3D Moelling Software

UKAEA owns, builds and operates several fusion test devices. These are often highly complex machines which rely on lots of supporting plant systems. Even though we maintain an extensive library of 3D design models, these can often not be relied upon when planning engineering modifications or new installations. This is primarily because not all plant is modelled in 3D. Even the models that do exist cannot always be relied upon to be completely accurate.

We currently rely on site surveys with cameras and manual methods such as tape measures when planning modifications. UKAEA is looking to improve on this cumbersome and error-prone methodology by exploiting 3D laser scanners, which we already own. The scanners themselves output point clouds which do not allow for easy integration with our CAD software. It is in the integration that we are looking to extend our capability. Requirements

We're looking to obtain the capability to extract 'As-Built' geometry features from 3D point cloud scans for the purpose of 'context capture' and 'reverse engineering' within a set context.