SME Pittsburgh Bridge scan
An engineer conducts the first ever 3D scan of the Pittsburgh Bridge
Rapid + TCT 3D Technology Event partners, SME hosted the first ever three-dimensional scan of Pittsburgh Bridge earlier this week.
The advanced manufacturing promoter worked with Faro Technologies, Direct Dimensions and the NextManufacturing Centre at Carnegie Mellon University in scanning the bridge. 3D printed miniature replicas of the bridge, to be used as puzzle pieces. The replicas will be featured in some capacity at next year’s Rapid + TCT event, which is held in Pittsburgh.
SME Event Manager, Maria Conrado, expressed her delight at recreating city landmarks with additive technology for the showcase event.
She said: “Rapid + TCT 2017 showcases the latest growth and advancements in the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry. The manufacturing industry is important to Pittsburgh, and it is exciting that we are using additive technology to reproduce 3D models of a special landmark in this city.”
A Faro Technologies Focus3D Laser Scanner was used to conduct the scan of the iconic bridge. Direct Dimensions will be converting the raw laser scan data into a 3D CAD model. It will then be in the correct format needed to make the 3D-printed physical models.
Michelle Edwards, the Applications Engineering Manager of Faro Technologies, believes the scanning of the Roberto Clemente Bridge can spur other innovators on to create similar models.
She said: “3D scanning technologies allow physical objects to be captured and transformed into 3D digital models with incredible detail. Scanning something as recognisable as the Roberto Clemente Bridge can spark many conversations.
“People have never seen this bridge as a 3D point cloud. Once they see that, thy begin to question their own processes. That’s how innovation happens.”
Sandra DeVincent Wolf, the executive director of the NextManufacturing Centre at Carnegie Mellon University, was present when the scan took place and noted that it symbolises the region’s current position as a hub for 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing technologies.
