3D scanning plays a pivotal role in both the initial and final stages of 3D fabrication processes. Professionals across various fields, including engineers, product designers, and researchers, utilize 3D scanners to expedite and enhance the creation of digital models. This technology facilitates the incorporation of existing designs through reverse engineering, the digitization of handcrafted models, and even the precise replication of human body shapes for custom applications.
Beyond initial design, 3D scanning is invaluable for quality assurance in 3D printing. It enables the verification of printed part accuracy and provides insights into part performance after use. By scanning deformed parts, engineers can identify areas needing reinforcement in subsequent design iterations.
The market offers a diverse array of 3D scanning solutions, from portable handheld devices to stationary desktop scanners, making the selection process challenging. This guide will explore crucial factors to consider when investing in a 3D scanner, highlighting key applications that benefit from the synergy of 3D scanning and 3D printing.
Exploring Different 3D Scanning Technologies for 3D Printing
Several 3D scanning technologies are available today, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right 3d Print Scanner for your specific needs.
Laser Triangulation
Laser triangulation scanners project laser light onto an object, capturing millions of data points per second. The light reflected back to the scanner’s sensors allows for precise geometric data capture. These scanners are renowned for their accuracy and are particularly effective for intricate parts with opaque surfaces.
However, laser triangulation technology has limitations. Its sensitivity to movement restricts its use in most handheld scanners, as the laser source requires stability and close proximity to the scanned object. Transparent or reflective surfaces also pose challenges, often necessitating the application of reflective markers, which add extra steps to the workflow.
Furthermore, laser safety is a concern, especially when scanning living subjects. It is imperative to verify that the scanner is eye-safe or to implement appropriate safety measures when scanning body parts.
Structured Light Scanning
Structured light scanners, also known as white light or blue light scanners, project a light pattern onto the object and use two cameras to capture distortions in the pattern. These distortions are then processed to create a 3D digital snapshot.
These scanners are available in both stationary and portable configurations, with structured light technology being the most prevalent in handheld 3D scanners. Their safety for scanning humans and animals, along with their ability to handle slight object movement, makes them popular in medical applications. While traditional white light scanners were once slower than laser triangulation, advancements have narrowed this gap.
Structured light scanning is a prevalent technology in portable 3D scanners, offering versatility and safety for various applications.
Depth-Sensing Cameras
Depth-sensing cameras utilize infrared (IR) light to project a grid of dots onto a scene, measuring depth based on the distortion of this grid. These scanners are user-friendly and represent the most affordable option. However, they typically offer lower accuracy and resolution, potentially missing fine details. While suitable for capturing larger objects, their accuracy diminishes with increased distance and steeper angles.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the process of deriving measurements from photographs. By taking multiple overlapping photos of an object from various angles, software algorithms can construct a 3D model. This technique is widely used in smartphone-based 3D scanning due to the advanced camera capabilities of modern phones.
Photogrammetry is the most economical entry point into 3D scanning but generally provides the lowest accuracy. It’s less suitable for professional or business-critical applications where high precision is required.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Sensors
LiDAR sensors, found in some high-end smartphones and tablets like recent iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models, offer a step up in scanning capability compared to photogrammetry on mobile devices. LiDAR provides more accurate depth data, making these devices viable for occasional scanning needs.
While smartphone LiDAR enhances scanning, it still falls short of dedicated 3D scanners in terms of detail and accuracy. Models generated often require post-processing in CAD software to fill gaps and refine the mesh for professional applications like 3D printing. Smartphone scanning serves as a basic entry point, suitable for users with CAD expertise or those needing only rudimentary digital models.
Key Considerations When Choosing a 3D Print Scanner
Selecting the ideal 3D print scanner involves balancing several factors to match your specific application and budget.
3D Scanner Accuracy vs. Price
Accuracy is a primary differentiator among 3D scanners, and generally, higher accuracy correlates with a higher price. The required precision for your 3D printed parts should guide your accuracy needs in a scanner.
| High Price, Highest Accuracy (>$15,000) | More Affordable, High Accuracy (<$12,000) | Low Price, Low Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Zeiss T-Scan Hawk, Scantech Simscan, EviXscan Optima+, Creaform HandyScan 307, Silver Series | Peel 3D Peel 1, Peel 2 & Peel 2-S, FARO Freestyle 2, Polyga Compact S1 | iPhone Pro and iPad Pro, Structure Sensor, Matter and Form 3D Scanner V2, Revopoint POP |
Laser and structured light scanners, offering accuracy around 0.1 mm or better, are well-suited for professional applications and complement high-resolution 3D printers. Formlabs resin 3D printers, for example, achieve comparable accuracy and build volumes, making these scanners ideal partners.
