SFM improves its client reporting and the quality control of its transformer tanks through 3D scanning

Latvian company SFM, the world’s largest provider of transformer tanks, has been using Creaform MetraSCAN BLACK 3D scanner with VXelements software for 2 years, to provide high-quality 3D measurement reports for its products.

SFM Latvija Ltd. is a manufacturer of welded steel structures for which accuracy is especially important, and for which clients request a 3D measurement report for the product. Before Creaform’s MetraSCAN was put into use, the 3D scanning was outsourced. The main difficulty with this approach was a lack of high-quality 3D scanning service in Latvia, which meant that the reports provided were often not accepted by the client. The only way to provide the required reports was to find a way to ensure high-quality dimensional control and reporting with 3D measurement technology by the company itself.

The main criterion set up for selecting a scanning tool was the scanning accuracy, and only Creaform 3D scanning solutions could provide it. In addition to very precise dimensional control, the scanning speed was also an added advantage compared to other options considered.

Although the implementation process was not the easiest at first, as the company had never worked with this type of equipment, support from Creaform representatives, application engineers, and educational videos were extremely helpful. Various technical questions about scanning, technical problems and preparation of reports found quick and complete answers. Still, despite this solution working well for the company, there is always room for improving the knowledge on how to utilize the VXelements program even more, and take full advantage of all its possibilities.

The main products for which this 3D solution is used are transformer tanks, and the complete dimensional reporting is prepared in the VXinspect software module.

According to Nauris Jansons, the CEO of SFM, Creaform MetraSCAN BLACK 3D scanner with VXelements software improved the dimensional inspection for the company. “Many dimensions that proved problematic to measure previously, are now easier to check, and the data is more accurate, which provides extra confidence regarding the quality of the products. The most significant improvement is the generation of dimension reports for scanned structures based on the dimensions indicated in the client’s drawing. The purchase of the scanner was never intended to generate income, but as quality control aid, and in this respect, the investment is fully worth it.”

Martin Raju, CEO of the company Oldbac and contact for Creaform solutions in the Baltics, added: “In daily use, considering the 3D scanning service prices on the market, the return on investment of a MetraSCAN 3D could be roughly just 3-4 months for a company like SFM”.

MetraSCAN 3D is the most advanced metrology-grade 3D scanner of all commercially available alternatives due to its expandable measurement volume, incredible speed, production environment accuracy, and superior capabilities for complex materials. MetraSCAN 3D scanner doesn’t require any rigid fixtures. Therefore, it provides shop-floor measurement accuracy that is insensitive to the instabilities, even under harsh conditions.

View all available Creaform 3D scanners, including the MetraSCAN 3D, visit Oldbac here.

Thanks to our distributor Oldbac for sharing this article with Creaform.