Solving “The Hook Debate” with a 3D Scanner and SOLIDWORKS Simulation

This case study seeks to find the answer to a common question: Which way should you affix a hook to your fence so it can properly handle the load of a hanging flower basket? Javelin’s Application Engineer; Colin Murphy CSWE, takes us to his backyard to put “The Hook Debate” to rest using an Artec 3D Scanner and SOLIDWORKS Simulation.

Solving The Hook Debate

Can the power of the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem help settle a backyard debate? Using 3D scanning, reverse engineering, and a linear-static stress analysis, let’s find out!

There you have it! Let’s review the four key steps: 

Step 1: Complete a 3D Scan of the Hook using an Artec 3D Scanner

Space Spider is a high-resolution 3D scanner based on blue light technology. It is perfect for capturing small objects or intricate details of large industrial objects in high resolution, with steadfast accuracy and brilliant colour.

The scanner’s ability to render complex geometry, sharp edges and thin ribs sets the technology apart, making it perfect for this application. It is an ideal industrial 3D scanner for high resolution capturing of objects, followed by the export of the final 3D model to CAD software.

Step 2: Reverse Engineering using Geomagic and SOLIDWORKS

After completing a 3D scan of the hook, you will have mesh data that can be downloaded into many different file formats. In this case, Colin exported the file as an STL.

Next, we put the STL file into Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS which is an amazing application for extracting surfaces and other information directly from the scan file, including mesh data. Combining these tools and SOLIDWORKS surfacing and solid modeling, Colin created a highly accurate version of the part.

Step 3: Run Linear Static Stress Analysis in SOLIDWORKS Simulation

Using the model that was created in Step 2, Colin moves on to use linear static simulation to evaluate the hook. Apply an appropriate material, fixtures, mesh refinment, and a 5 lb load applied to a small section near the end of the hook.

This can be duplicated to apply the same settings, but on the opposite direction of the hook. Run both studies to directly compare the results of both hook directions. The results will conclusively tell you which direction will cause less stress on the hook.

Step 4: End The Hook Debate!

Time to re-arrange those hooks so that they are all facing the same direction and they can properly bear the load of hanging flower baskets this summer. Thank you SOLIDWORKS!