FAQ

The process of 3D scanning involves the use of lasers, light, or X-rays to precisely measure and record the surfaces of an object. The scanner captures thousands or even millions of points on the object, creating a point cloud, which is then combined into a complete 3D model.

Applications of 3D scanning:

• Design and Engineering: Creating accurate models for designing new products or upgrading existing ones.
• Reverse Engineering: Restoring blueprints and data for existing products.
• Architecture and Construction: 3D models of buildings and structures for creating digital copies or preparing for reconstruction.
• Medicine: Creating precise models of organs for diagnostics or surgical planning.
• Entertainment and Gaming: Modeling characters and objects for animation and visual effects.

3D scanning significantly speeds up and simplifies the process of creating accurate digital models, making it an essential tool across various industries.

Here are 8 main 3D scanning technologies, each suitable for different applications, tasks, and types of objects:

1. Laser Scanning
   This method uses a laser beam to measure the distance to an object. Laser scanners collect a point cloud, which is then used to create a 3D model.
   • Working principle: A laser beam reflects off the surface of an object, and the return time of the light is used to measure the distance.
   • Advantages: High accuracy, suitable for scanning large objects.
   • Disadvantages: Expensive equipment, requires time to process the data.

2. Photogrammetry
   Photogrammetry builds a 3D model from multiple 2D photographs taken from different angles. Special software processes the images and creates the model based on overlapping areas.
   • Working principle: A precise 3D model is created based on the analysis of multiple photos of the object.
   • Advantages: Affordable equipment (camera), easy to use.
   • Disadvantages: Dependent on the quality of the photos and lighting, requires powerful software for processing.

3. Structured Light Scanning
   The scanner projects a light pattern (e.g., stripes) onto the object, and the deformed lines are then analyzed to build a 3D model.
   • Working principle: The light stripes distort when they hit the object, allowing its shape to be determined.
   • Advantages: High accuracy and speed.
   • Disadvantages: Issues with transparent or reflective surfaces.

4. Contact Scanning
   This method involves physical contact of the sensor with the object. The sensor moves across the surface of the object, collecting data about its shape.
   • Working principle: The sensor touches the object and records the coordinates of surface points.
   • Advantages: Extremely high accuracy.
   • Disadvantages: Slow scanning, may damage fragile objects.

5. Tomography (CT Scanning)
   This method uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the object, with all layers combined into a 3D model.
   • Working principle: X-ray images are processed to create a 3D model with both internal and external details.
   • Advantages: Allows scanning of the internal structures of objects.
   • Disadvantages: Expensive equipment, mainly used in medicine and industry.

6. Time-of-Flight (ToF) Scanning
   This technology uses laser or infrared beams to measure the time it takes for the light to return, allowing the distance to the object to be calculated.
   • Working principle: The time it takes for the beam to return to the scanner helps compute the distance to the object.
   • Advantages: Suitable for scanning large objects and spaces.
   • Disadvantages: Less accurate at short distances.

7. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
   MRI is used to scan the internal structures of objects. While primarily used in medicine, it can also be useful in industry for material analysis.
   • Working principle: Magnetic fields and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of the object.
   • Advantages: Ability to study internal structures in detail.
   • Disadvantages: Limited application outside of medicine.

8. Ultrasound Scanning
   Uses sound waves to scan objects. It is mostly used for medical and industrial purposes.
   • Working principle: Ultrasound waves reflect off the object, creating an image of it.
   • Advantages: Safe for health, suitable for both soft and hard objects.
   • Disadvantages: Limited accuracy depending on the type of material.

Each technology has its unique features and is applied based on the specific requirements of the task, whether in medicine, engineering, design, architecture, or manufacturing.

For professional, non-large-scale scanning and hobbyist 3D scanning, the following technologies are commonly used:

Laser 3D Scanning

Laser 3D scanning is a technology that uses a laser beam to precisely measure distances and create a 3D model of an object. Laser scanners capture the shape of the object's surface, converting it into a point cloud, which is then used to create the 3D model.

1. A laser beam is directed onto the surface of the object.
2. A special sensor records the time it takes for the reflected laser to return or the angle of reflection, allowing for accurate distance measurement to each point.
3. Based on the data collected, a point cloud is created—a set of points describing the object's shape.
4. The point cloud is converted into a finished 3D model.

