The measurement process

Our expert team were invited to complete the measurement and inspection at West Surrey Racing’s head office, in Sunbury-on-Thames. An engine is a complex structure, so it was necessary to use a range of optical techniques to capture as much detail as possible. Physical Digital use both 3D optical measurement and photogrammetry simultaneously to vastly increase the scanning area, whilst not incurring large deviation errors. In such a competitive environment, this highly- accurate and precise data is essential for the team.

Our Metrologist began by placing coded and un-coded markers the engine before beginning measurement using Photogrammetry. Using image correlation and 3D trigonometry, the Photogrammetry system precisely determines the XYZ coordinates of the reference points which are used as an accurate framework on which to scan the engine without introducing additional tolerances as the scanner is moved around the part.

Using the industry-leading GOM measurement systems, our team continued to capture highly-accurate data of the engine. The structured blue light projected by our GOM Triple scan enables measurement of only the projected wavelength, reducing interference from other light sources unrelated to the measurement process. A GOM Touch Probe was then used to capture the geometry of parts that are not visible to the Triple Scan. This handheld probe is optically tracked by the ATOS sensor and calibrated to a high accuracy. It allows movement of both the sensor and probe by using the TRITOP markers to align the data precisely when captured. For this project, it was required to capture critical geometry, including parts of the engine that could not be easily accessed.

Accuracy delivers results

Physical Digital® has been working hard with WSR providing 3D optical measurement services for various components of the BMW 125iM Sports touring car during the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season. Our expert engineers have captured and supplied WSR with vital data required for post-season analysis of the performance of the cars and we are proud to continue to support the current reigning BTCC champions as a Technical Partner.

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal: “The amount of time saved by using Physical Digital for the 3D scanning has been hugely beneficial to the team, and the overall accuracy of the data provided by their engineers has been essential for the development of the cars. We are thrilled to have them on board as a Technical Partner.”