The Top 10 Engineering & Business Applications of 3D Scanning services
A 5 year forecast of the 3D scanning market suggests that it will grow from $1.4 billion in 2020 to $4.7 billion in 2022. It is estimated that the market will exceed $7.5 billion in 2027.
In light of the fact that 3D scanners can improve a wide range of industries, including fashion, archeology, forensics, and games, it is not an exaggeration to call them the next step after CAD. Companies can find freelance 3D scanning services experts using 3D scanning services available to help them find 3D scanning services.
Structured Light
Structured light is the preferred technology for scanning people and animals. The market has many portable and stationary 3D scanners, both for consumers and professionals.
Structured light also uses triangulation, but casts patterns of light on the object. As the designs are projected from a single point, it may take several scans to map the entire surface of the object. Depending on the object size, you may need to scan a dozen times to get accurate measurements.
It is likely that a pair of shoes will require twice as many scans as a small action figure. A 360 degree shape is then formed by combining data from each scan. Practical workarounds include mounting the object on a motorized turntable.
3D Scanning Applications
3D scanning is the next step in digitization, and businesses that need help can access 3D scanning services. A physical object is transformed into a digital image by technology. The resultant data can be converted into an editable CAD file, which makes it different than conventional photo or document scanning. Engineers and manufacturers can use that capability for a variety of purposes.
Vision Guided Robotics (VGR)
Providing visual information to control robotic motions is the most important role of 3D scanners in vision guided robotics (VGR) applications in a factory setting. As part of quality assurance, manufactured goods are compared with CAD models.
The placement of parts without the use of human intervention is accomplished using an open loop system. Also, robot arms can automatically move selected parts from one assembly line position to another.
When the manufacturing process is completed, a 3D scanner can verify if the product meets the pre-specified standard. As the robot reacts to changes in its environment, sensors with 3D scanners automatically modify command control.
Films & Games
Digital models of every living organism can be created with 3D scanners in the entertainment industry, and these models can be used to create films and games. Developing 3D scanning assets by scanning is faster and easier than drawing them from scratch. In addition to manipulating digital objects, 3D artists can scan landscapes and modify the images for games and movies using CGI.
Architectural Heritage Preservation
To document, restore, or renovate large buildings, CAD models are necessary. An easy way to draw a CAD plan of an old building's architectural details, styles, and designs is by 3D scanning. Rather than measuring windows, fa?ades, beams, and ornaments, it is easier to scan the entire building. Structured light is not as effective as laser triangulation in this regard. Using a 3D laser scanner, you can scan an area up to 350 meters in radius with just one scan.
Quality Control
Because 3D scanning provides accurate measurements regardless of the form factor, it is a reliable tool for quality control. Dimension discrepancies and aesthetic inconsistencies should be visible when comparing the original CAD drawing and the scanned file.
3D scanners help factories quickly check their product quality and determine whether it falls within the predetermined tolerance. It is also possible to detect defects before the product reaches the factory through scanning.
Additive Printing
Consumer 3D scanners can also be used for rapid prototyping, which is part of additive manufacturing. A physical object can be scanned and turned into a digital file, which can be used to recreate the exact shape. The types of materials that can be used with 3D printers are limited, but scanning is faster than creating a model from scratch.
Reverse Engineering
The subject of 3D scanning would not be complete without mentioning reverse engineering. The process consists of deconstructing a product to figure out how it works. The purpose of reverse engineering is to replicate the same product or develop an improved version of the original design with the mindset of the maker.
Laser Triangulation
Laser triangulation scanners project millions of lines or points on non living objects and then capture the reflection of the lines or points. By calculating the distance between the laser source and the projected points, as well as the reflection angle, the 3D scanner accurately measures the object.
The scanning range of portable 3D scanners is limited to several meters, and laser triangulation technology is not typically used. Moving objects can be scanned without compromising accuracy. When the surface area is transparent or shiny, laser triangulation may have difficulty generating precise shapes. In addition to causing damage to the eyes, 3D laser scanners should not be used on humans or animals.
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3D Scanner Output
No matter what technology is used, 3D scanners only capture an object's shape, not its accuracy. Scanned images can mesh data or point clouds, which function as one whole. It means that they cannot be edited like CAD files.
Scan to CAD is the process used to convert an image into editable CAD before it can be edited. CAD design software plug-ins or an online service can be used to automate this process.
