{"id":164114,"date":"2021-11-25T11:15:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-25T03:15:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=164114"},"modified":"2022-08-12T17:32:34","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T09:32:34","slug":"demystifying-the-3d-scanning-process","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/demystifying-the-3d-scanning-process","title":{"rendered":"Demystifying the 3D Scanning Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve seen a 3D scanner in action, you know that scans can be accomplished quickly and used to create detailed digital models of just about any object. But moving a scanner around a subject is a deceptively simple act\u2014there\u2019s a lot more going on beneath the surface.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re thinking of purchasing an\u00a0Artec 3D scanner<\/a>\u00a0or you\u2019re interested in\u00a0terrestrial scanning services<\/a>\u00a0for a large project, we\u2019re here to provide a more in-depth look at exactly what happens during a scan. Let\u2019s dive into the inner workings of 3D scanners and the 3D scanning process.<\/p>\n

What Is a 3D Scanner?<\/h2>\n

3D scanners come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from portable to stationary to desktop. Some may sit on a tripod for\u00a0long-range scanning\u00a0applications indoors and out, while others include handheld and lab based systems with higher accuracy and resolution. All of the line of sight machines use sensors to capture light changes over an object to digitally measure its physical geometry. The process requires no contact and is non-destructive, making it ideal for sensitive applications, such as preserving historical artifacts.<\/p>\n

The intended end use will determine the exact type of scanner needed, but these machines are incredibly versatile and can be used to survey a variety of objects. You really can scan just about anything, from industrial parts to living creatures to moving targets to massive buildings and environments. Portable Artec 3D scanners might be used out in the field, while a desktop scanner might be better suited for laboratory use. If you only require the use of a scanner for a short period, you might employ\u00a03D scanning services\u00a0instead of outright purchasing your own scanner.<\/p>\n

Combining high resolution with accuracy, 3D scanners capture a huge amount of shape data quickly and efficiently. Some units, like the\u00a0Artec Eva, can record both shape and color, resulting in a detailed, fully textured 3D image. Many portable scanners are designed to be simple to use, making capturing data as simple as recording a video. The\u00a0Artec Leo, for example, boasts a built-in touch panel screen that allows users to watch the 3D model developing as they scan.<\/p>\n

How Does 3D Scanning Work?<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

3D scanners are an effective option for creating digital copies of objects with fine details or irregular geometries, thanks to the precise nature of 3D scanning. The first step in this process is conducting the scan and capturing the data. To do this, a pattern of light is projected onto the subject, while cameras measure and record the resulting changes in the distance and shape of the pattern in three dimensions through a process known as triangulation.<\/p>\n

That very precise pattern of light allows a 3D scanner to capture millions of data points on an object from a single setup or orientation \u2014 the resulting XYZ measurement points are\u00a0referred to as a point cloud. Multiple point clouds will need to be created in order to capture the object in question from every perspective. Once all of the necessary point clouds have been created (think of this as the raw scan data), they are combined to form one 3D digital representation of the object.<\/p>\n

Where Does 3D Scanning Software Come In?<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Once the scan is complete, you\u2019re left with a complete set of data points to edit and manipulate. 3D scanning software is used for a variety of post-processing needs, from registering to aligning data. Programs like Artec Studio can transform a scan for a variety of applications, such as creating and exporting models that are directly compatible with CAD. Although the software might seem overwhelming at first glance (it\u2019s jam-packed with dozens of tools!), most projects can be tackled with the help of just a few main functions or even fully automated for efficiencies.<\/p>\n

What Are 3D Scans Used For?<\/h2>\n

Portable scanners, like those included in the Artec line, have been instrumental in bringing this technology out of the lab and into a variety of fields. Today, 3D scanners are used in an enormous variety of\u00a0industries\u2014the medical, engineering, archeological, and animation sectors are just a few areas that have benefited immensely from this equipment.<\/p>\n

Once your scan is complete and you\u2019re finished with post-processing, you\u2019ll be able to use your data to create everything from CAD models to 3D-printed figurines. In the last 30 years, we\u2019ve seen our fair share of imaginative 3D scanning projects, from analyzing a potentially ancient\u00a0runestone\u00a0to body scanning the entire\u00a0U.S. Women\u2019s National Soccer Team\u00a0to reverse engineering a one of a kind aircraft.\u00a0The bottom line is that this technology, while complex in its inner workings, is simple to use and can accomplish exactly what you need it to do.<\/p>\n

Source: https:\/\/www.laserdesign.com\/demystifying-the-3d-scanning-process\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve seen a 3D scanner in action, you know that scans can be accomplished quickly and used to create detailed digital models of just about any object. But moving a scanner around a subject is a deceptively simple act\u2014there\u2019s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Whether you\u2019re thinking of purchasing an\u00a0Artec 3D […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"kbtopic":[137],"kbtag":[664,127,55],"class_list":["post-164114","kb","type-kb","status-publish","hentry","kbtopic-case","kbtag-3d-scanning","kbtag-process","kbtag-software"],"yoast_head":"\nDemystifying the 3D Scanning Process - FacFox Docs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019ve seen a 3D scanner in action, you know that scans can be accomplished quickly and used to create detailed digital models of just about any If you\u2019ve seen a 3D scanner in action, you know that scans can be accomplished quickly and used to create detailed digital models of just about any object.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/demystifying-the-3d-scanning-process\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Demystifying the 3D Scanning Process\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019ve seen a 3D scanner in action, you know that scans can be accomplished quickly and used to create detailed digital models of just about any If you\u2019ve seen a 3D scanner in action, you know that scans can be accomplished quickly and used to create detailed digital models of just about any object.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/demystifying-the-3d-scanning-process\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"FacFox Docs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/facfox3d\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-08-12T09:32:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/3093e94fbb4d00d5.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@facfox3d\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/demystifying-the-3d-scanning-process\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/demystifying-the-3d-scanning-process\",\"name\":\"Demystifying the 3D Scanning Process - 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