Konica Minolta Range 7
The Konica Minolta Range 7 is a specialized 3D digitizer device perfect for scanning industrial parts, machined parts, prototypes, dies, cast parts, press parts, injection molded parts and much more. The generated 3D data can be reproduced in a computer and then compared with other 3D models. This will help with increasing production speed and improving product quality in manufacturing industries. The non-contact scanner can digitize the external profiles of various types of parts. It opens up future possibilities of 3D measurement by ensuring increased reliability, easier transportability and improved operability. When the scanner is combined with 3D CAD data, it eliminates the necessity of 3D drawings. This effective combination can solve problems and find potential defects on its own.
By comparing the 3D CAD data with 3D scan data, it is possible to collect the cross-sections of a part’s exteriors, along with quantitative and visual evaluations of surface distortions. The same thing is possible for multiple free-form surfaces as well. This helps engineers confirm whether or not the finalized products are following the original design. By using the Range 7, the cast parts can be quantified and visualized for evaluation of wall thickness distribution. Lack of machining stock or the presence of excessively thin walls can be identified at the initial stage of production. These early discoveries in design and development can help with reducing errors and saving time in the final processes.
When trials are formed in press die making, the Range 7 can visualize the spring-back. The amounts of distortions and their precise locations can be identified with this method, making die correction more accurate and reducing the number of correction cycles significantly. The scanner can also create 3D data of tolerances and the dimensions of various inspection points like ribs and holes of plastic products, positions of bosses, etc. This will help in developing a routine and reducing time in the inspection part of the process. This user-friendly scanner minimizes erroneous measurements and offers high quality 3D data. With an intuitive GUI, the device can work perfectly regardless of the surface condition or the target shape.
The Range 7 combines years of technical expertise of Konica Minolta employees into one product. With a weight of only 6.7 kg, the compact device packs a camera and controller within. The lightweight device can be carried easily to any measurement site. As it comes with two interchangeable lenses, this scanner is also capable of handling a wide measurement range. The Auto-Focus (AF) function, a patented technology of the company, offers a unique multi-focus mode that shifts the focus position automatically, which helps the users to enjoy sharper and more reliable measurement of complex objects. Adjusting the angle and distance is also easier with the Range 7, all thanks to the AF function. The built-in Field of View (FOV) indicator points out the current measurement area for the user.
An interesting feature of the Range 7 is its 3D preview function. This feature allows you to predict the measurement results in advance. By performing a short pre-scan of 0.4 seconds, you can easily check for dead angles, measurement area depth, problems due to surface conditions, and much more. This can help in reducing erroneous measurements before commencing final production. The scanner excels at measuring glossy surfaces, which surpasses the traditional assumption about 3D digitizers not being able to accurately scan shinier or more reflective objects. The dedicated measurement algorithm and the new sensor on the device provide a wider dynamic range, so very glossy surfaces, including metallic surfaces, are no challenge for the Range 7.
Dark Surface Mode is another interesting feature of the Range 7. Developed by using an original data processing technology, this function allows the device to measure dark objects with only 2.5 percent reflectance. This process does not require any kind of spraying before the measurement, which has two distinct advantages: Firstly, it eliminates the possibility of incorrect measurement due to uneven spray layers. Secondly, as neither spray nor any cleaning liquids are used, it reduces the load on the environment. Additionally, it is possible to scan objects in any regular place. You don’t have to develop a special dark room for scanning.
The Konica Minolta Range 7 comes with Range Viewer by default. Range Viewer is new 3D data processing software developed specially for use with the Range 7. It comes with lots of powerful options like data merging, alignment of measured data, control of the instrument, etc. The flexible user interface and distinct icons make scanning and editing easier than ever before. Beginners will be grateful for the instructions and detailed user guides provided. As the software supports 64-bit Windows systems, you can easily process large volumes of data without taxing your system’s resources. You can also transfer data quickly without having to save it.
According to Konica Minolta, the total operation time of the scanner with samples from 30 directions is less than 35 minutes. The process includes setting the distance and angle, scanning, and data integration. The high operability and extremely fast processing ability of the Range 7 has allowed it to achieve an average of 1 minute per cycle, which is a trend-setter in the 3D measurement arena, and one of the many features that has the Konica Minolta Range 7 rounding out our list of iReviews 2014 best 3D scanners over $50,000.
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