A Quantitative Method for 3D Scan Quality Assessment Under Different Surface Conditions for Reverse Engineering of...

Area of Science:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Metrology
• Digital Transformation

Background:

• Shipyards lag in Industry 4.0 adoption, hindering digital reverse engineering workflows.
• Implementing reliable digital processes is crucial for modernizing shipbuilding operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a methodology for evaluating 3D scan quality in shipbuilding.
• To provide a quantitative basis for selecting appropriate scanning systems for reverse engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• A test sample with shipbuilding-specific geometry was manufactured using CNC and additive manufacturing.
• Two scanning systems (portable and fixed) were tested under various conditions, including surface treatments.
• A quality evaluation combined geometric completeness, reference model agreement, and measurement accuracy/variability.

Main Results:

• Reflective surfaces require tracking enhancement for continuous reconstruction and accurate dimensional data.
• Low-reflectivity surfaces yield high-quality results with portable systems, with enhancements improving uniformity.
• Tracking enhancements are crucial for critical scenarios, balancing portability and metrological performance.

Conclusions:

• The proposed workflow enables quantitative assessment of 3D scanner performance for shipyards.
• Scanner selection should consider the trade-off between portability and metrological capabilities.
• This methodology supports the digital transition of shipyards towards Industry 4.0.