Leading technology in scanning,
designing and machining
Greenmount Manufacturing in Auckland has invested in technology which is creating a growth industry for scanning, designing, and machining products and is now paying dividends.
Greenmount has invested in all three aspects of the integrated end to end solution: portable laser scanning arm – for 3D data capture; 3D modelling software; large 5-axis CNC machine centre (five metres long by two metres wide by 800mm high).
This provides the complete reverse engineering solution. A capital investment has been made in excess of $800,000.
The laser scanning arm now makes it possible to replicate existing products quickly, efficiently, and accurately.
As an example for boat builders; Greenmount can set up the portable laser scanning arm in the inside of the hull of a boat. A full 3D model can be generated of the inside of the hull in a short time frame within the 3D modelling software. The 3D software then drives the 5-axis CNC machine centre. All the cabinets and bulk heads are then machined to precise curvature and dimensions.
Client uses of this technology to date have included; the arched outriggers with complex curves for the Earthrace boat that circumnavigated the world on bio diesel (later changed name to ‘Ady Gil’ and used by Greenpeace to monitor South Pacific whaling); nose cones and ribs for a train prototype; and body mould for CI Munro campervan builders.
While traditionally a panel and timber based machinist and joinery shop, with this new technology Greenmount is now diversifying into servicing the fibreglass manufacturing and engineering industries.
Greenmount has also scanned automotive components and provided engineering companies with a detailed 3D drawing and plug for casting. Engineers with their own CNC machine facilities are contracting Greenmount to use the portable laser scanning arm on their sites to scan products and provide the 3D design for them to carry out their own machining.
For example, across the plug of a boat hull of ten metres, tolerances of 1mm can be achieved. Old traditional hand built plugs and moulds cannot get close to this level of accuracy. This inaccuracy may make the difference between ‘winning’ and ‘losing’.
New Zealand’s history of progressive design and development across marine, aerospace, and engineering (to name just a few) industries will certainly be enhanced by local access to this leading edge technology. read more March articles |
