Case Study: GF Machining Solutions closes the digital gap in turbocharger production with Hexagon laser scanning

Laser scanning closes the digital gap in 3D printing and high-end milling workflow

GF Machining Solutions, a global provider of machine tools, faced a significant challenge in creating a digital workflow for manufacturing a double-walled Formula 1 turbocharger. The transition between the 3D printing and high-precision milling phases was inefficient, requiring slow, manual alignment due to part distortions and incompatible data, which created a major bottleneck. They turned to Hexagon for a solution.

By implementing Hexagon's m&h LS-R-4.8 laser scanning system and HxGN NC Measure software, GF Machining Solutions was able to digitally scan and align the 3D-printed part directly on the milling machine. This Hexagon solution reduced the alignment process time from 3 hours to just 15 minutes—a 12-fold improvement—ensured precise milling paths, and prevented costly scrap, ultimately closing the digital gap between additive and subtractive manufacturing.

GF Machining Solutions

Roland Zaugg

Workflow Expert Global Application