Artec Eva and Space Spider jointly create an upgraded version of the helicopter to assist in multi scene missions such as rescue, filming, and surveillance

Challenge: Customize camera mounts for helicopters for search and rescue, emergency response, film and television projects, and land monitoring

解决方案： Artec Eva, Artec Space Spider, Artec Studio, Geomagic Design X, SOLIDWORKS

Effect: Scan the inside and outside of the helicopter, process the scan, create customized brackets, and firmly fix them at the bottom of the helicopter

When it comes to airplanes, helicopters are absolutely domineering. The air propeller blades stir the air, and the helicopter engine whizzes past, either carrying out search and rescue operations or conducting environmental monitoring, military, firefighting, or medical transportation. Every time I see a helicopter, it means something big has happened.

Tech StrakeIt is a Japanese aircraft customization company, and thanks to such companies, we can do better. Executive Masakazu Hikichi emphasized the importance of their work:

Our main business is aircraft customization, "he said. This business is very important and can provide valuable public services: customized rescue helicopters, police helicopters, including terrain mapping by the National Geographic Institute

This task is to equip the helicopter with downward and diagonally placed cameras that can overlook the area below, for use in rescue missions and environmental monitoring applications.

Waiting for the helicopter to scan. (Photo provided by Tech Strake)

Installing a camera for a helicopter may sound easy, but if it needs to be securely and effectively installed, it requires certain details and customized operations.

Hikichi explained, "Many industries require this type of bracket for filming, and these brackets are often not available for purchase. To ensure safe installation, reduce the risk of flight, and avoid bracket drops, these large brackets must be customized

soEtec 3D scannerAppeared.

Etaiko rushed over quickly

Hikichi had worked in the company for eight years and served as the first executive officer for five years in his own company. He frequently used Artec Eva and, with over ten years of experience in 3D scanning, immediately thought of this technology.

When this project emerged, as a seasoned user, I was well aware that 3D scanning could produce very accurate 3D models, "he said.

He is an ambassador level distributor of Etec in JapanDataDesign Co., Ltd.Collaborated and developed a 3D scanning plan. The company is located in Nagoya, which is home to many car manufacturers and has a customer base primarily focused on automobiles, including Tech Strake.

Due to the large number of specific components and large areas involved in the project, a combination scheme of Artec Eva and Artec Space Spider was adopted - Eva captures the fuselage, and Space Spider magnifies and captures the details of the fuselage.

Choosing the right scanner means you're not afraid of any task. (Photo provided by Tech Strake)

Eva's body is lightweight and easy to carry, "Hikichi said. It has a wide scanning range, a long distance, and can even penetrate narrow spaces. The Space Spider can also penetrate into narrow crevices and small parts while maintaining a relatively high scanning accuracy. ”

Artec Eva, the flagship scanner of Etec 3D, is a popular scanner under the brand. It is lightweight, easy to use, and has a variety of functions.Structured light 3D scannerSuitable for quickly and accurately scanning medium-sized objects, whether they are car engines, human bodies, or furniture.

manufacturing process

For Tech Strake, professionalism is key, precision is the core, and if you want to simplify the process,3D scanningIt is crucial, such as manufacturing some independent products, such as helicopter brackets, frames, or drilling rigs. This project is to customize a camera stand.

Customized products cannot do without 3D scanning technology, "Hikichi said.

The advantage of 3D scanning technology is that we can obtain accurate measurements of complex surfaces, such as very small parts that must be accurately measured before producing precise accessories. ”

Scan data to be used for building a complete 3D model. (Photo provided by Tech Strake)

He said that if 3D scanning is not used, the project difficulty will be very high and a lot of time will be wasted. The final components may not necessarily match and require a lot of rework.

If a 3D scanner can accurately measure such complex surfaces, especially aircraft with high tolerance requirements, it can save a lot of time and unnecessary processes

Starting from Space SpiderOriginally designed for the International Space Station, it is capable of capturing mechanical components and complex geometries with high resolution and sub millimeter level accuracy, as well as vibrant colors. Sharp edges and precise threads are not enough to defeat Space Spider, which can capture objects with precise details, such as keys, micro parts, etc., and has excellent quality.

The camera frame has successfully completed reverse modeling. （Tech Strake）

The entire scanning process lasted less than 10 hours, including the time to set up scanning equipment inside and outside the aircraft. After the completion of the massive projectArtec StudioMid processing scanning: alignment, overall registration, erasing excess geometry, noise processing, sharp fusion.

After the scanning and initial processing are completed, further processing of the data is required.

He explained: 'We synthesized each dataset and converted it to CAD data using Geomagic Design X, and then designed special gears using SOLIDWORKS.'. ”

In SOLIDWORKS, reverse design and model the camera frame based on the imported 3D model and the complete design of the helicopter. Afterwards, convert the brand new model of the camera frame into processing data.

During the machining process, the cutting tool will remove a piece of raw material (i.e. aluminum in this project) according to the calculation path of the 3D model to make a bracket. By combining 3D scanning and reverse modeling techniques, the team quickly obtained a matching bracket.

Multi directional improvement

These two scanners are adept at capturing various types of surfaces, big or small, improving the Tech Strake team's craftsmanship. Hikichi said, "Before purchasing the Artec scanner, we manually measured with calipers and used gypsum molds. Especially when using gypsum, its function is limited, and the dripping gypsum will reduce the appearance of the mold. In addition, the efficiency of manual measurement is also very low. ”

The Eva and Space Spider 3D scanners not only greatly reduce repetitive work, but also greatly improve data accuracy, "Hikichi said. In addition, these scanners are very portable and can scan anywhere, including some narrow spaces that were difficult to achieve in the past, but now they perform very well

Helicopters need to scan every corner inside and outside. (Photo provided by Tech Strake)

Eva is easy to carry, compact in size, and lightweight in weight. Coupled with Space Spider's keen eye for capturing details, it enhances the entire process and significantly reduces time.

Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, the current precision has been improved from millimeter level to sub millimeter level, "Hikichi said," significantly reducing rework, resulting in a significant reduction in total working hours

He added that in the past, producing specific parts for airplanes could take several months. But now, it can be done in two weeks. This not only saves time but also reduces costs.

Mechanical components are waiting to be installed. (Photo provided by Tech Strake)

After the component production is completed, it still needs to pass two tests: customer satisfaction test and safety inspection by the aviation authority.

Any certification equipment used on airplanes must meet specific stringent conditions, "Hikichi said. On the day Eva and Space Spider scanned, "there were no negative reviews from either end customers or the government," he said. The first test passed smoothly and everything met expectations

Flying towards the future

The Tech Strake team did not stop there - they have turned their attention to other scanning opportunities and plan to continue using Etec 3D's new HD mode and other scanners in the future.

They have been launching new products, and we will continue to use them in the manufacturing of new aircraft, "Hikichi said. In the future, we hope to combine data from Ray, Eva, and Space Spider products. ”

Jeff Boyd and his DataDesign team are eager to know how much value their technology can bring to customers. He expressed his pleasure in providing assistance for Tech Strake's work. Customized products and personalized services must be based on actual products, so the demand for simulation production will increase. ”

“3D scanning digitizationEquipment maintenance and in-depth customization will become possible. This can not only help customers improve their business, but also help them expand their own services