Creaform Articles

Written by Creaform Team Rolling stock is designed to operate for decades, but maintaining locomotives, railcars, and rail infrastructure over such long lifecycles can be complex. As systems age, rail operators and manufacturers often face challenges such as outdated assets, incomplete documentation, and growing demands to maximize uptime while maintaining strict safety standards. To overcome these issues, the rail industry has increasingly adopted 3D scanning as a practical

Written by: Creaform Team Companies depend on suppliers for custom-made parts, but any deviation from required dimensions can cause major assembly issues. To prevent this, parts are inspected through internal quality checks or third-party services. Creaform has over 15 years of experience providing measurement and engineering services to leading manufacturers across industries like aerospace, transportation, recreational vehicles, and consumer products. Leveraging the power o

Discover how connected data strategies powered by Autodesk Fusion unify product lifecycle management, strengthen collaboration, and improve traceability across distributed teams. Manufacturers are increasingly moving toward connected data models that unify information across the product lifecycle. As products grow more complex and timelines accelerate, disconnected systems create bottlenecks and errors. Connected data strategies provide a path forward. By tying information t

Written by Creaform Team An international company and global leader in business aviation service has turned to 3D modeling of the plane’s interior to design, produce, and assemble Boeing 737 BBJ2 furnishings. The project was carried out in two main phases: first, a complete scan of the aircraft interior; second, the creation of detailed 3D model files. For the initial phase, a team of Creaform application engineers traveled to the client’s site in Germany. They brought a ran

Written by Peel Team In motorsport and specialist vehicle manufacturing, precision matters. Based in the UK, NS85 is a focused engineering team known for delivering high-performance braking systems, lightweight structures, and complex low-volume projects for some of the industry’s most demanding applications. The Challenge: Designing Without Perfect Data Unlike mass-production settings, NS85 frequently operates without reliable CAD models, detailed drawings, or ready-made par

Written by Creaform Team Twenty years ago, Creaform changed the landscape of 3D scanning. We launched the world’s first portable laser 3D scanner, creating the handheld, self-positioning scanner category. Introduced in 2005, the HandySCAN 3D didn’t just add new capabilities; it transformed 3D metrology. Since then, we have remained at the forefront, continuously pushing boundaries, setting industry standards, and leading innovations that competitors strive to follow. Reinvent

Differences and similarities Written by Drawbridge Team Both CMMs and 3D scanners are powerhouses in measurement, but they shine in different ways. Discover when to use each for top-tier accuracy and efficiency. Overview CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) A precision measurement device that uses a mechanical probe to touch points on a part’s surface to determine its geometry. Usually stationary and very accurate. 3D Scanner A portable, handheld laser scanner that captures

Written by Drawbridge Team Reflective targets aren't just stickers, they're the key to HandySCAN's world-class accuracy and flexibility. Here's why they're the essentials in many scanning workflows. 1. They Provide Spatial Awareness Reflective targets allow the scanner to recognize its position in 3D space during the scanning process. They act like reference points, letting the system continuously calculate its movement and orientation with precision. 2. They Maintain Accurac

Written by Drawbridge Team In the maintenance service industry, unexpected part failures can lead to costly downtime especially when dealing with older equipment and missing part files. This was the case when a team needed to replace a worn turbine blade from a legacy hydropower system, with no CAD models or technical drawings available. The 3D scanning was conducted inside a hydropower station, where a centrifugal turbine uses water flow to generate electricity. Using the Ha

A 100-year-old industry leader finds a modern solution in 3D scanning. Written by Creaform Team In heavy equipment, "close enough" doesn’t cut it. When your machines work in extreme conditions, even the smallest quality slip can lead to downtime, repair bills, or a lost customer. Bradken knew the risks and took them seriously. With over a century of engineering under its belt, Bradken supplies wear solutions for the global mining market. Their equipment powers some of the tou

Turning Scans into CAD Models: The Key to Efficient Design Written by Creaform Team Turning scans into CAD models works best with the right tools. However, many software platforms force designers to switch between multiple programs. This can cause interruptions and mistakes. Additionally, some advanced scan-to-CAD tools are challenging to learn. This slows down adoption and complicates reverse engineering for typical users. What Happens When a Reverse Engineering Process Star

Written by Drawbridge Team We often mistake resolution for accuracy. But the question is, is there a correlation between the two, or none at all? You’ve heard both terms. You’ve probably mixed them up. Let’s break down the real difference between resolution and accuracy. A common misconception High resolution ≠ high accuracy Many assume they’re the same, but they serve different purposes. Resolution and accuracy are not interchangeable; and one matters more when it comes to

Written by Creaform Team In the petrochemical industry, ensuring the structural integrity of equipment is vital for safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. However, traditional inspection methods such as visual checks, calipers, and gauges are often time-consuming, inaccurate, and highly dependent on the inspector’s experience. This case study highlights how a Spanish refinery overcame these challenges by adopting the HandySCAN SILVER™|Elite and VXintegrit