HFCC First In Region To Get Laser Scanning System
DEARBORN -- Henry Ford Community College announced Friday that its Technology Division has received a Photon 120 laser scanning system from Faro Technologies, becoming the first college in the Midwest to wield such sophisticated technology in the classroom.
"This is a fascinating piece of technology and the HFCC Foundation is delighted to accept such a wonderful gift," said John Lewandowski, HFCC executive director of development. "What is just as important as receiving this equipment is the college's collaboration with Ford Motor Co., Troy Design, Faro, Geomagics and Pointools on helping HFCC instructors in using the scanner."
The Faro Photon 120 is a high-speed 3-D laser scanning system used for detailed measurement and documentation of complex environments and geometries within a matter of minutes. It scans 1 million points per second with a range of 120 meters, producing incredibly detailed images. It offers a host of application usage: historical preservation, forensic science, industrial design and reverse-engineering.
The Photon 120 laser scanning system is approximately three years old and is in excellent working order. The college received this donation as part of a joint effort by Ford and Florida-based Faro Technologies. Ford leased this particular laser scanner from Faro in 2008 when the product was first launched.
Don Deming, a virtual manufacturing engineer for powertrain manufacturing engineering at Ford, said that this piece of technological equipment represents critical virtual design and simulation work for the organization.
"At Ford, we virtually assemble engine and transmission CAD data using computer simulation technology, which helps us simulate the actual manufacturing line as closely as possible," he said, adding that to do this, "we investigated scanning as a way to avoid modeling the plant environment. Once we produced the scans, different activities found them to be very useful for very different reasons."
Upon purchasing the laser scanner, the 2008 model was upgraded before Ford ever received it and was upgraded once again last year. The automotive giant traded in its laser scanner for the latest version, which would either by used for spare parts or donated to colleges.
Dave Dreffs, who works for Troy Design & Manufacturing -- a Ford subsidiary based in Redford Township -- made the suggestion to donate the laser scanner to HFCC. Dreffs attended HFCC from 2000 to 2002, where he studied robotics.
"I enjoy giving back to HFCC. The Technology Division is very hands-on and gave me more 'real world' experience than any other college. I owe my career to HFCC," he said, adding that HFCC "is the place that deserves this laser scanner. It'll be nice to have people know how to use this technology."
Roger Weekes, HFCC skilled trades instructor, plans on implementing the laser scanner into his computer-assisted design and industrial detailing classes. According to Weekes, other classes that will use the laser scanner include product design and advanced solid modeling.
"This type of technology will certainly open up enough avenues not only in terms of utilizing it in the classroom, but also because we're the first college in the region to receive it. We will prepare students for a number of jobs at the larger automotive companies, such as Ford, General Motors and Chrysler," he explained.
To learn more about HFCC's technology programs, visit www.hfcc.edu or call (800) 585-HFCC.
Henry Ford Community College is a comprehensive public community college serving about 19,000 students. It offers more than 100 associate degrees, university transfer and career programs.
