Laser Scanning Services played a huge role in many successful stories. And we collected some of them.

Don’t think twice about buying a Laser Scanner for your business or project. It is because we know some people and companies that did not and yield success in the end.

If you are not really fond of buying one, you can always hire a 3D laser scanning services provider to help you.

Our point is, scanners can give you a bunch of benefits. And we have some stories that can prove it.

 

5 Laser Scanning Stories You Ought to Know

Any project requiring field measurements or “as-builts” can benefit from 3D laser scanning because it provides a high level of accuracy. A 3D laser scan digitally maps the surface of any object using a concentrated beam of light.

But defining what 3D scanning is not the same as learning about the stories of those who succeed in using it. As they all say, we learn by examples.

So here are stories that will help you rethink twice about laser scanning:

1. Modernizing Museums: The Smithsonian 3D Digitization

The Smithsonian Institution’s Digitization Program Office has a small group of technologists working on the 3D Program. 

They use three-dimensional technology, and analysis tools to develop solutions that support the Smithsonian’s mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

Their museums’ core functions are already being transformed by the help of a 3D scanner. 

In the field, researchers can now bring back not only specimens, but also 3D data that documents entire sites. 

These 3D data are used by curators and educators to tell stories and send students to discover new things. Conservators also use 3D data to track the condition of a collection item over time by calculating its lifespan. Cool, right?

 

2. Detecting Dangerous Sites: The FEMA and USGS Story

Not only businesses can use 3D scanning. Government agencies can too.

Lidar Scanner was first used to map the terrain in flood plains and earthquake hazard zones by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Other countries and state agencies follow suits.

A group called the Puget Sound Lidar Consortium assisted the agencies by using lidar scanners. They soon discovered previously undetected earthquake faults and large, deep-seated old landslides. 

Lidar was used in other parts of the country to map highly detailed contours across large flood plains, which could be used to pinpoint high-risk areas.

Therefore, 3D scanning does not only make businesses successful they can also save lives.

 

3. Reconciling the Modern World with the Past: Saving San Sebastian Basilica Church

San Sebastian Basilica was originally built in the 1600s. But the church burned down in 1651 and was destroyed again by earthquakes in 1859, 1863, and 1880.

Today, it is a miracle that the church is still standing strong. It is noteworthy to mention that the church lacks the blueprints and records that can serve as a map towards restoring the Basilica.

But in today’s world that is not even a problem, thanks to 3D technology.

San Sebastian Basilica partnered with a local 3D scanning service provider to help restore the church’s deteriorating parts. They even help the church have some kind of documentation for future reference.

The data that they’ve got proves to be very helpful in restoring the church. After 4 days they already got a working 3D model for reference.

 

4. Improving Transportation: The LRT-1 Upgrade

Back in April 2021, DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) agreed to “perform specific functions” to sustain improvement in the LRT-1 with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC).

“LRMC is seeking the expertise of the DOST-MIRDC in conducting structural repairs of specific light rail vehicles (LRVs), as well as the local re-engineering and/or fabrication of spare parts that are already obsolete and/or difficult to source,” the LRMC said.

Furthermore, the DOST-MIRDC will assist the LRMC by using non-destructive testing equipment such as an ultrasonic testing machine and radiographic testing with an x-ray machine.

The DOST-MIRDC can perform finite element analysis (FEA) on the LRT-1, which is a method for resolving stress-strain relationships in structures and solid bodies.

FEA includes 3D scanning, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. The purpose of it is to identify weak points on the rails and amend them.

LRT-1 is currently working and more efficient as ever.

 

5. A Promise For PWDs: The 3D printed Prosthesis Project

Kanagawa-based firm SHC Design Inc. in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and local clinic Orthopaedie Frey Far East. Inc. recently piloted the first 3D printed prosthesis in the Philippines.

There is a growing number of Filipinos suffering from diabetes and poor nutrition and some of them need amputation treatment, while some are persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

What’s more troubling is they do not have access to low-cost prosthesis. That is why they initiated the first 3D printed prosthesis in the Philippines.

General prosthesis center takes approximately three weeks to manufacture and the prosthesis cannot be used for swimming or bathing because of its metal component, whereas 3D printed versions can be manufactured in about 30 hours. 

And because of the materials and equipment used in traditional metal prosthesis, the cost rises to as much as P50,000 while 3D printed prosthesis is less than half of that cost and under P10,000.

 

What Else Should You Ought to Know?

Now you know that 3D scanners are very beneficial to society. Here are some other things we think you should consider learning:

Ways You Can 3D Scan

There are plenty of ways to 3D scan an item. Here are some of them:

• Laser Scanner – A laser scanner simply digitally captures the shape of physical objects using a line of laser light.
• Lidar Scanner – A scanner with a more directed and focused beam. The difference between Lidar and Laser is that Lidar is made to scan specific and wide areas.
• Photogrammetry – Unlike the traditional 3D scanning, photogrammetry uses photographs to create a model of an object. This technology needs a computer and specialized software in order to create a 3D model.
• Structured Light Scanning – This technology works by projecting a pattern of light onto the object to scan and not a laser line (or dot).

 

How Much is a 3D Scan?

Some surfaces that are reflective or shiny can be challenging to capture, that is why other companies charge more.

It may require additional time spent on preparation and spraying them with a washable or vanishing scanning spray, as well as the clean-up afterwards.

These are the reasons why 3D scanning companies charge by how long clients use their scanner. To give you a picture of how much it can cost, here is a rough estimate:

Object Size	Estimate Usage	Estimate Cost
Small Items	Less than 2 hours	Around PHP 5000 or less
Medium Items	2 – 8 hours	More or less PHP 10,000
Large Items	8 hours and more	Around PHP 15,000 or more

 

3D Scanner Available on the Market

If you want to have your own 3D scanner, some scanners have a price between ₱25,000 to ₱50,000. Anyway, here is our recommendations:

• CALIBRY  – A hand-held 3D scanner meant to capture objects from 20cm to 10m in length.
• DAVID SLS-2 – This 3D scanner uses the innovative Structured Light technology. It allows precise 3D scanning in a matter of seconds. 
• DAVID STARTER KIT – A laser scanner for beginners. This 3D scanner is delivered with the DAVID-4 software suite.
• THOR3D 3D SCANNER DRAKE – Drake is a hand-held, portable, and wireless 3D scanner. It can capture almost any object, large or small. The scanner has interchangeable lenses which allow the user to scan any sized object.

 

Looking for a High-Quality 3D Printing Service?

3D2Go is the only one-stop-shop for everything 3D printing in the Philippines. We offer end-to-end full-service that guarantees a top-quality end product.

Not only that, but we also supply 3D Printers if you want to print your own ideas as well.

You can always contact us through this website or our social media. Drop us a message now!