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P&T Precision Engineering Case Study
Objective
P&T Precision Engineering, an Irish-based leader in the design and manufacture of bespoke machined components in small batch runs, sought a solution to enhance their flexibility and manufacturing capabilities. Serving demanding sectors like Medtech, Pharma, Food, Healthcare and Defence, the company needed to address specific challenges in quality control and bespoke component design.
The objective was clear: Introduce a cutting-edge tool to enhance tolerance measurement and refine design processes, opening the door to designing more complex components. This advancement aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional results in intricate projects.
Application Areas
The Creaform HandySCAN BLACK scanner was introduced into P&T workflows, becoming a pivotal tool in the following areas:
Quality Control
The scanner is extensively used to inspect machined components both in process and offline. By scanning the components and overlaying the results on CAD models using VXelements software, the team can generate precise colour maps, verify tolerances, and ensure compliance with exacting specifications. This process eliminates manual measurement errors and ensures all products meet stringent client requirements.
On-Site Scanning
For components integrated into larger assemblies or production lines, the scanner is deployed on-site. This eliminates the need to dismantle or transport critical components, allowing the team to measure and design directly around existing infrastructure, resulting in reduced downtime for the customer.
Reverse Engineering
The adoption of 3D Scanning has enabled efficient workflows for creating custom parts and other freeform components. By scanning irregular surfaces and incorporating this data into designs, P&T ensures optimal fit and performance in situations where conventional measurement tools fall short.
Complex Component Design
The scanner handles intricate parts with ease, capturing the dimensions of items manufactured on the company’s 5-axis CNC machines. These components often feature complex geometries that are difficult, if not impossible, to measure with conventional measurement tools.
The Challenge
Before adopting 3D scanning, P&T faced several barriers to achieving optimal results:
Measurement Limitations: Many components had irregular shapes or tight tolerances that traditional tools, such as callipers or micrometres, could not adequately measure.
Process Inefficiencies: The inability to measure parts mid-production delayed issue identification, leading to potential rework and extended lead times.
Reverse Engineering Challenges: Adapting designs to irregular surfaces was cumbersome and inaccurate using manual methods.
These limitations restricted P&T’s ability to meet the precision and efficiency their clients demanded.
The Solution
The HandySCAN BLACK provided an innovative and versatile solution to P&T’s challenges. With its portability, high precision, and user-friendly design, the scanner allowed the team to integrate advanced metrology directly into their processes.
Its features included:
High-Resolution Scanning: Capturing intricate details with exceptional accuracy down to 0.025mm.
Portability: The ability to scan components on-site, avoiding the need for costly and time-consuming transportation and machine downtime.
Ease of Use: Multiple team members were quickly trained to operate the scanner, ensuring consistent utilisation across projects.
Software Integration: The VXelements platform streamlined the process from scan to analysis, enabling quick assessments and design adjustments.
The HandySCAN 3D BLACK Series scanner has been optimised to meet the needs of design, manufacturing and metrology professionals looking for the most effective and reliable way to acquire accurate 3D measurements of physical objects anywhere.
Benefits
Since implementing the HandySCAN BLACK, P&T has achieved significant improvements across its operations:
Enhanced Accuracy: The ability to scan and analyse complex geometries ensures that all parts meet or exceed client specifications.
Increased Efficiency: Issues are identified earlier in the production process, reducing the risk of rework and minimising downtime
Cost Savings: The scanner’s versatility has eliminated the need for expensive CMM equipment, delivering a faster return on investment.
Process Flexibility: Whether for quality control, on-site assessments, or reverse engineering, the scanner adapts seamlessly to diverse applications.
Improved Client Satisfaction: The ability to deliver precise, high-quality components consistently has strengthened client relationships and ensured repeat business.
The Results
The HandySCAN BLACK has become an essential tool at P&T, with daily use across quality control and design workflows.
Key outcomes include:
Optimised Production: Scans performed mid-process allow for real-time adjustments, reducing waste and ensuring compliance with tight tolerances.
Innovative Solutions: Projects involving complex component design and restoration showcase the scanner’s ability to tackle challenging engineering problems.
Reliable Data Management: By retaining scanned data, P&T ensures consistent quality and simplifies repeat orders for clients, traceability and ISO9001
Broad Application: The scanner handles parts ranging from small, intricate medical devices to larger assemblies, showcasing its versatility.
The Final Outcome
The integration of the HandySCAN BLACK has positioned P&T as a frontrunner in precision manufacturing. By combining innovative technology with technical expertise, the company has expanded its capabilities, reduced costs, and delivered exceptional results to its clients. The scanner has proven to be a valuable investment, contributing to improved efficiency, enhanced quality, and greater customer confidence, reinforcing P&T’s dedication to excellence in every project.
“The HandySCAN BLACK has revolutionised our processes. It allows us to measure and analyse components that were previously beyond our capabilities. Its portability, accuracy, and ease of use have not only streamlined our workflows but also improved the quality of our products. It’s been a game-changer for our business.”
Daragh Mortimer, Director/Partner at P&T Precision Engineering
