International, Inc. (DPI) designs, manufactures, and markets 3D scanning systems for global manufacturing. DPI's scanners are based on a revolutionary technology called Accordion Fringe Interferometry (AFI) developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. InnovMetric and Dimensional Photonics have signed a global distribution agreement in August 2006 for the distribution of the PolyWorks software package bundled with Dimensional Photonics scanning systems.
Faro Technologies, Inc., United-Stateswww.faro.com

FARO Technologies, Inc. designs, develops, and markets software and portable, computerized measurement devices. Principal products include the FARO ScanArm, the FARO Laser Scanner LS, the FARO Gage, the FAROArms, and the FARO Laser Tracker X and Xi. InnovMetric Software and Faro Technologies have been global partners since early 2004. Under the terms of this agreement, Faro Technologies sells the PolyWorks software suite bundled with Faro ScanArm systems as well as with their other products.
Hexagon Metrology,North-Americawww.hexagonmetrology.us

Hexagon Metrology serves the high precision measurement and inspection needs of global manufacturers with its extensive line of metrology hardware, software, accessories, and customer services. The company's name-brand portfolio of quality assurance products includes Brown & Sharpe, Leica Geosystems, ROMER, Sheffield, PC-DMIS, DEA, Leitz, and TESA. In May 2007, InnovMetric Software and Hexagon Metrology North America signed a PolyWorks distribution agreement to cover all of Hexagon’s point cloud processing needs on ROMER “ScanShark” laser probe equipped portable measuring arms, plus Leica Laser Trackers and Leica T-Scan 3D digitizer systems. Brown & Sharpe Global bridge-type CMMs, as well as DEA horizontal arm and gantry CMMs, equipped with the Scanshark laser probe, also have a PolyWorks/Modeler option available.
Leica Geosystems, Switzerlandwww.leicageosystems.com

Based in Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by 2,400 employees in 21 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information even in 3D. Leica Geosystems commercializes the Leica T-Scan, a high-speed hand scanner that digitizes large objects, without the need for photogrammetric targets or powdering. In November 2005, Leica Geosystems and InnovMetric Software signed a worldwide agreement for the distribution of the PolyWorks software suite in conjunction with the Leica T-Scan scanner. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.
Northern Digital Inc. (NDI), Canadawww.ndigital.com

Established more than 25 years ago, the Canadian company Northern Digital Inc. (NDI) develops and distributes the OPTOTRAK PROseries 3D digitizers, its flagship portable metrology system, to manufacturers worldwide. Specifically designed for the shop floor, this wireless, armless, and beamless system is quick and easy to set up. In August 2007, NDI and InnovMetric signed a global distribution agreement for the distribution of the PolyWorks® software suite with the OPTOTRAK® PROseries ScanTRAK and Portable CMM systems.
Nub3D, Spainwww.nub3d.com

Nub3d, a leading Spanish company, designs, develops, and produces a 3D non-contact surface scanning equipment called Triple. This white light digitizing system is developed to satisfy the industrial needs in reverse-engineering processes, inspection, and quality control of the production. Nub3d aims to the automotive, aeronautical, moulds manufacturing, and industrial design markets. In June 2004, Nub3d and InnovMetric Software signed a worldwide agreement for the distribution of the PolyWorks software suite in conjunction with the Triple digitizer.
Optech, Canadawww.optech.ca

Optech Incorporated is the global market leader in the development, manufacture and support of advanced laser-based surveying, mapping and imaging instruments. InnovMetric and Optech have signed a global distribution agreement in 2000 for the distribution of the PolyWorks software suite bundled with Optech’s ILRIS-3D long-range scanner.
Perceptron, United-Stateswww.perceptron.com

Perceptron produces information-based process improvement solutions for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron's process management solutions to help improve quality, shorten product launch times and reduce overall manufacturing costs. Among other products, Perceptron manufactures and commercializes the Perceptron ScanWorks, a portable scanning system mounted on the RomerCimCore articulated arm. In March 2004, Perceptron and InnovMetric Software have signed an international agreement for the distribution of the PolyWorks software suite bundled with the Perceptron ScanWorks systems.
Shape Grabber, Canadawww.shapegrabber.com

