Computer-Aided Process Planning for automatic generation of 3D digitizing process for laser sensors

CRAN (Research Center for Automatic Control ofNancy) Universite Nancy I BP 239 54506 Vandoeuvre les Nancy Cedex France Tel: +33 3 83 91 2729. Fax: +33 3 83 91 23 90. E-mail: alain.bernard@cran.u-nancy.fr ABSTRACT This paper introduces some results of a research work carried out on the automation of digitization process ofcomplex parts using a precision 3D-laser sensor. It will be presented a new way to scan automatically a complex 3-D part in order to measure and to compare the acquired data with the reference CAD model. Due to the fact that rapid prototyping processes do not allow the direct manufacturing of high precision parts, it is very often necessary to measure a first partin order to modify the process parameters. After introducing the digitization means, basedona CMM machine and a plane laser sensor, the simulation environment will be presented as adapted for simulation and validation of 3D-laser scanning paths. The CAPP (Computer Aided Process Planning) system used for the automatic generation· of the laser scanning process will also be introduced.