An Absolute Arm and AS1 scanner system allowed a well-established business to continue their growth into the digital world of the 21st century.

Located in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, Shonan Machine is one of the country’s largest prototype makers. The business has a history going back over half a century in using methods like CNC machining, vacuuming casting and injection moulding for the automotive and electronics industries. They provide a wide range of metalworking services and are mainly engaged in the machining of jig parts for moulds and mass-produced products.

Shonan Machine’s work also encompasses the design stage, providing 3D mechanical designs and 2D drawings according to client requirements. They can connect this design practice to the real world through services such as interference checks based on 3D assembly data and mould flow analysis using the latest digital software that can be translated into actual mould making processes. They also provide 3D modelling services, creating 3D data from design renderings, measurement data and 2D drawings.

Over 50 years, the team at Shonan Machine technology has seen their work transition from the analogue to a digital medium, but they remain committed to their belief in true craftsmanship. However, in recent years, as price competition has become fierce, the company has begun to feel challenge of competing with other companies without reducing quality. To overcome this challenge, they made the decision to develop their long-standing interest in using 3D printers and scanners by expanding their reverse engineering toolkit with the introduction of an Absolute Arm portable measuring arm system equipped with the Absolute Scanner AS1 laser scanner.

After gathering information on a variety of products from their trading partners, Shonan Machine decided that a high-performance portable laser scanner that did not require markers and would allow onsite scanning would be the best choice. The Absolute Arm met these requirements, while also being exceptionally easy to use and offering completely wireless connectivity, factors that the Shonan Machine team also valued highly.