ShapeGrabber Incorporated designs, manufactures and markets cost-effective 3D laser scanners and 3D laser digitizers for 3D inspection, modeling and reverse engineering. InnovMetric and ShapeGrabber have signed a global distribution agreement in 2002 for the distribution of the PolyWorks software package bundled with ShapeGrabber scanning systems.
Steinbichler, Germanywww.steinbichler.de

For the 3D digitizing of freeform surfaces Steinbichler Optotechnik offers two innovative system solutions representing a new system generation for flexible and mobile use: the COMET® systems based on white light fringe projection, and the handheld laser scanner T-SCAN. In November 2006, Steinbichler and InnovMetric signed a global partner agreement for the distribution of the PolyWorks software suite in conjunction with the COMET and T-SCAN scanners.
Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH, Germanywww.zeiss.de/imt

Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH, a company of the Carl Zeiss Group, is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The company leads the world in CNC coordinate measuring machines and complete multi-dimensional metrology solutions for a wide variety of industrial sectors. Carl Zeiss has selected PolyWorks® as its preferred point cloud software to bundle with the Zeiss EagleEye® Navigator sensor system. Zeiss openly markets and bundles PolyWorks with the sales of its non-contact metrology systems in Europe. Both partners already enjoy an important market share in the automotive and aeronautic industries in their respective domain.

DSSP Terminology

As-built - a model which captures the exact physical shape of an object.

ASCII (or ASC) - a point cloud file in text format.

CAD - Computer Aided Design

CAI - Computer Aided Inspection

CAM - Computer Aided Manufacturing

CAM2 - Computer Aided Manufacturing Measurement

CMM - Coordinate Measuring Machine

Color Map - a graphical technique to visualize differences between the measured configuration of an object and its CAD model; dimensional differences are mapped onto the CAD model using a color spectrum to indicate location and magnitude. A reference key maps the deviations to values.

Coordinate System - an origin or reference point in 3D (XYZ) space for locating or orienting an object or CAD model.
Decimation - the process of reducing the size of a polygonal model file by decreasing triangle density, resolution, and quantity.
Design Intent - the intended design of an as-built object. Every manufactured part or object varies from its original intended design by some factor. Imperfections can be identified, analyzed, and corrected in reverse engineered models.
Digital Modeling - the process of creating a computer model of an object that exactly replicates the form of the object.
Digitize - the use of a 3D measurement system to capture features of an object. Typically digitizing is used for feature-based measurement of geometry and capturing contours using section cut techniques (as opposed to dense laser scanning).
Direct 3Dview (D3Dv) - a file format, provided by DDI, that offers anyone the ability to view full 3D interactive environments and objects, directly on the web, or in stand-alone format.
Dumb Solid - a solid body in a CAD model that cannot be modified.
DXF - Drawing Interchange File - a line file which can be used to create a 3D model (native AutoCAD format).
Geometric - standard shape features such as planes, lines, circles, cylinders, spheres, etc.
Highly Engineered Modeling - the process of reverse engineering an actual part into its CAD model with Design Intent using standard geometric features and form constraints.
Hybrid Model - a polygonal model that uses rapid surfacing and traditional solid modeling techniques. Used when basic geometric features merge with complex contours.
IGES - Initial Graphics Exchange Specification - a neutral format for exchanging CAD data between software programs.
Laser Scanning - Laser Scanning is the process of shining a structured laser line over the surface of an object in order to collect 3-dimensional data. The surface data is captured by a camera sensor mounted in the laser scanner which records accurate dense 3D points in space.
Line-of-Sight - the extent to which a laser scanner or other measurement device can capture 3D data from its vantage point. Only points which can be "seen" by the laser will be captured.
NURBS - Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline - a mathematical definition for a surface element used in CAD modeling.
Offset - a variation from a surface by a uniform distance.
Organic - features that reflect objects with complex nature; complex, non-geometric surfaces. Examples - a tree; a face; a blob.
Parametric - an object in a CAD model that can be modified simply by changing the parameters used to create it (e.g., dimensions, design constraints).
Point Cloud - the collection of points in 3D space resulting from scanning an object; represents the surface of the object.
Polygonal Model - a model of an object that is created by building triangles from the points in a point cloud; a faceted model of an object.
Portable CMM - A 6- or 7-axis portable articulating CMM arm used for 3D measurement, digitizing, and laser scanning.
Rapid Prototyping (RP) - an additive manufacturing process that creates a model of an object directly from a CAD model by building it in layers.
Rapid Surfacing - a technique for creating a surface model of an object that involves wrapping surfaces over a polygonal model.
Replication Services - any service performed by Direct Dimensions which require the creation of physical models from digital data (foam milling, rapid prototyping, machining, etc).
Reverse Engineering - the process of measuring and then creating a CAD model of an object that reflects how the object would be designed originally (design intent).
Solid Model - a CAD model that is defined by the volume of an object, not by its surfaces.
STEP - Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data - a neutral format for exchanging CAD data between software programs.
STL - Standard Tessellation Language - a polygonal model format that is used for rapid prototyping.
Surface Model - a CAD model of an object that is defined by its bounding surfaces.
Virtual Development - services performed by Direct Dimensions which involve creating models which will remain "virtual" in nature (web-based, animations, etc).
Water Tight - a surface model that has no gaps or holes between its surfaces.
WRL (VRML) - Virtual Reality Modeling Language - a polygonal file developed for various multimedia uses.
X_T - a parasolid file (a solid model native to Unigraphics).

