Accelerate prototype inspection with 3D scanning? In: Practical Applications On: 14 February 2025 Hit: 284 TDK Szombathely is one of the key European electronics development and production centers in the international TDK group. It is also one of Shining3D's oldest partners in 3D printing technology. The factory has a central 3D laboratory, but in 2024 the EMI filter development department saw the need to implement optical 3D scanning. As a result, the company decided to purchase a FreeScan Combo handheld laser scanner, which significantly improved the quality control and prototype inspection processes. Challenges in Prototype Control TDK’s EMI filters are used in renewable energy applications including wind turbines, industrial inverters and electric vehicle chargers. Customers increasingly require them to be installed in increasingly compact and complex environments, challenging traditional measurement methods. Before the implementation of the FreeScan Combo scanner, the inspection process was either performed in-house (which took 3-4 days) or outsourced (which took up to two weeks). Meanwhile, the deadlines imposed by customers for prototype development were only 1-2 months. As a result, the inspection time affected TDK's ability to complete projects on time and win tenders. FreeScan Combo scanner implementation Working with Shining3D, TDK tested several 3D scanning solutions and ultimately chose FreeScan Combo due to its optimal price-to-performance ratio. Key features of this scanner include: Dual light source (blue laser and infrared VCSEL) Four scanning modes Lightweight, compact design High accuracy (20 microns) By using FreeScan Combo in combination with Geomagic Control X software, the prototype inspection time was reduced from 3-14 days to just 2-3 hours! Changing the quality control process The introduction of 3D scanning to the production process had a significant impact on the course of inspection and quality control at TDK. Previous methods, based mainly on manual measurements and traditional metrology tools, were not able to provide data as precise and comprehensive as 3D scanning. 3D scanning allows you to: Obtaining complete surface data, eliminating the need for multiple measurements. Verification of prototype compliance with CAD models at the micrometer level. Automatic generation of control reports, which simplifies measurement documentation. These improvements enable TDK engineers to identify deviations more quickly and make corrections already at the prototyping stage, which significantly shortens the time to market for new products. Expert opinions "Thanks to 3D scanning, what used to take us up to two weeks can now be done in just a few hours” – emphasizes Krisztián Holló, Senior Design Engineer at TDK Hungary Components Kft. "3D scanning is a real revolution in our work. Not only do we save time, but we also have access to much more accurate data than before. Now we can perform advanced geometry analyses and test different design variants before we go to the production stage." – Holló adds. Summary FreeScan Combo implementation at TDK shows how modern 3D scanning technologies can revolutionize quality control and prototype inspection processes. Faster and more precise measurements not only help the company meet customer requirements, but also increase its competitiveness in the market. If you would like to learn more about FreeScan Combo and its possible applications, please contact us. FreeScan Combo FreeScan Combo+ Do you have any questions? Contact us! Store information GLOBAL 3D sp. z o.o. ul. Rynek 40 48-300 Nysa +48 790 770 200 biuro@global3d.pl Contact form Name and surname* Company name Email address* Phone number* Subject* Your message*