Beyond accuracy, resolution is also critical. Resolution defines the density of captured points and determines the level of detail a scanner can capture. A high-accuracy, low-resolution scanner might capture the overall shape of an object but miss finer details. Consider your project’s detail requirements when evaluating resolution.
Accuracy and resolution are distinct: accuracy relates to measurement error, while resolution refers to measurement density. Accuracy specifications can vary by manufacturer and technology. Handheld scanner accuracy can depend on distance and scan reconstruction quality, whereas desktop scanners offer consistent accuracy within their fixed scan volume. For precise measurements, ensure you compare accuracy specifications apples-to-apples.
Structured light scanning generally offers superior resolution and accuracy compared to laser scanning. For artistic applications where intricate detail is paramount and absolute accuracy less critical, photogrammetry can be a cost-effective option.
Depth-sensing cameras and photogrammetry are suitable for scanning large objects for scale models or capturing human body shapes, where extreme accuracy is not essential. Entry-level laser scanners offer a more affordable way to replicate small objects at a 1:1 scale, providing sufficient detail for decorative items where high precision is not required.
For infrequent 3D scanning needs, consider utilizing digitization services, which offer scanning, CAD translation, and accuracy inspection.
3D Scanner Volume and Coverage
The capture volume of a 3D scanner varies greatly. Choose a scanner with a volume that accommodates your typical object sizes without excessive overhead, as cost often scales with scan volume.
Handheld scanners offer greater flexibility in object size, as they can be moved around the object. Entry-level handheld scanners can handle objects from basketball-sized to room-sized. High-end handheld scanners extend this range further, suitable for large objects requiring precise measurements that exceed desktop scanner capabilities. Handheld scanners also excel at capturing dynamic subjects, like human measurements for ergonomics and medical applications.
Obstructions in the scanner’s line of sight create gaps in the digital model. While software can automatically repair small gaps, these repairs are rarely perfectly accurate. For applications demanding high fidelity, manual gap filling and editing are often necessary. Refer to MeshMixer tutorials for advanced 3D file editing techniques.
Turntables enhance scanner coverage by rotating the object. Sophisticated turntables with multi-axis movement improve capture completeness, crucial for complex parts with deep features or undercuts inaccessible from a single angle.
Object rotation on a turntable helps capture occluded areas. Red regions indicate areas hidden from the scanner that will be missing in the scan. Parts with significant depth and complex geometry are challenging for single-axis turntables due to occlusion.
Budget constraints are a key factor. Your willingness to invest in a scanner should align with your usage frequency and business needs. Higher-priced scanners capture finer details and generate cleaner meshes, minimizing CAD post-processing. Handheld scanners often command a higher price due to their portability. The entry-level market offers diverse options, but careful evaluation is crucial to ensure the scanner meets your specific requirements.
Flowchart: Choosing the Best 3D Scanner for Your Application
Use this flowchart to navigate the selection process based on accuracy, scan volume, and budget considerations.
Download a high-resolution version of this infographic here.
The Synergistic Relationship Between 3D Scanning and 3D Printing
A 3D scanner significantly expands the capabilities of a 3D printer, enabling the replication of virtually any physical object. Together, these technologies form a powerful digital workflow, streamlining and enhancing processes across numerous industries.
A 3D scan outputs a mesh of triangles representing the object’s surface in real-world scale. This scan data can sometimes be directly used for replication without extensive CAD manipulation. Hybrid workflows combining solid CAD models with scanned data are also highly effective. For instance, capturing a body part’s shape for customized ergonomics can be seamlessly integrated with mechanical designs.
3D scanners are also vital for assessing the accuracy of 3D printed parts. Numerous factors can influence print accuracy, and metrology-grade scanners provide precise measurements to evaluate material performance in demanding applications.
Combining 3D printing and 3D scanning unlocks a wide array of powerful workflows:
- Reverse engineering: Creating replacement parts, custom ergonomic products, and more.
- Replication and restoration: Preserving artifacts, artworks, and jewelry.
- Custom consumer products: Designing personalized audio earpieces and similar items.
- Dental and medical applications: Enabling patient-specific treatments and devices.
- Metrology: Validating and measuring the dimensional accuracy of manufactured parts.
Building a Seamless Digital Workflow with 3D Scanning and 3D Printing
3D scanners and 3D printers are integral components of digital workflows across diverse sectors. Explore resources to delve deeper into integrating 3D scanning to enhance part design and production, and discover how to effectively combine 3D printing and scanning to empower workflows in engineering, product design, and beyond.
Further explore the 3D printing aspect by learning about stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing technologies and experiencing advanced 3D printing materials firsthand with a free sample 3D printed part.
