New 3D digitizer by cutting and scanning layer-by-layer

A crucial element in the reverse engineering process is to obtain 3D data of the part or its CAD model. A new method is presented in this paper, which combines layer-by-layer cutting and scanning on each cross-section of a part with a milling machine and an image scanner respectively. The method can capture the internal and external profile information of a complex-shaped part at the same precision simultaneously. When data files of 2D edges are imported into the 3D CAD/CAM package, the 3D data or 3D CAD model is acquired. According to the customers' requirements, the system can reach an accuracy of 5.4 mu m, and a resolution of 2.7 mu m in obtaining the 2D edges, and layer thicknesses range from 0.001 mm to 1 mm. The principle of the digitizer is described and the experimental results are presented.