The automotive customization landscape is constantly evolving, with enthusiasts and professionals alike seeking innovative methods to enhance vehicle aesthetics and performance. Among these groundbreaking techniques, 3d Scanning Car Body technology stands out as a game-changer. This article delves into how 3D scanning is transforming car modification, using a real-world project as a compelling example.
Edward Van Zyl, a 3D printing and 3D scanning expert from Dreamworks 3D Printing in Manitoba, Canada, undertook an exciting project that perfectly illustrates the power of 3D scanning in automotive restyling. A client approached Edward with a vision to convert his car into a tube chassis race car and incorporate a widebody kit. This ambitious project leveraged the precision and efficiency of 3D scanning to achieve remarkable results.
Streamlining the Car Tuning Process with 3D Scanning
Traditional car modification, especially when it comes to custom bodywork like widebody kits, can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It often involves manual measurements, clay modeling, and iterative adjustments. However, 3D scanning car body technology offers a streamlined and highly accurate alternative.
In this project, Dreamworks 3D Printing utilized the EinScan HX, a professional-grade 3D scanner known for its ability to capture intricate details on objects of varying sizes and surface properties. Edward explained, “The client wanted to add a widebody kit to his car and was intrigued by the idea of using 3D scanning and 3D printing for this purpose.” This marked an ideal opportunity to test the capabilities of their recently acquired EinScan HX in a real-world automotive application.
The EinScan HX excels in capturing high-resolution data with sub-millimeter accuracy, even on challenging surfaces like black and reflective materials commonly found in automotive components. This makes it perfectly suited for 3D scanning car body parts and other intricate automotive elements. Its versatility extends to both large object scanning and capturing fine details, catering to a wide range of automotive industry needs, from reverse engineering to custom design.
Despite initial concerns about scanning the black surfaces of the car parts, the EinScan HX performed flawlessly. “To ensure optimal data capture, we applied markers to the car’s surface,” Edward noted. The scanner effectively captured the geometry of the reflective black surfaces, demonstrating its suitability for 3D scanning car body panels regardless of their color or reflectivity.
Beyond the wheel fenders, Edward and his team went a step further by 3D scanning car body in its entirety. “We decided to scan the entire body to challenge the scanner’s capabilities and see if it could handle such a task, even though our immediate need was only for the wheel area data.” They even scanned the engine, showcasing the EinScan HX’s ability to efficiently capture data from both large and complex objects within a short timeframe.
Designing and Manufacturing the Widebody Kit
The 3D scan data of the car body was then imported into Fusion 360 and Blender, industry-standard software for CAD design and 3D modeling. Using the accurate 3D scan as a precise digital template, Edward designed the widebody kit, ensuring perfect integration with the existing car body lines. He explains, “Without 3D scanning car body, we would have had to model everything from scratch, significantly prolonging the design process.” The use of 3D scanning drastically reduced design time and eliminated potential inaccuracies associated with manual measurements and modeling.
Widebody kit design in CAD software
Once the widebody kit design was finalized digitally, Dreamworks 3D Printing leveraged their 3D printing capabilities to create physical prototypes of the parts. These 3D printed parts were then attached to the car body, serving as molds for the final fiberglass widebody kit. This innovative approach not only expedited the manufacturing process but also ensured precise fitment and finish. The resulting widebody kit enhances the vehicle’s aesthetics and improves aerodynamic performance by reducing turbulence and increasing downforce at high speeds.
Conclusion: The Future of Automotive Restyling is Digital
Edward’s project vividly demonstrates the transformative potential of 3D scanning car body technology in automotive modification. “We plan to showcase this car at shows to highlight the capabilities of 3D scanning and 3D printing,” Edward stated, emphasizing his belief that this digital workflow will become increasingly crucial in race tuning and custom car builds.
Compared to traditional methods, utilizing high-precision 3D digital solutions for 3D scanning car body accelerates the retrofit manufacturing process. From rapid 3D data acquisition to intelligent design and prototype production, this approach significantly reduces assembly costs, manual labor, time, and material waste. As 3D scanning technology becomes more accessible and refined, it is poised to revolutionize car modification, empowering both enthusiasts and professionals to bring their automotive visions to life with unprecedented precision and efficiency.
