3D scanning technology began in much the same way as photography, attempting to replicate a real object through the use of light. The process of 3D scanning requires advanced technology to collect data from an object and create 3D digital models.
This technology has a wide range of industrial and artistic applications, including jewellery making, orthopaedics, dentistry, engineering, prosthetics, robotics, quality control and mapping. In this article you’ll find relevant information about this advanced technology and its many applications.
3D scanning technology
3D scanners have evolved over the years to provide better ways to capture geometric data from objects and create high-quality 3D models. With this in mind, engineers use and combine technologies to build specialised 3D scanners. Here’s a list of the main technologies used in scanners on the market.
Laser Triangulation
This technology uses laser light to digitise the graphic data of highly detailed objects. It works by projecting a grid onto the object being scanned. A camera then measures the deformation of this grid by calculating the distance to the laser source. The dimensions of the object are determined by calculating the angle and distance. This is one of the most popular technologies used in 3D scanners today.
Time-Of-Flight (TOF) Capture
This technology, also known as LIDAR, is based on a laser pulse. A laser first scans the object, then measures the time it takes the laser to target the object and the time it takes the light to reflect back to the sensor. This technology relies on indirect measurements, so it’s more suitable for larger objects and large scales, as it’s not as accurate as laser triangulation technology.
3D Scanning of Phase Fields
Similar to time-of-flight technology, it uses a laser to collect information from an object by scanning with phase-shifting systems. This method is a subset of TOF, except that the scanner modulates the laser beam. The phases of the transmitted and returned laser beams are compared by the 3D scanner. Similar to time-of-flight technology, it’s more suitable for larger objects.
Fringe Projection/Fringe Light
This technology is commonly used in portable 3D scanners. In stripe projection, a light pattern is projected onto the object using an LCD projector. The sensors or cameras (depending on the scanner) then calculate the distance of each point. It is particularly useful for scanning objects over short distances. It has the advantage of fast image processing and a large scanning range, but is susceptible to outdoor lightning.
Structured Light
Structured Light is a technology based on trigonometric triangulation, in which a series of light patterns are projected into an object instead of using a laser. The result is a very accurate 3D model. The light is applied to the object in stripes, allowing the scanner to examine the edges of each line in the pattern to calculate the distance from the scanner to the surface of the object. The structured light can be blue or white, depending on the spectrum and type of projector.
It is the most popular technology used in 3D scanners because of its accuracy in the digitisation process, but it does not work with high accuracy on moving objects and can have problems processing images in daylight.
Photogrammetry
This is called passive scanning. A camera photographs the object from different angles as it is rotated. It uses the parallax between multiple images and works in a similar way to the stereoscopy of human vision, and is used to capture all information about existing physical objects. It does not offer the accuracy of laser scanners, but it was the first technology used to replicate 3D shapes and models.
9 BEST 3D SCANNERS IN THE MARKET
The most popular 3D scanners on the market are usually based on laser triangulation and structured light technology due to their versatility and accuracy in generating virtual 3D models. Other methods (such as fringe projection or photogrammetry) are often used to create images with lower standards of accuracy. Here’s a list of the best 3D scanners for CAD purposes:
1. 3D Scanner 1.0 A from XYZprinting
A handheld 3D scanner based on structured light technology, ideal for beginners and enthusiasts due to its affordable price. It’s fine-tuned to scan faces, heads and shoulders, full bodies and objects with an accuracy of between 1.0 and 2.5mm. It is very easy to use and offers user-friendly software that allows users to export files in various formats, including STL (compatible with 3D printers).
2. Phiz 3D Scanner from Kiri Innovation
The Phiz 3D is an affordable handheld scanner for professionals and beginners. It uses laser triangulation technology and is supported by smartphones to process the images captured by the scanner for professional-looking results.
3. Occipital Structure Sensor 3D Scanner Mark II
One of the best and most affordable 3D scanners in the market, compatible with the iOs system, specially designed for iPads and Apple users. The scanner is very versatile due to its small size and is based on structured light technology. It can use several different apps and software depending on the user’s preferences. It can scan up to 10m of distance with an accuracy between 1.7mm and 0.2mm.
4. 3D Scanner V2 from Matter & Form
The V2 scanner is a compact, foldable 3D scanner with 360-degree scanning options plus Quickscan and laser triangulation technology to deliver 3D models as fast as 65 seconds. It has an accuracy of 0.1 mm and is compatible with many CAD programs. This scanner has an affordable price starting at $750, making it accessible for enthusiasts and professionals.
5. EINSCAN – SE and Pro Plus by Shining 3D
Handheld, adjustable 3D scanner with high accuracy (0.04mm) and advanced 3D images. It’s based on structured light technology and allows users to get 360 degree coverage. It is considered a professional device and the price starts from 5000$.