• High accuracy: Laser scanners can capture the finest details, making this technology ideal for tasks where precision is essential, such as in architecture, engineering, or medicine.
• Scanning range: Laser scanners can be used for scanning both small objects and large areas (e.g., buildings).
• Speed: Scanning time is reduced due to the high speed of the laser.

• Cost: Laser 3D scanners are quite expensive.
• Sensitivity to surface: Transparent or reflective objects can cause distortions during scanning, requiring additional treatments or coatings.

• Architecture and construction (scanning buildings and landscapes).
• Reverse engineering (creating 3D models of existing objects for further development).
• Industry and quality control.
• Medicine (for creating accurate models of bones, for example).

Optical 3D Scanning

Optical 3D scanning is a technology that uses light and cameras to create 3D models of an object. Instead of lasers, this method uses light projections (such as structured light) and cameras to capture changes in the object's shape.

1. The scanner projects a light pattern (such as stripes or a grid) onto the object.
2. Cameras capture the light distortions on the object's surface.
3. Special software analyzes these distortions, converting them into point coordinates.
4. Based on these data, a 3D model of the object is created.

• High speed: Optical scanners work faster than laser scanners, especially when scanning medium and small objects.
• Eye safety: Since optical scanners use white or infrared light, they are safe for humans.
• Suitable for complex-shaped objects: Optical scanners excel at scanning objects with intricate textures or curved surfaces.

• Sensitivity to external conditions: Scanning can be challenging in cases of strong glare, poor lighting, or with transparent objects.
• Limitations when working with large objects: Scanning large objects may require additional equipment and software.

• Quality control in production.
• Medicine (e.g., creating dental prostheses or custom implants).
• Art and culture (digitizing museum exhibits).
• Design development and prototyping.

Comparison of Laser and Optical Scanning:

• Accuracy: Laser scanning is generally more precise, especially at long distances.
• Speed: Optical scanners are faster but may require ideal lighting conditions.
• Cost: Laser scanners are often more expensive but can be used for a wider range of tasks.
• Areas of application: Laser scanning is better suited for large objects and high-precision engineering tasks, while optical scanning is often used for smaller objects requiring fast scanning.

It’s also worth noting that various 3D scanners available on the 3DTrade website can be divided into metric 3D scanners for professional, high-precision applications like dentistry or jewelry, and 3D scanners for hobbyist use.

Metric 3D Scanners

Metric 3D scanners are devices used for highly accurate measurements and creating digital copies of objects. These scanners can capture an object's geometry with extreme precision, making them ideal for tasks such as quality control, reverse engineering, and metrology.

1. High measurement accuracy: They can capture object dimensions with micrometer precision.
2. Fast scanning: They allow capturing object data in a short amount of time.
3. Creation of precise 3D models: The data collected can be used to create accurate digital models for further processing or production.

Metric 3D scanners are used in fields such as automotive, aerospace, medicine, and architecture, where high precision and detail are crucial.

Hobbyist 3D Scanners

Hobbyist 3D scanners are affordable and easy-to-use devices designed for creating digital 3D models of objects at home or in small workshops. Unlike professional and metric scanners, they are aimed at users who don’t require extremely high precision but still want to digitize objects for hobbies, creativity, or personal projects.

1. Affordable price: They are significantly cheaper than professional models, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
2. Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces and settings allow scanning to start without deep technical knowledge.
3. Sufficient accuracy: For hobby projects, accuracy within 0.1-0.5 mm is more than enough for most tasks.
4. Compactness and mobility: Many models are easily portable and can be used in various conditions.

These scanners are often used for 3D printing, restoration or modification of items, creating characters for games and animation, as well as for educational purposes.

Choosing a 3D scanner should be based on your specific tasks and financial capabilities. On the 3DTrade website, you can find new products from renowned 3D printing equipment manufacturers like Creality, Revopoint, EinScan, Thunk3D, CreaForm, and Shining3D, which have established themselves as reliable and affordable brands. To determine which scanner is right for you, we recommend checking out the 3D printing community for the most honest user reviews. If you need advice on choosing a 3D scanner, please fill out the feedback form or call us at one of the numbers listed on the website.

When choosing a 3D printer, you can rely on user reviews and the ratings on our site, as they are based on genuine feedback.

Anyone who decides to explore the world of 3D printing always has a choice: to order a 3D equipment like 3D printer or 3D scanner at the manufacturer's website, at Chinese marketplaces, or at the local companies. Let’s take a closer look at these options.

