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3D scanning technology

There are several 3D scanning technologies that are used to create digital 3D models of real objects or places. Some of these technologies are:

  1. Laser scanning: this type of 3D scanning uses a laser beam to illuminate an object and measure distances from the scanner to the object using reflections of the laser light. Laser scanning is fast and capable of capturing large amounts of detail, but can be affected by reflections or scattering of light.
  2. Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry creates 3D models by capturing photographs of an object or space from different angles and then using mathematical algorithms to create a 3D model from these photographs. Photogrammetry is useful for scanning objects with less detail or for scanning objects or locations that are too large or far from the scanner for a laser scanner.
  3. Structured Light: Structured light creates 3D models by projecting structured light onto an object and measuring how the light bounces back. This type of 3D scanning is capable of capturing a large amount of detail and is suitable for scanning objects with surfaces that are prone to reflections or light scattering for laser scanning.
  4. CT 3D scanning: CT (Computed Tomography) 3D scanning is an imaging technique used to create 3D models of the internal structures of various objects (parts, products, archaeological finds, etc.). CT scanning uses X-rays to create a series of images of internal structures from different angles and then uses mathematical algorithms to create a 3D model from these images.
  5. Contact scanning: contact scanning creates 3D models by touching the surface of an object and measuring its shape and depth using a touch sensor. This type of 3D scanning is slow but very accurate. It is often used in product accuracy verification or reverse engineering.
  6. Radar scanning: radar scanning creates 3D models by sending radio waves at an object and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back. This type of 3D scanning is capable of capturing a large amount of detail and is suitable for scanning objects or locations that are too large or far from the scanner for laser scanning or structured light.


Choosing the right 3D scanning technology depends on the specific application and specifications such as the required accuracy and resolution, size, complexity and surface of the object or area to be scanned. We most often use the first two technologies, or a combination of them, but we can also provide, for example, the scanning of internal parts of various industrial products on a CT scanner.

Laser 3D scanning (lidar)

Leica RTC360

Leica RTC360 3D laser scanner

Specifications:

  • Laser class 1 (safe under all conditions)
  • Distance accuracy up to ±1.9mm
  • Range up to 130m
  • Integrated GPS receiver
  • Integrated compass
  • Altimeter / height sensor
  • Scanning in direct sunlight
  • Usable for bigger objects
  • Very fast scanning (2x – 3x faster than Faro)

Suitable especially for:

  • Scanning of buildings and entire complexes of buildings, historical monuments, film backdrops, sculptures etc.
  • Digitization of cultural heritage
  • Reverse engineering,building plans for buildings with missing documentation or with documemtation which does not match the reality
  • Documentation of the condition of the object, documentation of reconstruction works, differential comparison of the state before and after the reconstruction
  • Verification of the actual state (whether the construction corresponds to the documentation)

Faro Focus X330

Specifications:

  • Laser class 1 (safe under all conditions)
  • Distance accuracy up to ±2mm
  • Range from 0,6m up to 330m
  • Integrated GPS receiver
  • Integrated compass
  • Altimeter / height sensor
  • Scanning in direct sunlight
  • Usable for bigger objects

Suitable especially for:

  • Scanning of buildings and entire complexes of buildings, historical monuments, film backdrops, sculptures etc.
  • Digitization of cultural heritage
  • Reverse engineering,building plans for buildings with missing documentation or with documemtation which does not match the reality
  • Documentation of the condition of the object, documentation of reconstruction works, differential comparison of the state before and after the reconstruction
  • Verification of the actual state (whether the construction corresponds to the documentation)
Faro Focus 3D X330 laser 3D scanner

ZEISS T-SCAN hawk

ZEISS T-SCAN hawk

Specifications:

  • Class 2 laser (eye safe)
  • Infrared and blue laser in one
  • Accuracy up to ± 0.02 mm
  • Resolution up to 0.01 mm
  • Volumetric accuracy 0.020 mm + 0.030 mm / m

Especially suitable for:

  • Scanning of small to medium-sized parts – approx. from coin size to car size
  • Automotive – scanning of car parts, engines, bodies, car seats, interior parts, etc.
  • Construction – scanning of decorative cornices, ornaments, sculptures for the production of templates or copies
  • Metrology – dimensional and absolute inspection of parts, verification of product accuracy (comparison of a manufactured piece with a CAD model)
  • Reverse engineering
  • Digitization of cultural heritage

Konica Minolta Vivid 910

Specifications:

  • Class 2 laser (eye safe)
  • Accuracy up to X: ± 0.22mm, Y: ± 0.16mm, Z: ± 0.10mm
  • Range (depth of field) from 0.6m – 2.5m
  • Interchangeable lenses for scanning objects of different sizes

Especially suitable for:

  • Scanning of smaller objects – approx. to the size of a man
  • Automotive – scanning of car parts, engines, bodies, car seats, interior parts, etc.
  • Metrology – dimensional and absolute inspection of parts, verification of product accuracy (comparison of a manufactured piece with a CAD model)
  • Reverse engineering
  • Digitization of cultural heritage
Konica Minolta Vivid 910

Photogrammetry

Sony A7R

Sony A7R photogrammetry 3D scanning

Specifications:

  • Fullframe sensor
  • Resolution 36Mpx
  • Multiple lenses covering focal range from 14mm to 300mm
  • Excellent dynamic range
  • Arduino driven turntable for automatic small objects scanning
  • Usable for scanning in all sizes

Differences

Laser scan

Pros:

  • certified, very high accuracy
  • naturally in correct scale
  • seamless scanning of objects without contrast points

Cons:

  • low res, bad colored texture
  • hard to scan narrow spaces
  • often not possible to scan high parts (roofs)
  • expensive
  • limited laser beam range
    resolution decreases relatively quickly with increasing distance

Photogrammetry

Pros:

  • great texture quality
  • easier to cover narrow spaces
  • basically no size limit. Technically, with the proper photogrammetry equipment, anything from sub-millimeter objects to entire planets can be scanned

Cons:

  • need to set right scale
  • less precise
  • if the scanned object does not have a sufficiently contrasting texture, the resulting model has very significant surface noise (typically monochrome facades of houses)
Laser scan vs. photogrammetry comparisonLaser scan vs. photogrammetry comparison

Combination of both methods

Pros:

  • best precision
  • best coverage
  • best texture

Cons:

  • longest postprocessing time
  • most expensive

Output models paramaters

  • Undecimated mesh can have more than 1 billion polygons
  • Texture resolution up to 16384×16384. Multiple textures possible
  • All standard formats (OBJ, FBX, Maya…)

Price

Unfortunately, with 3D scanning, the price cannot be determined at a flat rate, as it is strongly dependent on what is being scanned, what accuracy and resolution the scans are supposed to be, what technology is used, etc. We therefore determine the price individually for each order based on your demand. To get a price offer, please contact us by e-mail, telephone or via the contact form.