This case study explores how high-accuracy 3D scanning technology helps Hubei Shiyan Huaying Mold Manufacturing Co., Ltd. realize a traceable quality inspection. By using FreeScan Trak Pro2 optical 3D measuring and dynamic tracking system, Huaying Mold enhances accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in its manufacturing processes, becoming new benchmark in traceable quality management within the industry.
This case study is also available on YouTube:
Introduction
As modern quality management continues to evolve, the requirements for product dimensional quality inspection are increasing. Efficiency and accuracy are important, yet traceability is also becoming equally essential. This focus on traceability aims to strengthen quality management, reduce error correction costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
At the forefront of this evolution is Huaying Mold, specializing in lost foam manufacturing—an integral step in mold production. Lost foam casting involves molding foam plastic polymer materials to mirror the structure and dimensions of intended parts. This method has gained prominence in casting due to its cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and ability to produce precise casting structures. Central to the success of lost foam casting is the accuracy of the foam model. The dimensions and shape of the lost foam directly affect the quality of the final cast and machined products.
lost foam
Recognizing this importance, Huaying Mold has partnered with SHINING 3D since 2017 to continuously enhance its scanning equipment. This collaboration aims to optimize the inspection of product dimensions and shapes, ensuring quality in its manufacturing processes.
3D scanning for traceable quality inspection
Efficient and accurate 3D inspection
Through advanced high-accuracy 3D scanning technology, Huaying Mold has developed a highly efficient and accurate 3D inspection method. Utilizing FreeScan Trak Pro2, currently employed at Huaying Mold, engineers can complete a 4-meter-long lost foam quality inspection in just 10 minutes. Unlike traditional methods, this scanning process:
· Eliminates the need for marker application and removal
· Saves approximately one hour per scan—an exceptional enhancement in efficiency.
After the scan is completed, the data is analyzed in inspection software to compare against design specifications. The chromatograms enable engineers to quickly identify deviations in shape and ensure dimensions fall within required tolerances.
Chromatograms enable to quickly identify deviations in shape and ensure dimensions fall within required tolerances.
Ensuring traceability through complete 3D data preservation
Upon completion of inspection, the scanned data of the lost foam is meticulously archived together with the inspection report. This archived data remains accessible for future retrieval, facilitating traceable quality management practices.
Benefits of traceable quality inspection
Reducing quality management costs
Utilizing high-accuracy 3D scanning technology, Huaying Mold has implemented a traceable quality inspection method that enables swift and accurate dimensional analysis of products. More significantly, it facilitates a 1:1 restoration of finished product sizes within the 3D data archive, thereby ensuring traceable quality management. This approach holds substantial importance in enhancing Huaying Mould’s operational efficiency and maintaining stringent quality standards.
scanned data of a lost foam
Traditional dimensional inspection methods for lost foam typically involve measuring key dimensions manually, which is prone to human error and difficult to control, leading to high quality and management cost.
By adopting high-accuracy 3D scanning, Huaying Mold has replaced traditional manual measurements with a scientific quality inspection. This standardized process ensures adherence to stringent standards, and minimizes the occurrence of defective products, significantly enhancing product quality and reducing overall management costs as well.
Maximizing business interests
Implementing a traceable quality management is significant for Huaying Mold’s collaboration with its upstream and downstream supply chains. This method enables swift and accurate tracing and tracking of dimensional quality issues in final castings, facilitating scientific and efficient problem resolution. By minimizing ambiguity in responsibilities within cooperative relationships, Huaying Mold strengthens its partnerships and enhances overall operational reliability.
Conclusion
Throughout years of collaboration, Huaying Mold has improved the efficiency and credibility of product dimensional inspection, and also established a systematic management approach to enhance operational efficiency. Moving forward, SHINING 3D remains committed to advancing its professional technical capabilities, thereby serving as a vital technical support partner for Huaying Mold’s operational success.
