3D scanning technology has become indispensable in modern 3D printing workflows, acting as a crucial bridge between the physical and digital worlds. Whether you’re reverse engineering existing parts, digitizing intricate sculptures, or capturing the human form for custom designs, a 3D scanner offers a fast and efficient way to create digital 3D models ready for 3D printing. From engineers and product designers to hobbyists and researchers, the applications are vast and varied.
Beyond initial design stages, 3D scanners play a vital role in quality control after 3D printing. By scanning a printed part, you can verify its dimensional accuracy against the original digital design, ensuring the fidelity of the 3D printing process. Furthermore, analyzing scans of parts after use can provide valuable insights into their performance, revealing areas needing reinforcement or design adjustments for future iterations.
The market offers a diverse range of 3D scanners, from portable handheld devices to high-precision desktop systems, making the selection process potentially overwhelming. Choosing the right “3d Scanner For 3d Printer” depends heavily on your specific needs, applications, and budget. This guide will delve into the essential factors to consider when purchasing a 3D scanner for 3D printing, explore different scanning technologies, and highlight key applications where the synergy of 3D scanning and 3D printing unlocks significant potential.
Understanding 3D Scanning Technologies for 3D Printers
Various 3D scanning technologies are available today, each with unique strengths and limitations. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the best “3d scanner for 3d printer” for your specific needs.
Laser Triangulation
Laser triangulation scanners project laser light onto an object and capture the reflected light with a sensor to measure its geometry. These scanners are known for their high accuracy, capable of taking millions of measurements per second. They excel in capturing intricate details of opaque objects, making them suitable for applications requiring high precision.
However, laser triangulation technology has limitations. Most laser triangulation scanners are not portable due to the need for a stable laser source at a fixed distance. They can also struggle with transparent or reflective surfaces, often requiring the application of matte spray or reflective markers, which adds extra steps to the scanning process. Safety is another consideration, as laser light can be harmful to eyes, necessitating safety precautions when scanning living subjects. Always consult the manufacturer to ensure eye safety, especially when scanning body parts.
Structured Light Scanners
Structured light scanners, also known as white light or blue light scanners, project patterns of light onto an object and use one or more cameras to capture the distortions of these patterns. By analyzing these distortions, the scanner reconstructs the 3D geometry of the object.
Structured light scanning is widely adopted in both stationary and portable 3D scanners, especially handheld models. It is considered safer than laser scanning, making it suitable for medical applications and scanning humans and animals. Structured light scanners are particularly effective when scanning objects that are not perfectly still. While traditionally slower than laser triangulation, advancements in technology have significantly improved their scanning speeds.
Structured light scanning is the most commonly used technology in handheld 3D scanners.
Depth-Sensing Cameras
Depth-sensing cameras utilize infrared (IR) light to project a grid of dots onto a scene and measure the depth based on the distortion of this grid. These cameras are user-friendly and represent the most affordable 3D scanning option.
However, depth-sensing cameras have lower accuracy and resolution compared to laser and structured light scanners. They may struggle to capture fine details, and their accuracy decreases with distance and steeper angles. While suitable for scanning large objects, they might not be the best choice for applications demanding high precision or intricate details in 3D printing.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is a technique that reconstructs 3D models from a series of overlapping photographs. By capturing multiple images of an object from different angles, specialized software can identify common points and calculate the 3D geometry. Smartphone cameras have made photogrammetry accessible to a wider audience, offering a low-cost entry point to 3D scanning.
While photogrammetry is the least expensive option, it is also generally the least accurate method for creating 3D models for 3D printing. It may not be suitable for professional or business applications requiring high accuracy and detail. However, for hobbyists or projects where dimensional accuracy is not paramount, photogrammetry can be a viable starting point.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Sensors
LiDAR sensors emit laser pulses and measure the time it takes for the light to return, determining the distance to objects. Found in some high-end smartphones and tablets, LiDAR technology offers improved scanning capabilities compared to photogrammetry on mobile devices.
Devices equipped with LiDAR sensors, like recent iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models, provide a step up in scanning performance for occasional users. While offering better accuracy and detail than photogrammetry on smartphones, LiDAR-based smartphone scanners still fall short of dedicated, stand-alone 3D scanners in terms of precision and resolution. Expect to perform post-processing in CAD software to refine meshes and fill gaps for optimal 3D printing results, especially for professional applications.
Key Considerations When Selecting a 3D Scanner for 3D Printing
Choosing the right “3d scanner for 3d printer” involves balancing several factors to meet your specific project requirements and budget.
3D Scanner Accuracy vs. Price
Accuracy is a critical factor, and it typically correlates with the price of the 3D scanner. Higher accuracy scanners generally come with a higher price tag. The required accuracy for your 3D printed parts should guide your scanner selection.
For professional applications and high-resolution 3D printers, laser and structured light scanners are generally recommended due to their higher accuracy (0.1 mm or better). These scanners align well with the capabilities of resin 3D printers like Formlabs SLA printers, which offer similar accuracy and build volumes.
