Jobs that took hours or days can now be done in minutes or seconds with the Creaform Go!SCAN 3D scanner

TTK University of Applied Sciences (Tallinn, Estonia) is an internationally renowned higher education institution that focuses on innovative, interdisciplinary education and applied research.

The goal in providing higher professional education is to offer state of the art technological means so that when students graduate, they are able to use modern tools at the start of their careers. Curriculums in the Institute of Technology (Automotive, Electrical, Mechanical and Robotics Engineering) all consider precise measurements as a key competence, and this was one of the main reasons for acquiring accurate 3D scanning tool.

As the largest state university of applied sciences, using the financial resources sparingly and efficiently, and following procurement rules is a must. However, no concessions were made, and quality, support and scalability were among the key aspects of consideration when choosing the 3D scanner.

Before starting the procurement process, a market study was carried out to map the capabilities offered by 3D scanners in general. As a result, it was found that the properties of the Creaform Go!SCAN 3D scanner could be used as a good example or the so called standard the device to be purchased should meet. Creaform device was also selected at the end, as it met the set lowest price criterion as well.

According to Henri Vennikas, Leading Lecturer, Curriculum Coordinator of Automotive Engineering the key aspects of making the choice could be described as:

• Quality refers to the product suite (hardware and software) availability and reliability, and Creaform in that part seems to be on top of the industry.
• Support is important for everyday functions to be streamlined. We cannot wait for months to solve questions that may arise.
• Scalability for education purposes means the possibility to engage large number of students at the same time.

The implementation process was easy – all questions got the answers, and additional supplies were delivered promptly. Later, many skill sharing experiences among colleagues and students have taken place. In addition, a video introduction of the equipment and software for the e-learning environment was made, so that key aspects can be followed online in the local language as well.

As a feedback, feature creation in the software has been described as amazing. To have planes, cylinders and other such features recognized with ease is something that other CAD programs are not so much known for. Also, inspection tools are great, although these are not the most used in the study projects.

The 3D measurement has been enrolled as part of the courses, so all students get some experience using modern technology. Still, currently it seems that the research projects are under-utilizing 3D scanning capabilities, thus it is an opportunity for growth.

Since the purchase in 2021, the 3D scanner has been used in many projects for academic study equipment development, and by students in their own study projects.

K114F CVT – developing study equipment with a continuously variable transmission

The study project was about the gearbox which needed to be mounted on a stand to be driven with an electrical motor. It is quite complex in its outer shape, and has quite precise tolerances for placement of motor, so that the shafts would be aligned. Additionally, adapter between the motor and hydraulic turbine had to be designed.

Students were involved both in designing and implementation. In the design phase the gearbox assembly and motor were scanned and then treated in VX elements to find necessary features and alignments. Later additional CAD software was used to create framing and mounts.
(See the related photos of the process below the article.)

As a result of the project, it is now possible to drive CVT (continuously variable transmission) with electrical motor to see its operating principles in dynamic situations, and practice electronic control of inputs and outputs of the gearbox.

Using the 3D scanner made the whole process look quite effortless, so even the lecturers having decades of experience in the field of mechanical engineering have commented “Life is made too simple”.

Henri Vennikas is very contented with the purchase of the equipment:  “For us a lot of the use cases involve reverse engineering of geometrical bodies for their ad hoc design changes or for to include products which we do not have CAD documentation for in our designs in different projects. For that purpose, the 3D scanner is really a game changer for the reduced time and additional capabilities it provides with the software functionality. However, using the word efficiency would be quite relative to describe the case, as using the 3D scanner instead of using no assisting tools is about much more – there are just no alternatives to make things happen more efficiently. Jobs that took hours or days can now be done in minutes or seconds.”

Martin Raju, CEO of Oldbac and Creaform representative in the Baltics added: “The device won the tender because it is the most capable for its price, and Creaform also offers educational institutions an additional 50 licenses for reverse engineering/inspection, so that it is possible to use this device and software in teaching as well.”

The Go!SCAN 3D is Creaform’s fastest, user-friendly handheld 3D scanner. A powerful tool during the product development phase, the Go!SCAN 3D quickly measures any complex surface making it possible to “get it right” the first time.