KosmoQA
20th December 2006, 03:35 PM
Hello.
I am trying to get an understanding of the term "Point-Cloud Data". Can someone define it please?
Also, is there any difference in the data collected by a probe scanning CMM versus a laser scanner?
Finally, does anyone know what it would take (software, etc.) to take scanned data and import it into CAD software so that the data is understood by the CAD software and can be used to create a 3D model of a part (in a reverse engineering aspect for example)?
Scott Catron
20th December 2006, 04:18 PM
Doing a seach at Wikipedia I found Point cloud:
"In manufacturing, a point cloud usually refers to set of densely sampled or high-definition dimensional measurements of a manufactured part's surface so as to enable comparison of the actual manufactured or fabricated part to a (usually faceted or vectorized) "computer-aided design" / "computer-aided manufacturing" (CAD/CAM) model."
Jim Wynne
20th December 2006, 04:26 PM
Doing a seach at Wikipedia I found Point cloud:
"In manufacturing, a point cloud usually refers to set of densely sampled or high-definition dimensional measurements of a manufactured part's surface so as to enable comparison of the actual manufactured or fabricated part to a (usually faceted or vectorized) "computer-aided design" / "computer-aided manufacturing" (CAD/CAM) model."
Yes, and the point cloud can be created using either direct probing or laser scanning, although the latter is the most popular. There are plug-ins for the major CAD applications that will translate point cloud data. There's one here (http://www.cadopolis.com/autocad_addons/Floating-Point_Point-Cloud.shtml). Also, have a look here (http://www.qcinspect.com/rev.htm) for more information on reverse engineering using point cloud technology. No endorsements implied.
Scott Catron
20th December 2006, 04:29 PM
Also, is there any difference in the data collected by a probe scanning CMM versus a laser scanner?
Looking at Coordinate-measuring machine and Laser range scanner, the first is mechanical and the second isn't - so I would assume there could be some difference in the data collected - one type may handle certain surface types better the then other.
