FARO provides scanning expertise with FARO Scanner Freestyle3D X
“With terrestrial 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanners, it is nearly impossible to scan the back of a structure or the insides of a pit. This challenge is readily solved with the handheld FARO Scanner Freestyle3D X, as the portable device easily fits into the narrowest spaces, capturing important point cloud data of every nook and cranny,” shared Mr. Makoto Tada, Business Manager of the 3D Division at Besterra Inc. (Besterra).
“Take for example, if we want to capture the point cloud data of this 3D printer here, an average 3D laser scanner may have limited visibility in measuring the blind spots confined at the back or at the sides of the printer. On the contrary, the Freestyle3D X can trace the edges of the printer and document point cloud data in real time, eliminating the need for targets to register 3D data.”
As he spoke, Mr. Tada used the Freestyle3D X to scan the 3D printer with one hand, and held a tablet PC in the other. The screen showed two displays – the panel on the right revealed incremental green dots as scan data was obtained, and the left panel presented users with point cloud data of the 3D printer.
“As we collect the point cloud data, the real time visualization helps us immediately pick out areas that have been missed out, and we can re-scan them on the spot,” Mr. Tada added. “In that way, we can identify areas where data is missing before we return to the office, avoiding a second trip.”
Despite its compact size, the Freestyle3D X is a top quality 3D scanner with a verifiable accuracy of 1mm. Due to its lightweight carbon fibre body, the Freestyle3D X weighs less than 1kg, making it a highly portable device. With an IP52 rating for dust- and water-protection, it is safe for use even in dusty and humid environments.
The device uses a Class 1 ‘eye-safe’ laser, takes photographs while obtaining point cloud data in colour, and scans well even in dimly-lit places as it has an automatic flash integrated.
Mr. Tada elaborated, “Once you flip the switch, the scanner can be used right away, without the need for any start-up time. This has been especially helpful for times when scans had to be conducted urgently, so the no time is wasted on waiting for the machine to ‘warm up’. As the scanner only operates when switched on, this function has extended its battery life.”
Besterra is known for its expertise in plant demolitions and the company actively introduces the latest technologies to further develop its operations. One such example is its patent-protected “Apple Peel Method”, a unique technique that dismantles spherical tanks through spiral shaped cuts or laser cutting robots.
As 3D design processes like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Construction Information Modelling (CIM) continue to gain traction in the construction industry, Besterra established its 3D Division in January 2016 to work on 3D measurements of existing structures.
“At the height of Japan’s economic growth, a large number of plants were built across the country and today, many of them are crossing the 50-year mark,” Mr. Tada said. “After undergoing numerous renovations and expansions, the existing plants do not usually correspond with the original construction drawings that we have on hand. For that reason, we started providing our customers with this measurement service using the 3D laser scanning technology.”
From April 2016, the company offers a complete suite of 3D measurement services – otherwise known as the Perfect 3D. Compiling scanned data from the air, land, and sea perspectives with its 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry capabilities, Besterra provides integrated 3D data to its customers.
Mr. Tada further elaborated, “When it comes to the finer details of our projects, there are portions of data that can only be acquired with the FARO handheld scanner. For instance, the area directly below a 3D laser scanner is a blind spot that the device cannot document. In such cases, the FARO handheld scanner is the ideal solution to fill in on these small, missing parts.”
3D Point Cloud Data: Supporting Rational Design and Construction Plans
Before Besterra invested in the Freestyle3D X, the team had to go through the tedious process of creating 3D structural models, so as to use BIM and CIM for renovations. With the Freestyle3D X, Besterra expects to shorten the design process significantly. Mr. Tada explained, “Using FARO’s handheld scanner, we can measure an existing piece of equipment, obtain high-definition point cloud data, and use it immediately on the computer. With the point cloud data, we can analyze proposed alterations to see if the decision to move a piece of equipment or to perform an installation may potentially cause an interference.”
Point cloud data is versatile as it can be widely used in a number of ways, including re-measuring the dimensions of essential components, or creating a BIM or CIM model of equipment and structures. The data can then be delivered in a variety of ways – with a 3D printer, as a virtual walk-through, or in 3D computer graphics (CG).
Evidently, point cloud data has a wide range of applications and can be very useful for the construction industry. The Freestyle3D X’s compact and lightweight design provides users with great convenience when conducting measurements on-site. To this, Besterra acknowledges that FARO’s handheld scanner is an essential device that will support BIM and CIM processes for greater productivity in the construction industry.