Purchasing a printer or a scanner from the manufacturer's website or marketplaces (usually from China or Amazon), you typically receive the package not soon, and if something doesn’t suit you, but arrived not broken, processing a return or getting a replacement can be quite difficult. Additionally, you’ll need to ship the item back (which takes a month) and then wait another similar period for a replacement. It’s also important to note that 3D equipment includes not only consumables but also replacement parts. Sourcing these parts from Chinese resources or online stores on marketplaces like Amazon or Ebay can be a painstaking process and involves long wait times, difficulties in contacting the sellers if anything is wrong, difficulties if replacement is needed - which all together slows down your work.

As for companies located in your region, you should consider factors such as the store's reputation, delivery speed and options, various payment methods, and the availability of warranty services provided by the seller.

3DTrade online store offers full customer support, from consultations on equipment selection, and choosing components and consumables, to a one-year store warranty that covers repairs, part replacements, or even equipment replacement (in case of defects). Our store also allows you to choose your preferred delivery service (with shipping times ranging up to max 2 weeks) and offers various payment options: payment by invoice, purchasing online with Google Pay or Apple Pay, cash on delivery, payment to a bank card, or cash for in-store pickup. Our team strives to create the most comfortable purchasing conditions for customers and provides quality customer support even after the sale. 3DTrade – our team works for you!

1. Calibration Panels – Used for calibrating the scanner to ensure high accuracy in data capture.
2. Marker Points – Special reflective markers that are applied to the object's surface to improve scanning accuracy, especially on smooth or monochromatic surfaces.
3. Matte Spray – Used to coat objects with glossy, transparent, or mirrored surfaces. This improves data capture by eliminating glare and reflections.
4. Surface Markers – Helpful for scanning large objects when tracking the scanner's position is necessary.
5. Tripod or Stand – For stable placement of the scanner when scanning large or stationary objects.
6. Object Rotation Equipment (e.g., turntables) – Facilitates capturing the object from all angles without the need for manual rotation.
7. Power Supply or Batteries – Necessary for portable 3D scanners, especially when working outdoors.
8. Protective Cases or Bags – For safe storage and transportation of the equipment.

These materials and tools help enhance scanning quality, accelerate workflow, and improve convenience when working with a 3D scanner.

There are many software options available for working with 3D scanners, which allow for data collection, as well as editing and processing the resulting 3D models. Here are some popular software programs used in 3D scanning:

Data Capture and Scanner Management Software

• Artec Studio – Professional software for 3D scanners from Artec. It supports point cloud processing, 3D model creation, and automatic post-processing.
• Geomagic Capture – A solution for collecting and processing data from 3D scanners, enabling the creation of high-precision models for further processing.
• Zeiss T-SCAN – Software for managing 3D scanners from the Zeiss brand. It supports working with point clouds and precise data processing.
• Creaform VXelements – Software for Creaform 3D scanners that simplifies data capture and allows for editing and working with 3D models.

3D Data Processing Software

• MeshLab – Free and open-source software for processing and editing 3D models obtained through scanning.
• Autodesk ReCap – Designed for processing and analyzing data from 3D scanners and creating high-precision 3D models.
• Geomagic Design X – Software for processing point clouds and creating CAD models based on scanning data. Suitable for reverse engineering.
• CloudCompare – Free software for processing and comparing point clouds. It is used for working with large datasets obtained from 3D scanning.

Reverse Engineering and CAD Software

• SolidWorks – Popular CAD software that also supports working with 3D scans and integration with reverse engineering data.
• Autodesk Inventor – Supports the processing of 3D models and creating manufacturing drawings based on data obtained from 3D scanners.
• Rhinoceros (Rhino) – Powerful 3D CAD software widely used for reverse engineering and creating complex surfaces.

Texturing and Visualization Software

• Blender – Free software for creating, texturing, and visualizing 3D models. It supports working with 3D scanned data.
• ZBrush – A program for detailed modeling and texturing, suitable for refining 3D models obtained through scanning.

Automatic 3D Object Reconstruction Software

• 3DF Zephyr – Allows for the automatic creation of 3D models from photographs (photogrammetry) or point clouds. It supports automatic reconstruction of objects based on data from 3D scanners.
• RealityCapture – Photogrammetry software that can be used to create 3D models based on data from scanners and photographs.

Each of these solutions has its own features, and the choice depends on your tasks, from capturing point clouds to creating final CAD models for manufacturing or 3D printing.

Thank you for using the services of 3DTrade; we work hard for you!