DSSP Process

Phase 1: Data Acquisition

Laser Scanning (Non-Contact)
Laser Scanning is the process of shining a structured laser line over the surface of an object in order to collect a point cloud of 3-dimensional data. The surface data is captured by a camera sensor mounted in the laser scanner which records accurate dense 3D points in space.

Types of laser scanners include:
Portable CMM Arm-Based Scanning
3D Laser Scanning Camera
Long-Range Laser Scanner
Conventional CMM-Based Scanning


Digitizing (Contact)
Digitizing is the process of taking point-by-point measurements of X, Y, and Z coordinates until enough data is captured to build geometric surfaces.

There are 3 types of digitizing tools:
Portable CMM Arm-Based Scanning
Portable Laser Tracker
Conventional CMM

Phase 2: Modeling

Reverse Engineering
Reverse Engineering is the process of measuring a part or object and then creating a CAD model of the part/object that reflects how it was to be designed originally.

Reverse engineering formats include:
Hybrid
Surface
Solid
Design Intent

Digital Modeling
Digital modeling is the process of creating a computer model of an object using a 3D laser scanner that exactly replicates the form of the object.

Digital models can be created in the following formats:
Polygonal
Rapid NURBS
Hybrid

Downstream Applications

Documentation/Archival
After your part or object has been laser scanned and modeled you now have a digital "backup" of your part.

This digital model will:
Protect you from accidental part loss
Provide you with a working "virtual" blueprint in order to rebuild or remanufacture
Give you the ability to start from a base model and create something new without having to start from scratch

Re-Engineering/Design
Using your digital model you can make engineering and design changes of your part or object in a variety of ways:
Add or subtract design features to the existing part or object
Use as a base model to design a new part or object

Inspection/Analysis
Using our advanced laser scanning and reverse engineering tools and processes, Direct Dimensions can inspect and analyze your part or object in a variety of ways:
Compare a scanned part/object to a "nominal" or perfected model
Compare a scanned part/object to a 2D drawing
Compare a scanned part/object to another scanned part/object

Replication/Reproduction
After we have laser scanned or reverse engineered your part, or if you have provided us with a model, we have virtually limitless options for replicating that object.

Replication can be used for:
Scaling
Restoration
Manufacturing Prototype
Products

Visualization/Animation
Once a project has been completed by our engineers, there are companies that have the ability to deliver your model as part of a visualization or animation.

You can also give them a completed model and they can make a visualization for you in a variety of formats:
Direct 3Dview
FaceScan
Animation
Rendering

What does DSSP Engineering do?

We are experts in DSSP technology who develop implementation plans with defined carefully defined requirements and measurable return on investment.

What is DSSP and why does it matter?

You have probably come across the topic of digital shape sampling and processing or DEE ES ES PEE ... DSSP is about using a semiconductor laser as a light source with sensors with small digital cameras as coordinated measurement sensors to accomplish a noncontact measurement method based upon optically measured light wave displacements from an object's reflection to give a very accurate three dimensional depiction of relative distance. We could go into detail describing the physics of the light sensors, the development of laser optics, DSP systems-on-a-chip and the the error-corrrection and coordination algorithms that make it all possible, but the point is, it works, it works well, it works VERY well and it is proven technology.

