Client Overview
- Company: FABTEK
- Location: Vietnam
- Industry: Metal Manufacturing (Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium)
- Use Case: Dimensional inspection and reverse engineering
- Technologies Used: SHINING 3D FreeScan Laser 3D Scanner, Geomagic Control X, Geomagic Design X
Background
Established in 2003, FABTEK is a Vietnam-based manufacturing company producing precision components for global markets in industries such as automotive, agriculture, construction, medical, and mining. From raw fabrication to client-specific branding and packaging, FABTEK offers full-cycle services, ensuring high-quality standards throughout production.
Challenge: Limitations of Manual Inspection Tools
Prior to adopting a 3D scanning solution, FABTEK relied on traditional tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to perform quality inspections. This manual approach posed several critical challenges:
- Prolonged Inspection Time:
Measuring a single large or complex component took 4–5 hours on average. - Measurement Inaccuracy:
Manual tools were vulnerable to human error and environmental variation. - Difficulty with Complex Geometries:
Freeform and curved surfaces—common in automotive and machinery applications—could not be reliably measured using manual methods. - Delayed Defect Discovery:
Quality issues were often identified late in the process, leading to delays, costly rework, or compromised product delivery.
“In the past, inspections took hours and were very labor-intensive. We sometimes discovered issues too late, which delayed delivery and affected our reputation.”
— Phan Van Chi, QA Department, FABTEK
Solution: FreeScan Laser 3D Scanner + Geomagic Software Suite
To overcome these constraints, FABTEK implemented the FreeScan laser 3D scanning system from SHINING 3D, paired with:
- Geomagic Control X for 3D inspection and reporting
- Geomagic Design X for reverse engineering workflows
With hands-on training provided by SHINING 3D’s local partner, the QA team rapidly integrated the system into their workflow for daily part inspections and validation.
Key Outcomes and Technical Benefits
50%+ Reduction in Inspection Time
Inspection cycles were cut from up to 5 hours to just 2–3 hours per component. This efficiency freed up QA team resources and improved overall production throughput.
High-Accuracy 3D Scanning
With metrology-grade precision, the FreeScan system provides reliable measurements for even the most complex geometries—previously unmeasurable by traditional methods.
Improved Early Defect Detection
The 3D scan data enables proactive detection of dimensional deviations and manufacturing defects, especially critical for fast-turnaround or high-spec projects.
“Large mechanical components were extremely difficult to measure manually. Now, with FreeScan, it’s quick and highly accurate.”
— FABTEK QA Engineer
Conclusion: A Scalable Step Forward in Smart Manufacturing
FABTEK’s adoption of SHINING 3D’s FreeScan scanner and Geomagic software represents a strategic investment in digital inspection and reverse engineering. The results were immediate:
- Faster inspections
- More accurate measurement data
- Reduced delivery delays
- Increased competitiveness in international markets