Looking to buy a 3D scanner for your project? 

One mistake that people make is buying a device that they do not know how to operate.

That is why before you get a 3D scanner at your local 3D technology provider, you need to know everything about it from its build to operation.

So let us discuss how a 3D scanner works and what are its various forms and applications before you buy one.

 

How 3D Scanning Works?

A 3D scanner is a device that collects data on the shape and appearance of a real-world object or environment (like color). The information gathered is then used to create a three-dimensional model.

3D models are used to portray real-world and conceptual visuals for art, entertainment, simulation and drafting and are integral to many different industries.

It is also used in designing virtual reality, video games, 3D printing, marketing, TV and motion pictures, scientific and medical imaging and computer-aided design and manufacturing CAD/CAM.

In essence, 3D scanning is the launchpad in creating anything three-dimensional.

 

The 3D Scanning Hardware

There are plenty of ways to 3D scan an item, even phones can do it.

Here are some of the 3D scanning hardware you should be familiar to:

• Laser Scanner – A laser scanner simply digitally captures the shape of physical objects using a line of laser light. 3D laser scanners measure fine details and capture free-form shapes to quickly generate highly accurate point clouds.
• 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. In addition to requiring a camera of your choice (like smartphones), 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). The pattern is projected on the object using an LCD projector or some other source of stable light.

 

The 3D Scanning Process

Professional 3D scanners work with a variety of technologies. 

Scanning is done, for example, by projecting light patterns to an object. It can recognize shapes by calculating how long it takes for the laser to bounce back to the scanner.

Nowadays, both camera and scanner work side-by-side.

The 3D scanners build a point cloud (or 3D visual) of the object using a laser and a camera. The scanner works with two types of information. 

One is the data collected while the laser is on the item. The second is the data collected through another sensor, usually one moving camera or two stationary cameras.

The cloud points collected are meshed into a surface to form the digital object design, like a paper scanner.

The scanner program combines the data received to build the model’s various points based on the distance between the camera and the laser source.

The camera helps in determining the point where the laser touches the object.

Through this method, you will be able to record almost everything from the surface of the object to the texture and color.

 

The 3D Software

Now you have a 3D model, what’s next?

Well if you want to convert a photo into a 3D model or you want to tweak your scanned item, we will need a 3D software. 

Here are some 3D software we recommend:

 

1. Autodesk 123D

Autodesk just introduced Autodesk 123D, a collection of modeling software. 

Users do not need to be experts to use this software because it can automatically produce 3D models for you. It just needs a few snapshots of an object from various perspectives.  

The best part is, it’s totally free. 

 

2. 3DSOM Pro

3DSOM Pro is a program that creates 3D models from high-resolution photographs. It can create 3D models using pictures of real items, and the resulting models can be interactively shown on the internet.

Unlike Autodesk 123D, 3DSOM Pro is not free. You can, however, avail of its 30 days trial.

 

3. Rapidform

RapidForm is a reverse engineering program developed by INUS, a Korean business. 

It introduces a new calculating mode that converts point cloud data into polygonal surfaces without joint edges in real time, making it an ideal software for 3D scanned data. In many 3D scanning companies, it is the default OEM software.

 

4. Artec Studio

Besides creating Artec 3D scanners. They also made a software called Artec Studio.

Artec is compatible with Microsoft’s Kinect, Asus’s Xtion, and other manufacturers’ peripherals to turn it into a three-dimensional scanner. 

Through Artec Studio, Kinect may finish model scanning and then post-process to fill in gaps, clean up data, run measurements, export data, and so on. 

It is not technically a software for non-Artec tech, but it is a very neat and useful program to run.

 

5. ZBrush

ZBrush is a standalone sculpting and modeling program that excels at creating organic forms.

It operates in an unconventional manner, with a workflow and user interface that are at first difficult to grasp, so you’ll need to use it on a daily basis to become proficient.

ZBrush may be used for more than just sculpting and modeling.  It can also be used to produce UV maps and paint textures. This allows experienced artists to construct whole figures with clothing and props that are ready to render.

With tools specifically designed for 3D printing, ZBrush is a popular choice among artists who wish to 3D print toys and action figures.

 

What are the Available 3D Scanners in the Metro?

Since you already know how 3D scanners work and other essential information, it is time to pick the 3D scanner that fits your needs.

Here is the list of available 3D scanners in the Philippines:

3D Scanner	Brief Description	Features
Thor3D Drake Scanner	The THOR3D Drake Scanner is a portable 3D scanner manufactured by THOR3D, a Russian company.  Drake uses LED lights to 3D scan a wide variety of subjects (from jewelry to oil pipes) and their textures (colors).	Entirely wireless. Has three swappable sets of lenses to scan different objects. (Mini, Midi, Maxi)
Calibry	Calibry is a hand-held 3D scanner meant to capture objects from 30cm to 10m in length.  The name invokes images of Colibri (aka “Hummingbird”) which is known for its small size and incredible speed. It is also consonant with the word “calibrated” – accurate, precise.	3 tracking modes (geometry, texture or markers) Built-in Touchscreen Lightweight & Portable Fast Capture Almost unlimited-sized scan Proprietary Camera Complementary & Powerful software
David SLS-2	The DAVID SLS-2 3D scanner uses the Structured Light 3D scanning technology, which allows it to generate fast colored 3D scans.  The DAVID SLS-2 is equipped with a HD Video projector with a large focus range and stable glass calibration panels.	Export files into common 3D file formats (OBJ, STL, PLY) Compact calibration panels Video projector with special lens for large focal range Up to 1,200,000 vertices per scan
David Starter Kit	This package contains everything you need to set up your own 3D scanner.  Just hold the laser in your hand and sweep the laser line over the object you wish to scan. It will immediately generate a 3D model on your PC.	Export files into common 3D file formats (OBJ, STL, PLY) 3D scanning at an affordable price Can capture even fine surface details of less than 0.2 millimeter

 

Are You Ready to Have Your Own 3D Digital scanner?

Let us be a part of your project. Contact us and we’ll help you with your 3D scanning needs. 

We are 3D2Go, the premier company for anything 3D in the Philippines. We have the technology and talents to assist you in creating a 3D model of various items.

We are the one-stop-shop of everything 3D such as 3D scanning, 3D modeling, 3D prototyping and more. 

By allowing us to help you, you can assure an accurate and satisfying result of your project. 

We also sell 3D scanners and printers if you want to do your own DIY project.

Contact us now through our Facebook page or leave us a message here.