6. Range Vision Smart from RangeVision
Portable 3D scanner with high accuracy (up to 0.02mm) and advanced 3D images. It’s based on structured blue light technology with a wide range of prices starting at 2500$ for professional devices. It offers hole-filling scanning options and detailed textures for all types of objects. It supports CAD exporting formats including STL, OBJ, and ASCII.
7. Eva Lite from Artec 3D
Handheld 3D scanner with high accuracy (0.1mm) and advanced 3D imaging. It’s based on structured white light technology and can scan up to two million points on an object in just one second. It is considered a professional device and is priced from $15,000.
8. CREAFORM GO! SCAN SPARK
It is a professional-grade handheld 3D scanner suitable for industries ranging from aerospace to VR development. It offers high power, speed and accuracy (0.05mm) to scan objects of all sizes. It is one of the most complete and advanced industrial scanners on the market, based on structured light technology. It offers a high level of detail and high quality images and has been awarded for its versatility and design.
9. Faro Freestyle
It’s a high quality, high accuracy handheld scanner for professionals. It’s a lightweight, portable device based on laser triangulation technology. 3D scan data can be easily imported into all major architecture, engineering and construction software solutions, including CAD software leader Autodesk.
Top 3D SCANNING APPS
3D scanning applications are useful for photogrammetry technology and for integrating smartphones and PCs into 3D scanning processes. Some CAD software and high-tech companies have developed 3D scanning apps to provide users with innovative tools to facilitate 3D scanning and modelling. Here’s a short list of 3D scanning applications available on the market:
3DF Zephyr
3DF Zephyr is a scanning application developed for photogrammetry technology, recognised for its intuitive and user-friendly software. It offers helpful tools for beginners in its user interface, allowing users to adjust and convert 3D models into CAD software.
Artec Studio
Artec Studio is one of the leading companies in 3D scanning technology, providing high quality equipment and professional software to process the collected 3D data and provide users with high accuracy 3D models. They offer platforms with easy-to-use and intuitive user interfaces and alliances with CAD software to provide engineers and product designers with the best possible 3D experience.
Artec Studio now has an alliance with CAD software company SOLIDWORKS, allowing users to capture an object with Artec scanners, create a high-precision 3D model and then export it to SOLIDWORKS in a single step. They also support a platform called Geomagic to perform reverse engineering operations with specialised tools.
Qlone
Qlone is an all-in-one mobile 3D scanning software designed for beginners and 3D scanning enthusiasts who want to create models using only their smartphone. It’s an easy and fast to use application that allows you to scan and process a complete model, then export it in various 3D formats and send it for 3D printing.
3D scanning is still an innovative technology that is growing and becoming increasingly important in manufacturing and industry. It provides precise and accurate solutions to assist engineers and designers in the 3D modelling process. 3D scanning technologies come in many guises and hopefully this article will help you understand how it works and guide you in choosing the right 3D scanner.
Recommended 3D scanner apps are also explained in this article.
Application examples of 3D scanning
People who apply 3D scanning use it like this.
CAD production for manufacturing
Manufactured parts can be scanned to create a CAD file (e.g. STL file) without the manufacturer’s original drawings or geometry. This is particularly useful for discontinued parts or models that need to be recreated from scratch. In this case, it was common in the industry to build hand-crafted parts to solve this problem, but 3D scanning solves this problem with more accuracy and efficiency. For example: replacing a mechanical part of an old classic car.
Learn more about how to learn CAD in this article.
Reverse Engineering
Consists of gathering information from an object, shape, device or machine to create a model and understand its function and parts. It is used to dissect and analyse an object for duplication, improvement or educational purposes. It helps engineers to obtain details of an object in terms of dimensions, geometry and shape.
Replication of intricate bodies
Complicated and highly detailed shapes or figures can be difficult to recreate with traditional CAD software or by direct measuring which can result in an inaccurate representation, hence scanners help to model intricate shapes with high fidelity. For example, 3D scanners are often used in dental health to provide accurate data from patients’ teeth and replicate the exact geometry and shape of dental prostheses.
Inspection of parts
3D scanners can be used to determine the dimensions and properties of manufactured parts and compare them to the original CAD file. The result of this comparison process is a ‘colour map deviation report’ showing the difference between the two parts. This is useful for checking critical dimensions in assemblies or manufactured devices. For example, scanning a set of mechanical supports and comparing them to the original CAD to check that they meet safety standards.
Rapid prototyping
3D scanning makes it possible to visualise a product or piece of equipment in its early stages and evaluate the design concept and functionality in real life. It provides an efficient and affordable solution for engineers, allowing them to scale, modify or change features in a prototype with high accuracy before launching a product. It also saves companies hundreds of man-hours, as the traditional prototyping process typically requires specialised tools, experienced technicians and is time consuming.
AutoCAD is recommended for 3D production. The following online training course will help you master AutoCAD skills for practical use in two days.
Conclusion
When it comes to 3D scanners, the product is important, but it is also important to use an application that suits you. We have introduced the best 3D scanners and popular apps, so please choose one from them.
