1/4

INUS Technology, Inc.

Impeller design from 3D scan data using rapidformXO Redesign (XOR) Rapidform XOR software can be used to create parametric CAD models from the geometry of an impeller that has been 3D scanned. The input data can be a polygon mesh file or a point cloud from a 3D scanner. The data does not need to be edited or cleaned before bringing it into the RapidForm software. The time needed to create a complete, manufacturing ready CAD model ranges from 20-90 minutes depending on the complexity of the scanned impeller. The output from rapidformXOR can be a Parasolid file (.x_t or .x_b), .stp, or .igs, for import into CAD/CAM/CAE applications. Additionally, the data can be transferred via a direct interface into SolidWorks 2007+, which ensures that the complete modeling history and feature tree are transferred from XOR into SolidWorks as well. Point cloud files are imported into Rapidform XOR, where they are processed into polygon mesh files. Processing steps include:

• Scanner noise removal • Triangulation (to create the polygon mesh) • Registration of multiple scans, if necessary

These steps take from 5-15 minutes, depending on scan data quality. The mesh is then optimized so that the CAD model can be built from it. These steps include:

• Filling holes using curvature-intelligent algorithms (Necessary on one blade only) This process takes <5 minutes, assuming scans are relatively complete. The data is then automatically segmented by feature region by XOR, then the center axis of revolution is found using XOR’s patent-pending design intent extraction tools. The data may now be aligned into the proper coordinate system using the revolve axis.

Using the center axis, a series of cross sections are cut through the mesh in a rotational pattern, capturing the profile of the edge of the blades. The user then sketches on top of the extracted

http://www.rapidform.com

2/4

INUS Technology, Inc.

polylines, ensuring the part meets engineering requirements while remaining faithful to the physical part. This process takes 3-10 minutes.

The 2D sketch is then rotated around to make a surface which we’ll use later. We now create mesh fit surfaces on the front and back of one blade. This simple operation takes less than 5 minutes.

The hub profile is created by cutting cross section through the mesh, like the previous sketch profile

http://www.rapidform.com

3/4

INUS Technology, Inc.

step. The user sketches the profile using industry standard sketching tools, again maintaining accuracy while making a clean, engineering-focused sketch, which is then revolved to create a solid body. This process takes 4-11 minutes.

With the hub, the 2 mesh fit surfaces (front and back of a blade) and the outer blade edge surface, the user runs a Boolean merge operation as follows (2 minutes):

The user then patterns the blade around and merges the blades with the hub to create the finished model (3-5 minutes):

http://www.rapidform.com

4/4

INUS Technology, Inc.

And finally, the user checks the model accuracy with a deviation color map comparing the CAD solid with the original scan data (2 minutes):

http://www.rapidform.com