Beyond accuracy, resolution is another important metric, referring to the density of measured points. Higher resolution scanners capture finer details. Consider whether your projects require capturing minute details or just the overall shape. A high-accuracy, low-resolution scanner might capture the general form of an object but miss fine details.
Accuracy can be defined differently by manufacturers. Handheld scanner accuracy may depend on scanning distance and reconstruction quality, while desktop scanners offer consistent accuracy within their fixed scan volume. When comparing scanners for precise measurements, ensure you are comparing comparable metrics.
For artistic applications where detail is important but absolute dimensional accuracy is less critical, photogrammetry might be a suitable, cost-effective option. For large objects like sculptures or human bodies, depth-sensing cameras and photogrammetry offer adequate accuracy for creating scale models or capturing body shapes. Entry-level laser scanners provide a starting point for replicating smaller objects with reasonable detail for decorative purposes.
For occasional scanning needs, consider professional 3D scanning services, which can provide high-accuracy scans and CAD translation if required.
| High Price, Highest Accuracy ($15,000 and more) | More Affordable, High Accuracy ($12,000 and under) | Low price, Low Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Zeiss T-Scan Hawk Scantech Simscan EviXscan Optima+ M Creaform HandyScan 307 Silver Series |
peel 3d peel 1, peel 2 & peel 2-SFARO Freestyle 2 Polyga Compact S1 |
iPhone Pro and iPad Pro Structure Sensor Matter and Form 3D Scanner V2 Revopoint POP |
3D Scanner Volume and Coverage
Scan volume, the size of the area a scanner can capture, varies significantly. Choose a scanner with a volume that suits the size of objects you intend to scan. Larger scan volumes often increase the scanner’s cost.
Handheld scanners offer greater flexibility in scan volume as they can be moved around objects of varying sizes, from small parts to large objects or even rooms. High-end handheld scanners can capture objects ranging from basketballs to entire rooms with high precision. They are also ideal for scanning human subjects for ergonomic or medical applications due to their speed and portability.
If parts of an object are not visible to the scanner, gaps will appear in the 3D model. Software can automatically repair small gaps, but these repairs are generally not dimensionally accurate. For high-precision applications, minimizing gaps and ensuring complete coverage during scanning is crucial.
Turntables are often used with desktop scanners to improve object coverage by rotating the object during scanning. Advanced turntables with multiple axes of rotation can further enhance coverage, especially for complex geometries with undercuts and recesses. These features are particularly important for reverse engineering intricate parts.
Portability and Ease of Use
Consider whether you need a portable scanner or if a stationary desktop scanner is sufficient. Handheld scanners offer portability and flexibility for scanning objects in various locations, while desktop scanners typically provide higher accuracy and automation for objects that can be placed on a turntable. Ease of use is also important, especially for users without extensive 3D scanning experience. User-friendly software and intuitive workflows can significantly streamline the scanning process.
Software and Integration
The software bundled with a 3D scanner plays a crucial role in the overall workflow. Consider the software’s capabilities for data processing, mesh editing, and integration with CAD software. Seamless integration with your 3D printing workflow is essential. Ensure the scanner outputs file formats compatible with your 3D printing software and CAD tools.
Applications of 3D Scanners in 3D Printing
The combination of “3d scanner for 3d printer” opens up a wide range of powerful applications across various industries.
Reverse Engineering
3D scanning is fundamental to reverse engineering, allowing you to create digital 3D models of existing parts for reproduction, modification, or design improvement. This is invaluable for creating replacement parts for legacy systems, customizing products for ergonomics, or analyzing competitor products.
Quality Control and Inspection
3D scanners enable precise dimensional inspection of 3D printed parts, verifying accuracy and identifying deviations from the original design. Metrology-grade scanners offer high accuracy for demanding applications where dimensional precision is critical. This ensures the quality and consistency of 3D printed parts.
Customization and Personalization
3D scanning facilitates the creation of customized and personalized products. By scanning individuals, you can capture their unique shapes and create tailored products, such as custom-fit earpieces, orthotics, or personalized artistic creations.
Art and Design
In art and design, 3D scanners enable the replication and restoration of sculptures, artifacts, and intricate objects. Artists and designers can also incorporate 3D scans into their creative workflows, blending physical and digital elements.
Flowchart: Choosing the Best 3D Scanner for Your Needs
To help you navigate the selection process, this flowchart summarizes the key considerations for choosing the best “3d scanner for 3d printer” based on accuracy, scan volume, and budget.
Download the high-resolution version of this infographic here.
Building a Digital Workflow with 3D Scanning and 3D Printing
Integrating a “3d scanner for 3d printer” into your workflow creates a powerful digital ecosystem. 3D scanning expands the capabilities of 3D printing, enabling you to replicate, customize, and improve designs with unprecedented ease. By understanding the different scanning technologies, considering key factors like accuracy and volume, and exploring the diverse applications, you can choose the right 3D scanner to unlock the full potential of your 3D printing endeavors. Whether for professional engineering, product design, or creative exploration, the synergy of 3D scanning and 3D printing is transforming how we create and interact with the physical world.
