Flexibility of service to suit the environment
Physical Digital® has completed measurement projects across a vast number of industries. Utilising our high-end optical 3D digitisers, which work using 3D structured Light (3DSL), our team has the ability to capture highly-accurate, full-surface geometries of almost any object; from intricate items of jewellery, up to 60-foot boat hulls.

Bringing your legacy product back to life
Our experienced metrologist and application engineers frequently complete 3D scanning projects for more niche market areas; from historical artefacts for museums, medical training aides, scaled models of property developments, and full satellite ground station antennas to name a few. Using the UK’s highest resolution GOM optical measurement systems, we can capture your object in accurate detail. The data captured via 3D scanning can then be fully reverse engineered by our in-house design team, providing you with an as measured CAD model of the object and provide you with drawings for remanufacture. Following the production of the CAD model from scan data, it can then be further manipulated through design modification using CAE where required. Our services enable you to pass your product on for re-manufacture with full confidence.
The portability and flexibility of our specialist equipment means that we can complete 3D scanning in extremely challenging environments. Our professional team are often required to work within fully operational production facilities, meaning that work must be completed quickly and efficiently without causing interruption or delays. Physical Digital is certified by SafeContractor, providing you with the reassurance that our engineers follow excellent health and safety practices, completing risk assessments and method statements for site visits when required.
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Considerations for 3D scanning
The size, material, finish and detail of the object, as well as the surroundings and environment, must be taken into consideration when planning the 3D measurement of your item and our team of experienced engineers will discuss this with you in detail upon enquiry.
As well as our mobile 3D scanning equipment, we have an automated 3D scanning facility, housed within an environmentally controlled measurement cell based at our site in Surrey. Within this cell we can manage both ambient light and temperature to ensure that the highest level of accuracy is achieved.
Objects with shiny surfaces can be notoriously hard to capture. Our GOM metrology systems use narrow band blue light and reflection detection which helps to reduce the effects of ambient light. Where required, we will also complete surface prep which is aerospace approved.
CAD models for legacy components
Many clients inherit assets for which they do not have the original manufacturing data. Additionally, both hard copy (drawings) and digital data (CAD/CAE) for their assets can get mislaid for a multitude of reasons. We can scan, measure, digitise and produce a model in CAD for the asset, ranging in size from a small hand-held object to vehicle. This robust model can be used directly for re-manufacture, inspection or taken through the full reverse engineering and CAE cycle producing full engineering models and/or drawings.
The resolution of our 3D scanning systems
The resolution (or point spacing) for any 3D scanning system is an essential factor when determining the capability of the equipment to complete measurement of the required geometry. The industry-leading GOM ATOS metrology systems offer unrivalled resolution, which enables our engineers to confidently inspect the smallest detail of the geometries whilst achieving a high-level of accuracy. Physical Digital offers the UK’s highest resolution GOM metrology systems.
Capturing internal geometries
The GOM optical scanning sensor work within line of sight and the projected structured light phase-shifting pattern needs to be captured by at least one of the stereo cameras to be able to calculate data on the surface of the object. The GOM ATOS Triple Scan technology adds to this by essentially capturing three measurements with each scan, with each camera working independently with the projector. Because of this feature, the GOM system can accurately capture data for the following hard to reach areas;
•Bores
•Inlet and exhaust ports on cylinder heads
•Geometry between blades on blisks
•Castings webs
•Slots
•Holes