Technology is reshaping how people live their lives in this digitalized era. Two of the most impactful technologies today are 3D scanning and 3D printing. If you are new to the concept of 3D scanning, this guide helps explain their practicality and importance in the engineering world.
Understanding 3D Scanning
Since the creation of laser prototypes in 1960, lasers have been on a steady and consistent path of evolution. Although there were few laser applications in the early days, we have progressed to a stage where lasers are used to sequence instruments, optical communication, scanners, disk drives, and more. For 3D scanning to work, lasers play a critical role as they scan the part’s surface and capture a digital representation. 3D scanning processes are contactless, can accurately extrapolate the scanned data, and create a 3D digital model of the part. Lasers allow the dimensions of objects to be precisely captured. Even if an object features complex geometries, 3D scanning offers a higher level of accuracy than traditional methods. Engineers can create precise and accurate digital representations, which are needed for 3D printing, 3D Sculpting, Machining, and Molding and Casting.
How 3D Scanning Works
- Object Setup and Preparation: Proper part preparation and setup are key to any successful 3D scanning job. Ensuring that you have taken an accurate account of your object’s surroundings and the part itself ensures a complete scan. Orientation, obstacles, scanners reach, and even your own reach play pivotal roles in the 3D scanning processes.
- Scanning: By positioning the object securely in space 3D scanners utilize a variety of lasers, structured light, targets, and photographs to capture and analyze parts and surfaces. The most common capture method is a laser-based scanner that passes across the part’s surface. Sensors and cameras then capture the changes in distance, and shape between the laser and object. Data is sent to software for logging and translation to a digital representation of the object.
- 3D Model Creation and Cleanup: Captured data is processed through software so that a 3D model can be created. Once the initial model is ready, the cleanup process begins. Not all scanners are perfect as some sensors cannot reach certain areas of a part. In addition, some data may be missing due to an operator’s oversight or surface characteristic which is unscannable. In these cases, digital reconstruction is used in order to reconstruct missing areas. The goal of the cleanup phase is to achieve a watertight mesh, which can later be used for 3D Printing, Digital Manipulations, CNC Machining, and more.
Prevalence of 3D Scanning
Today, products are increasingly created via 3D Printing, CNC Machine, and Molding and Casting. 3D Scanning plays an integral role in the product design pipeline because technicians can recreate components, analyze existing ones, and create digital representations of objects to improve designs. Due to the versatility of 3D scanning, manufacturers can elevate their projects to the next level.
Work with Kemperle Industries’ 3D Scanning Specialists
Are you looking to bring your ideas to life with cutting-edge 3D scanning technology? Kemperle Industries can help. We specialize in Reverse Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Molding, and Manufacturing. Feel free to contact us today and our friendly customer representatives will get back to you.
