Using various technologies such as lasers, structured light, or photogrammetry, 3D scanners create accurate and detailed representations of objects. These digital replicas can then be used for applications in design, manufacturing, medicine, gaming, virtual reality, and more.
A 3D object scanner works by collecting data about the physical object’s surface. It measures 3d object scanner geometry — the shape and size — and sometimes color or texture. The process typically involves projecting a light source (such as a laser or LED pattern) onto the object and capturing how that light behaves using cameras or sensors. The scanner interprets these light reflections and calculates distances to generate a digital 3D mesh or point cloud.
There are several different scanning methods:
Laser Triangulation Scanners: These devices project a laser beam onto the object. A sensor detects where the laser hits the object, and by calculating the angle of reflection, the device determines the precise shape.
Structured Light Scanners: These use a pattern of light projected onto the object. The distortion of the pattern is measured with cameras, allowing the device to understand the object’s surface.
Photogrammetry: Instead of lasers or light, this method uses multiple photographs taken from different angles. Software analyzes the images and constructs a 3D model by identifying common points across photos.
Time-of-Flight Scanners: These scanners send out a pulse of light and measure how long it takes for the light to return after hitting the object. This time delay is used to calculate distances and build the 3D shape.
Key Features of 3D Object Scanners
Accuracy: High-end scanners offer millimeter or even sub-millimeter accuracy, which is critical for industrial applications.
Speed: Some scanners can capture tens of thousands to millions of points per second.
Portability: Handheld scanners allow users to move around the object, ideal for scanning in tight spaces or remote locations.
Texture and Color Capture: Advanced scanners can capture the color and texture of an object, not just its shape, which is useful for visual effects, virtual museums, and video games.
Applications of 3D Scanning
3D scanning technology is used across a wide range of industries: