Cast-Part 3D Scanning for Thermal Expansion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing parts from castings lack efficiency in accurately determining and addressing deviations from the design model, particularly due to thermal expansion caused by temperature changes, leading to inefficient machining processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving 3D scanning to create a model, aligning it with a design model, highlighting deviations, and adjusting machining based on temperature differences, with different machining processes for varying surface areas to account for thermal expansion and material overhang.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the casting is measured and deviations are determined without considering temperature, then the measurement process is simple, but the machining precision deteriorates due to thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process complexityVSAvoidmachining precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature is measured before machining, and the thermal expansion is calculated in advance. This preliminary measurement and calculation allow the machining process to compensate for thermal effects, ensuring precision without adding complex real-time temperature control systems during machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses temperature measurement feedback to calculate thermal expansion deviations, which are then used to adjust the machining process. This feedback loop ensures that machining precision is maintained by compensating for thermal effects based on measured temperature data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If all surface areas are machined with the same process, then the machining process is simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary machining operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining process complexityVSAvoidmachining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The method divides the casting surface into different areas based on deviation magnitude. Surface areas with deviations above the threshold receive one machining process, while areas below the threshold receive a different process or no machining. This localized approach optimizes productivity by avoiding unnecessary machining operations on already acceptable surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of machining the entire surface uniformly, the system applies machining only to specific areas where deviations exceed the threshold. This partial action approach eliminates excessive machining operations, improving productivity while maintaining quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If temperature compensation is not applied, then the processing time is short, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to uncorrected thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Temperature measurement and thermal expansion calculation are performed as preliminary steps before machining. This allows the system to prepare compensation data in advance, minimizing additional processing time while ensuring dimensional accuracy through pre-calculated thermal corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces physical thermal compensation (such as waiting for cooling or active temperature control) with computational compensation. By calculating thermal expansion deviations and adjusting machining parameters accordingly, the system achieves precision without time-consuming thermal management processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and efficient machining by accurately determining and correcting for deviations, allowing for precise and efficient machining of cast parts by considering thermal expansion and material overhang.

Implementation Method 1

in a third method step the casting is measured with a 3D scanner and a 3D model of the casting is determined from the measurement data acquired in the process

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D scanning: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

The determined deviations are corrected for a change in length caused by the temperature difference, so that the thermal expansion of the material of the casting caused by the temperature difference is taken into account

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4158589B1Method and system for producing a part from a cast part
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4158589B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4158589B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method and a system for producing a part from a cast part, wherein in a first method step a 3D structural model is created for a part, in particular a gearbox-housing part, and is stored in a computer, wherein in a second method step the cast part is produced by casting, characterized in that in a third method step the cast part is measured by a 3D scanner and a 3D model of the cast part is determined from the measurement data thereby acquired, in a fourth method step deviations between the 3D model and the 3D structural model are determined and presented or displayed, in particular are presented or displayed, in particular two-dimensionally, on a screen or by printing out, in particular on paper.