A 3D scanner is an electronic device used to capture the three-dimensional information of a physical object and convert it into digital data.
What is a 3D scanner?
This technology has revolutionized numerous industries, from engineering and design to medicine and archaeology, offering a fast, accurate and non-destructive way to collect information about the shape and geometry of real objects.
There are various methods and technologies used in 3D scanners, but in general, they work by emitting beams of light, such as lasers or structured light patterns, onto the surface of the object and measuring the distance to each point. These points are collected to form a three-dimensional point cloud that represents the surface of the object.
How can we classify 3D scanners?
They are classified into two main categories:
- Active scanners: Active scanners emit some type of energy (such as laser light or structured light patterns) to scan the object.
- Passive scanners. Passives capture information indirectly, such as through photographs or images.
What types of 3D scanners exist?
There are different types of 3D scanners, which vary in their technology and applications. Some use cameras to capture images and reconstruct three-dimensional geometry, while others use lasers to measure precise distances.
Where are 3D scanners used?
3D scanners are used in a wide variety of industries, including engineering, medicine, product design, architecture, and the entertainment industry, among others. They allow you to create precise digital models of physical objects for later analysis, design, manufacturing or even for reproduction in 3D printers.
What are the most common applications of 3D scanners?
The commonly used applications are the following:
- Reverse engineering: Allows you to create precise digital models of physical objects for analysis, redesign and manufacturing.
- Design and manufacturing: Facilitates prototyping and production of custom parts and components.
Medicine and dentistry: Used to create precise anatomical models for surgical planning, prosthetic design and orthodontics.
- Architecture and Construction: Assists in documenting existing buildings, creating 3D models for visualization, and inspecting structures.
- Archeology and heritage preservation: Allows you to digitally document and preserve historical artifacts and archaeological sites.
What software exists for 3D scanners?
There are several software options available in the market but selecting the right software will depend on your specific requirements and budget.
- Artec Studio: It is software developed specifically to work with Artec brand 3D scanners. It offers tools for real-time data acquisition, point cloud processing, scan alignment and fusion, as well as 3D model creation and texturing.
- MeshLab: It is an open source software for processing and editing 3D models. It allows you to clean, edit and manipulate 3D scanned data, as well as perform advanced operations such as mesh smoothing, remeshing and distance measurement.
- Geomagic Wrap: It is a software solution specialized in creating solid models from 3D scan data. It offers advanced tools for fine-tuning models and preparing data for use in design, reverse engineering, and manufacturing.
- Autodesk ReCap Pro: It is an Autodesk tool designed specifically for processing point clouds and 3D scanned data. It allows you to clean, register and merge scans from different devices, as well as generate 3D models from point clouds.
- 3D Systems VXmodel: It is a software application designed for the preparation of 3D scanned data for use in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. It allows you to adjust, edit and optimize 3D models for printing in a wide range of materials and technologies.
- Creaform VXelements: It is a set of software developed by Creaform for processing 3D scanning data. It includes tools for data acquisition, scan alignment and fusion, dimensional inspection, and 3D model creation.
- 3DReshaper: It is a software suite designed for 3D scanning data processing, modeling, analysis and visualization. It allows you to perform a variety of tasks, such as point cloud filtering, alignment, segmentation, measurement, and 3D model generation.
- Rhinoceros 3D: Also known as Rhino, it is a 3D modeling software that is widely used in industrial design, architecture, product design and other industries. Although not designed specifically for processing 3D scan data, Rhino offers powerful tools for importing, editing, and manipulating 3D scanned models.
- ZBrush: It is a digital modeling and 3D sculpture software used mainly in the entertainment and video game industry. While geared more toward artistic and organic creation, ZBrush can also be used to work with 3D scanned data, especially for texturing and fine detail.
- Blender: It is a free and open source 3D modeling, animation and rendering software. It offers a wide range of tools for working with 3D models, including scanning data processing, editing, texturing and animation.
