FreeScan Combo Helps Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency in Motorcycle R&D and Inspection

This article explores how Andesmotos’ R&D department leverages high-accuracy 3D scanning technology to enhance the efficiency of motorcycle design, development, and inspection processes.

The R&D department at Andesmotos is responsible for completing motorcycle design, collaborating with suppliers to develop prototypes of key components like motorcycle frames, and finalizing the design shape of these parts. These processes involve extensive 3D measurement work. Due to a lack of proper measurement tools, the R&D team previously outsourced their measurement tasks. To improve efficiency and reduce costs, the department purchased 3D measurement tools for in-house use.

Measurement Tool Requirements for Motorcycle R&D

• Accuracy and Completeness: The measurement tool must acquire accurate and comprehensive data on the components.
• Efficiency: During product trial production, multiple measurements and adjustments are required, so a highly efficient measurement tool is essential for time-saving.
• Flexibility: The motorcycle assembly workshop has limited space, so the measurement tool needs to be adaptable and function within the constrained workspace.
• Ease of Use: R&D engineers are not experts in 3D scanning technology, and given the limited time they have to learn new equipment, the tool must be user-friendly.

A motorcycle in design

Motorcycle frames

Given these requirements, Andesmotos needed an accurate, efficient, portable, and easy-to-operate 3D measurement tool. The SHINING 3D FreeScan Combo met all these needs, making it an ideal choice.

Application of FreeScan Combo in Motorcycle R&D and Inspection

Rapid 3D Inspection of Frames and Components

Much of the R&D department’s daily work involves inspecting prototype components sent by suppliers, especially the frame, a critical part of the motorcycle. The FreeScan Combo scans at a rate of 3.5 million points per second, allowing the team to obtain complete 3D data of the frame quickly. By comparing this data with the design model, engineers can accurately identify deviations. Additionally, FreeScan Combo is compact and portable, eliminating the concern of limited scanning space.

Scanning  a motorcycle frame with FreeScan Combo

The design of the FreeScan Combo is compact

Since the introduction of the FreeScan Combo, the inspection time has been drastically reduced. Tasks that once took 3-5 days now take only a few hours, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency and enabling the company to bring new products to market faster and gain a competitive edge.

Secure Data Acquisition for Clay Models

The creation of clay models plays a vital role in motorcycle design and development. Designers use these models to translate ideas into physical forms, offering a tangible representation of the motorcycle’s appearance and shape.

A motorcycle clay model

Clay models also need to be digitized to compare the design with the final product. Previously, Andesmotos outsourced 3D data acquisition to external companies, which posed data security risks. With the introduction of FreeScan Combo, the R&D department can now handle this task in-house, ensuring data security.

Mr. Li, the head of the R&D center at Andesmotos Manufacturing Co., Ltd., commented: “The FreeScan Combo has been extremely helpful to our R&D department. It enables us to create digital models more quickly and verify component-to-model consistency. The FreeScan Combo is easy to operate, and the scan quality is excellent. With the software support for comparing the scanned data to the digital model, it’s incredibly convenient. It saves a lot of inspection time.”

Consider incorporating the FreeScan Combo into your workflow to improve your R&D efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure precise alignment between your product design and actual components.

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