Applications of 3D Laser Scanning in a Production Environment

According to earlier research 3D laser scanning technology has proven to be a very efficient method for gathering spatial data, which with additional pre-processing results in a point cloud. The point cloud represent reality as-is and the accuracy of the generated points are, depending on the scanning hardware used, usually within just a few millimeters. Generating a point cloud is a fast method for generating a digital representation of an object, opposed to taking manual measurements and modelling the object in a CAD-software, such as AutoCAD. This thesis investigates the possibilities with 3D laser scanning and makes a comparison between 2D layout models and point clouds. The 2D layout documentation frequently used as a base for decision making at the case-company UniCarriers Manufacturing Sweden AB (UCMSWE) is known to have inaccuracies. This thesis aim is therefore to provide a future work routine involving the use of 3D laser scanning at UCMSWE. Further, the study aims to identify issues regarding the 2D layout documentation and propose methods to eliminate them and to increase the efficiency of the layout documentation change process. Additionally, the study has included researching potential areas of application for point clouds, which could be used at a future stage for UCMSWE. Important to note is that the potential applications wil