Rapid, High-Precision Measurement of Templates and Gauges

Following the expansion and renovation of the systems, the next obvious step was reaching the highest national and international standards in the sector in order to offer a more efficient and custom service. All of this was made possible thanks to new investments dedicated to the measuring sector. The company was looking for an instrument that could reproduce components and parts in 3D and transform data into simple indications.

After careful research, M.D.C. DESIGN decided to invest in Creaform’s MetraSCAN 3D and HandySCAN 3D scanners, in the portable CMM HandyPROBE, and in the Metrologic X4 software, to manage the scanning and measuring of the jigs and components in the 3D measuring sector. The new equipment was also used for controlling large size equipment, a task that is virtually impossible to carry out using manual measuring instruments. Other applications consist in controlling plastic elements and detecting data on raw materials, allowing M.D.C. DESIGN to use CAD files directly in the CAM process, with accurate calculations of excess material.

Creaform’s portable measuring systems offer significantly better performance when compared to traditional portable CMM instruments, even on the shop floor. Thanks to their portability and insensitivity to the typical working conditions found on the shop floor (e.g. movements, installations and vibrations), Creaform’s solutions are highly efficient for measuring items that are difficult to move. They are perfect for control, measurement and reverse engineering.

Reasons Behind the Choice

In the past, measurement controls were carried out using traditional manual measuring instruments. Creaform was selected for its functionality and advantages: flexibility, portability, speed, ease of use, all with flexible configurations in any environment, improved quality, faster process and user-friendly software. With older CMMs, M.D.C. DESIGN could not scan and was therefore limited by dimensions, and lack of flexibility and portability. The world of measurement is full of valid alternative solutions, but the versatility of Creaform’s products convinced everyone on the team and was the main reason behind this choice.

The new devices were used by M.D.C. DESIGN not only in the measuring room, but also in other departments and at customer facilities. The use of the new systems has significantly accelerated measurements and improved the level of quality. This allowed the company to meet customer demands that it could not handle previously. The use of this new innovative system resulted in several important advantages: a wider scanning area without limiting the detection of any type of shape and surface, and a total freedom of movement. In fact, the HandySCAN 3D is very light and can be easily transported to other facilities to offer customers the highest level of service.

In conclusion, as summed up by the M.D.C. DESIGN management: “Creaform was selected because it perfectly responds to the fundamental concepts at the basis of our mission: high speed and precision. We are extremely satisfied with our choice, also because of the technical support and well-trained personnel.”