Case Study: Artec 3D achieves 27% reduced finishing costs and 14% improved end-part accuracy with 3D Systems

Improved Manufacturing Process with Artec 3D Scanner and Geomagic Control X Software

3D Systems faced the common manufacturing challenge of tuning new additive production processes—managing shrinkage, surface finish and repeatability across multi-stage workflows—while developing a lightweight steering knuckle for a prototype vehicle. Without systematic, scan-native inspection tools it’s difficult to diagnose and correct cumulative deviations from design through casting, so the team needed a fast, repeatable way to capture, analyze and compensate for distortion in 3D-printed wax patterns and cast parts.

Using the Artec Space Spider handheld scanner with Geomagic Control X (plus Geomagic Design X, 3D Sprint and the Projet MJP 2500 IC printer), the team implemented a scan→reverse-engineer→print→cast→inspect loop, tested solid vs. infill wax patterns, and applied precision, non-uniform scaling to compensate shrinkage. The approach delivered the required part quality with a single tuning iteration, exceeded foundry expectations, cut finishing costs by 27%, boosted end-part accuracy by 14%, reduced material use by ~35% (material cost ~27%) and improved dimensional stability and repeatability.

Artec 3D