Intelligence based software saves post-processing time with 3D scanning

Artec 3D, a developer and manufacturer of professional 3D hardware and software, launched  Artec Studio 12, the newest version of its state-of-the-art software for professional 3D scanning and data processing. This intelligence-based software boasts enhanced speed, an improved user interface, and new automated features that minimize the time needed for scanning and processing. It incorporates 28 new features.

Artec Studio 12 tackles one of the most awkward steps in post-processing: base removal. First introduced in Artec Studio 11, the newest generation of the software features significant improvements to algorithms used for automatic base removal with its Smart Base Removal tool. This tool distinguishes between a platform an object is sitting on and the object being scanned, and can remove base surfaces, which are not flat. At the same time, all data beneath this surface is also automatically removed.

To help users digitize tricky areas such as black or shiny objects, or thin surfaces such as hair, Artec Studio 12 includes automated sensitivity settings for the Artec Eva scanner. The settings are automatically adjusted by the software when hard-to-scan surfaces are detected, without the user needing to make any manual adjustments.

Furthermore, the algorithms have been optimized to improve 3D reconstruction and reduce the amount of “noise” around the surface when sensitivity is increased. This makes the scanning process faster, easier and eliminates, or significantly reduces, the editing process after scanning.

For smoother processing of larger projects, Artec Studio 12 features Smart Memory Management, which optimizes the use of RAM. As users work in Artec Studio, the software identifies data that can be discarded, lessening the amount that must be stored in RAM, and freeing up a maximum of 10Gb for power intensive post-processing steps.

With Artec Studio 12, storage is easier with a new mode of project compression for ultra-compact data storage, freeing up valuable memory. This reduces the disk space needed to store a project by up to 2-3 times compared to previous versions, without the risk of data loss. Reducing the project size also makes it easier and faster to transfer, share and export files.

One of the most time-consuming, but obligatory steps in processing is global registration, the application of algorithms to optimize the relative positions of all frames using a single coordinate system. In Artec Studio 12 this has been streamlined and can now be done up to 10 times faster, making the digitizing workflow much faster.

Not only does the software itself work quicker, new features have made Artec Studio 12 more intuitive and faster to navigate. The software is compatible with a 3Dconnexion 3D mouse.

To make editing captured data easier, Artec Studio 12 includes an improved eraser tool, full screen scanning mode and an updated tool panel.

Another important new feature for optimizing processing time is the increased automation of frequently used functions, including the automatic 3D scans selection in the align mode.
Enhanced color settings and a new 3D background on the interface let users better view captured objects in more vivid color.

Artec Studio 12 has also been optimized to accommodate modern video cards so that objects are no longer shown as point clouds during rotation.

A model’s surface area and volume numbers can now be exported to CAD and CAM software, which is especially useful for engineering, quality assurance and industrial design. Artec Studio 12 also supports the SOLIDWORKS 2017 software, which allows users to export 3D models to SOLIDWORKS 2017 via 3D Systems Geomagic or DezignWorks plugins.

Artec 3D
www.artec3d.com