That puts where we are today with DSSP ... the technology has been around a long time – most of the early patents have expired ... the early adopters were trying this stuff in the 80s ... the half life of a patent 10 years is somewhat significant ... by the time the patent expiration is closer than the when the patent is granted, it's time to move on to the next LITTLE thing ... technology is really a matter of what have you done for me LATELY ... and if the idea is any good and has lead to more patents, the technology is more or less proven and it's also time for widespread adoption by the unwashed masses. We are those unwashed masses ... the reason that we want to adopt the technology is for it's use in our bread and butter, ordinary everyday business of develop world class products ... technology feeds on technology!

Not every one spends a lot of time thinking about DSSP but it's amazing at how ubiquitous the subject is when you look at cable, TV, technical publications ... maybe it's not that amazing when you consider how incredibly useful the technology is – it is truly life-changing technology ... perhaps you have seen a show about how the technology is used in digital movie production on the Discovery channel or a maybe you have seen a science program on PBS about the use of the technology for historically-accurate reproductions like a dimensionally-perfect casting of the Liberty Bell [without the crack] or maybe you have seen the use of technology in a crime forensics evaluation on CSI as you were channel surfing in your motel room on some business trip. Maybe you do not watch television, but perhaps you have seen interesting articles in trade publications or you have seen a demonstration that may have peaked your interest.

Since the technology is relatively old by now, maybe 15 to 20 years old depending on your definition, perhaps you have thought about using digital shape sampling and processing in the projects that you are working on. For example, I can think of lots of folks in manufacturing who want to scan and qualify manufactured parts and possibly reverse engineer as-built parts that someone working on the project has fabricated. Of course, they also want to study the competition and understand what they are doing – they am especially interested in knowing whether the competition is copying what they am doing. It may seem a bit paranoid – but when you believe you are the best at what you do, you really do need to know when the competition is gaining on you – you really need to know if they have copied you. If you are not paranoid about the competition and being better than they are, you are probably not in business any more ... or it's only a matter of time ...

As you start to explore this world in more detail, you probably will come to the conclusion that DSSP technology has significant implications for your business. For example, what does it mean to be able to get several million reasonably accurate data points in a shape point cloud to define the complete surface profile for a component? It means that design and development time for critical components of a new product can be decreased by a factor of 5X or 10X. That seems like an outrageous claim until one understands the root cause of design and development time being a matter of complete and accurate communication about working prototypes of components, manufacturability and measurability.

First of all, it means that you do not have to spend as much time releasing and reviewing early prints or worrying about a dimensioning, tolerancing and measurement scheme until after you have scanned prototype components, fitted prototype assemblies and studied the shape data versus the performance data – i.e. complete digital scans of surfaces means that we will work in a world with complete data; complete data means that we do not have to make educated guesses about what might be important or what might need to be measured. Everything is measured in a tiny fraction of the time that it took to measure a tiny fraction of what we could measure with a CMM (even with stitching programs, DCC controls and appropriate CAD/CAI software).

Secondly, the speed of shape sampling means that more parts can be measured to give a multi-dimensional understanding of mfg variation – including a 3D understanding of variance and co-variance of different points on the part. With this understanding it is possible to optimize a measurement and QA/QC strategy. It becomes possible to develop production fixturing that serves as a check gage because it uses convenient features [with a known correlation to other critical features]. Slower and costly, but more accurate CMMs can be utilized in a more optimal fashion to focus on a much narrow range of points where accuracy is key.

Finally, a multi-million point shape cloud can be processes to visually illustrate the conformity of an entire surface – it is not necessary to design engineers and others reviewing layout data to go back and forth between a print and layout chart. We can use the power of mature software (release 10 or more) coupled with the computing power of our desktop workstations to understand how the actual as-built terrain of a component compares with the design model. Since design model was realized with CAM software to replicate the model, we can use the variance between the realized components and the theoretical model to re-calibrate the model for the materials and processes that will be used. In other words, by understanding the root cause of the variation we can improve our tools ... so that we can become more efficient next time ... rather than blaming differences on a mistake in construction, an incapable processes or lack of cooperation.