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User StoryKACST

KACST take the ScanArm to the prototype lab to redesign, restyle and re-engineer. It saves everyones time.

Automotive A Saudi Arabian truck manufacturer uses a FARO ScanArm to reverse engineer imported truck parts; redesign, restyle, improve and prototype for local manufacture

There are many benefits of goods made in China, but nothing beats a local look and feel and supporting your own local manufacturing industry. That thought led Refuse Equipment Manufacturing company (REM) of Saudi Arabia to begin a joint truck localization project with the National Program for Automotive Technol-

Reverse engineering for improvement, prototype & manufacture.

ogy based at the King Abdul Aziz City for Sci-ence and Technology (KACST).

Mohammad Al Hussaini, program director at KACST explains, "To improve the Chinese built truck for our regional market, we were asked to identify suitable parts that could be readily reverse engineered, re-styled and then

manufactured in plastic. We indentified the front grill and logo, front bumper and the tail lamp assembly".

The detailed scanning of the selected parts and the body-in-white were made using the FARO Edge ScanArm and Photon 80. "With the precise and detailed scan data we collect-

KACST

KACST (King Abdul Aziz City for Science & Technology) and the National Program for Automotive technology act as the technical adviser to the Refuse Equipment Manufacturing Co. (REM) to whom they provide the design and development of functional prototypes. REM has a memoranda of understanding with OEM truck manufacturers under which it imports separate truck parts from China. REM then fabricates a variety of finished vehicles.

www.KACST.edu.SA

Detailed scanning of selected parts with the FARO Edge ScanArm

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SumAryKACST serves the emergent Saudi Arabian automotive manufacturing industry. It uses a FARO ScanArm and Photon 80 to style prototypes and CAD models for the produc-tion of accurate manufacturing moulds

http://www.kacst.edu.saKACST

www.meASuring-ArmS.fAro.Com

ed, we were able to design new parts that fit precisely and perfectly match the curvature of the truck panels." said Mohammed. Prior to using the ScanArm, his team made measurements with patterns, templates and vernier caliper or had the work done elsewhere. "Using the FARO workflow, we now have scale functional prototypes that fit to the imported chassis with 100% accuracy; and the same CAD model is being used for the development of the manufacturing moulds for mass production of the parts.

While some of the changes were cosmetic to give the trucks an identifiable Saudi Arabian and distinctive REM styling, there were also opportuni-ties and requirements for technical development. The front bumper is now injection moulded plastic with a re-enforcement bar making it stronger and more effective in use. The original tail-light assem-

bly consisted of thirteen main parts for each side of the vehicle. The redesign not only reduced this to four parts but these now apply to both sides of the truck. KACST consider their design simply looks and works better. It will be easier to assemble, and easier for the end user to maintain.

The brand name, and the reputation for the latest precision technology led us to FARO, but the scanners we found were indeed those that best suited our requirements. They are easy to use, and scanning with the 7-axis DOF gives us ready access to detail from intricate locations. And with addi-tional FARO accessories we will have even greater flexibility in future use."

1 Accuracy: All the bosses and other snaps are precisely cap-tured so that the proto-parts fit with 100% accuracy and perfectly match the curvature of adjacent components.

2 Portability: We accomplish more in less time by taking the ScanArm to the work instead of the work to a scan-ning gantry.

3 Ease of Use: With the 7-axis DOF we collect highly accurate data from otherwise inaccessible locations.

4 Price: We will definitely consider a further pur-chase and would willingly recommend FARO.

Mohammad Alhussaini, Program Director of the National Program for Automotive Technology at KACST says:

4 good reASonS

We are happy that KACST has ac-complished the delivery of the con-cept, design and prototype for the chosen parts, and now REM is in the process of manufacturing the dies to

produce components. mohAmmAd AlhussAini, ProgrAm director of the nAtionAl ProgrAm for Automotive

technology At KAcst: