What is structured light (white light) 3D scanning?
Structured light scanning projects known patterns onto a part and captures shape as a dense point cloud or mesh. It is well suited to complex freeform surfaces and full-field inspection compared to sparse touch-probe sampling alone.
When do you use CMM vs 3D scanning?
CMM excels at high-accuracy prismatic and tight-tolerance critical features. Scanning excels at capturing complete freeform shape and producing deviation maps. Many programs use both — scan for coverage, CMM for correlation on key datums and features.
What is deviation mapping?
Deviation mapping compares scan data to a CAD model or reference scan and visualizes differences with colormaps. It is used for dimensional checks, wear, coating thickness, shrink, and rapid root-cause insight.
Can you reverse-engineer a part without drawings?
Yes. We capture geometry and produce mesh, surface, feature-based, or hybrid CAD depending on whether you need printing, machining, analysis, or editable design models.
Do you work on-site?
Yes. When parts cannot ship, Bolton Works deploys equipment to customer facilities. More than 160 on-site projects have been completed since 2005.
What should I send for a quote?
Photos, drawings or CAD if available, approximate size, material/finish, tolerances or goals (inspection vs reverse engineering), quantity, timeline, and whether the part can ship to South Windsor, CT.
What file formats can you deliver?
Common outputs include inspection reports, colormaps, point clouds/meshes (e.g. STL/OBJ where appropriate), and CAD packages compatible with mainstream mechanical systems such as SolidWorks. Exact formats are agreed per project.
Are you set up for aerospace quality expectations?
Bolton Works operates with an AS9100D quality system focus and is accustomed to documentation, traceability, and correlation practices expected by regulated manufacturing customers.
Still deciding on method or deliverable?
Talk to Bolton Works