NVision Laser Scanner Helps Flight Safety

Process reduces cost to produce flight simulator ejection seats.

by DE Editors | Published July 18, 2008

Fain Models of Bedford, Texas, uses NVision Inc.’s (Wixom, MI) HandHeld Laser Scanner to produce accurate copies of jet fighter ejection seats for use in the flight simulation and training markets for significantly less than the cost of the flight worthy seat.

NVision reports that Fain Model’s technicians use the NVision scanner to capture the 3D geometry of the more than 100 components in the seat and then use the geometry to machine the seats or models used to make molds. Fain Models has developed a method to produce the seats for 1/10 to 1/4 of the cost of the actual seat.

The NVision scanner generates a point cloud consisting of the coordinates of individual points. Fain technicians use software that comes with the scanner to convert the point cloud to a polygon mesh. Then they use reverse engineering software to convert the polygon data to a surface model. They export the surface model in the IGES or STEP format and import it into their CAD software. The model is then fine-tuned and toolpaths are created for machining.

For recent DE coverage, read “Expanded Contract Service Division from NVision Includes New Personnel and Capabilities,” (June 2008).

For more information, contact NVision.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.

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