“We rely on scans taken by T3DMC to capture our artisans’ work.  And once converted to 3D CAD data, it allows us to produce components efficiently and cost effectively”

Automotive 3D scanning

Aston Martin is a brand that requires no introduction. A stunning example of British manufacturing, its sports cars were made famous across the world by the 007 spy series. However, today the brand stands for exceptional design, creativity and performance. The T3DMC team has recently provided 3D measurement systems for a unique Aston Martin re-design project.

CALLUM is a design and engineering company set up in 2019 by Ian Callum – a celebrated British car design engineer. Currently, CALLUM is  working on a limited edition of 25 bespoke Aston Martin Vanquish cars. The vehicles are fully endorsed by the Aston Martin brand. These models are refined using new materials, high precision technologies and fresh inspiration, for the ultimate in automotive performance and luxury.

Bespoke automotive design

The new Vanquish 25 by CALLUM will be enhanced by a series of over 100 focused refinements. Some of these changes will be more subtle and nuanced, some more substantial. The aim is to sharpen the outline and make the Vanquish 25 the Grand Tourer for the 2020s.

To turn these innovations into reality, CALLUM first needed an accurate 3D scan of the interior and exterior of the Vanquish. However, existing portable laser scanner technology was not up to the quality and standard CALLUM required for such a crafted quality product as the Vanquish 25.

Although using a portable scanner offered convenience, the model that CALLUM initially used did not cover large scanning areas. The resulting overall accuracy was therefore insufficient for the company’s design needs.

The solution – the KSCAN 3D scanner

CALLUM got in touch with T3DMC looking for a 3D scanner that was capable of providing high quality 3D results in real time. After discussing the project with the customer, Adam Stanley, managing director at T3DMC, recommended the KSCAN scanner.

“The engineers at CALLUM explained that they were struggling with measuring local regions of the vehicle whilst keeping the relationship relative to other areas of the vehicle. They wanted to achieve that without spending a long time 3D scanning the entire car which they had attempted but had built in large unquantified inaccuracies.“

“Hearing this, we knew instantly that KSCAN was the right system for the job. The KSCAN portable 3D scanning system was developed with integrated photogrammetry, a highly accurate global measurement system, as part of the scanner, making it perfect for medium to large-scale projects.  It is this combination of technologies that truly makes the KSCAN an outstanding system with incredible accuracy capability.”

The KSCAN boasts high resolution, a 600mm scanning area and multiple scanning modes for flexibility. This enables scanning of larger sized objects, quickly; the increased depth of field compared to similar systems means that tricky to reach measurements like the interior of the vehicle, can be captured with ease. Hard geometric features can be captured during the measurement process, which allows a stable alignment to be created across the entire vehicle.

The KSCAN is a powerful handheld system that uses dual lasers, photogrammetry and can be used with the KSCAN probe for those hard to reach areas.

For this project the interior and the exterior scan were done using the same frame of reference; hard geometric features in the chassis. This accurately positioned the exterior relative to the interior without the need for lengthy and complicated post processing. In addition, the KSCAN has dual measurement volume capabilities. This means it can be used to capture large areas and ultra fine detailed regions, like clips, levers and bevels, within the same project.

Unlocking the power of photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is a measurement technique which is proven to improve the accuracy of a 3D scanning project.  By capturing a global point cloud of reference markers it puts freedom back in to the operators hands allowing them to freely move around a project and capture data accurately, wherever they need it.

“Creating the new Vanquish 25 models relies on artisan craftsmanship supported by modern day technology. Combining these specialist skills is a key element of our production process,” said Paul Kelly, head of production at CALLUM.

“For example, each of the new Vanquish 25 vehicles has a bespoke hand-crafted interior designed specifically to suit the end user. Although every interior is different, they must all meet our exacting standards of fit and finish. We rely on scans taken by T3DMC to capture our artisans’ work. We then convert it to 3D data that allows us to produce components efficiently and cost effectively.”

“Thanks to T3DMC’s expertise, we saved time during the measurement and the design stages,” explained Miles Hulford, head of sales and client experience at CALLUM.

“Using the KSCAN virtually eliminates errors, as we get accurate and reliable CAD models from the outset. This guarantees shortened lead times and has saved us money. I would definitely recommend T3DMC as a trusted and knowledgeable partner for any design or manufacturing company out there!”

T3DMC has a responsive and skilled team of engineers who specialise in 3D engineering; specifically 3D measurement for design, reverse engineering and quality.  We work with applications in every sector of industry from automotive and aerospace to consumer goods, casting, plastics and medical.

In addition, T3DMC is the UK exclusive distributor for market-leading 3D scanning equipment manufacturer ScanTech.  This allows T3DMC to offer a range of portable 3D scanners that can scan capture complex surfaces quickly and accurately including chrome, aluminium and carbon fibre. The scanners are ideal for reverse engineering and quality applications of components where confidence in the data being captured is essential.

Working closely with the customer

T3DMC works closely with customers to understand their needs and provide the best solution. The team discusses during the initial meeting the project objectives, deadlines and challenges. We would look to understand the pressures you are dealing with and provide answers that satisfy your requirements.

“Our first port of call is to visit the customer and assess the challenges they are experiencing”, added Scott Robinson, product manager at T3DMC. “After that, we start from their goals and offer solutions that match the customer budget and project complexity. We offer initial consultations free of charge so we always encourage those interested to give us a call for an informal discussion. We are then better placed to offer advice that works and it does so on the customer’s terms.”

As a team of engineers, we enjoy problem solving with the customer and then building a solution that will move the customer on to the next part of their project.  If there is a project you are working on and you need some help, why not give our team for a chat about what we can do for you.

Give us a call on 01746 762251 or drop us a note on info@t3dmc.com.