3D scanners do much more than reverse engineer an object. Recently introduced scanners help tackle a number of important design and analysis functions:

• In medical applications, because they accurately measure human body dimensions, they ensure proper fit and form of orthotics, prostheses, hearing aids and other medically implantable devices. They are even used by some physicians in diagnosis and follow-ups.

• Have an old part without a CAD backup? The number of applications requiring archiving and documentation are growing. 3D scanners have become a critical tool to capture such data for legacy parts.

• In packaging applications, many companies use these scanners to create the negative shape of an object. They scan the object and use that data to cut protective packaging to the right shape for the item, saving material and money.

• In quality and inspection applications, 3D scanners digitize the external profiles of parts and turn that into 3D data. By comparing this data against 3D CAD data, you can create measurement reports on overall deviation, cross-sectional deviation, and other measurements, comparing actual with schematic, enabling you to confirm and verify whether parts were manufactured to the design.

Non-contact 3D digitizers work without touching the object and without damaging it. The data obtained can be stored digitally or output in analog form for a variety of uses. Here’s a look at some of the latest offerings in these scanners.

Konica Minolta’s non-contact 3D digitizers are based on the principle of laser triangulation. Objects are scanned using a laser light stripe, producing non-contact-3D measurements of objects, freeform surfaces, models and other shapes. And by using RGB filters, you can measure not only the shape of the object but its texture as well.

The RANGE 5 3D laser scanner is the latest from the company. The dark surface mode function lets you measure objects with reflectance as low as 2.5% without requiring the use of special darkrooms or spraying the object.


The RANGE 5 3D laser scanner from Konica Minolta has a dark surface mode function that lets you easily measure objects with low reflectance. It is easy because it eliminates the need to spray an object in order to see all surface features, which means there is less preparation and cleanup.

The scanner uses a 1.31 megapixel CMOS sensor that can detect finely detailed shapes and newly designed optics. It has an accuracy of ±40 μm according to ball bar accuracy testing based on VDI/VDE 2634 guidelines. It is designed with the concept of on-site use, minimizing the influence of instrument tilt and temperature changes at the time of measurement in order to provide high reliability in factory environments. High-speed processing circuits enable scanning speed of approximately 2 seconds per shot. In addition, the RANGE 5 is equipped with a 3D preview function that lets you predict the measurement results and check for scan area depth, dead angles, and scan problems from surface conditions beforehand to reduce scanning mistakes. The size and weight of the unit are both less than 1/2 those of previous models. Weight is approximately 6.7 kg. In addition, when the optional special stand is used, the scanner can be moved about and measurements taken when necessary for stress-free work.

Creaform offers a range of scanners including the MAXscan™, the newest portable and handheld laser scanner featuring the Handyscan 3D™ technology, combined with photogrammetry level accuracy. Situations involving extensive length, large surface area, or bulkiness suit this scanner. It brings large parts data acquisition to a level of accuracy rarely reached with a 2-in-1 device. When dealing with large parts, this scanner is a powerful ally in reverse engineering and inspection, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and even finite element analysis applications.

The MAXscan™, from Creaform, delivers photogrammetry level accuracy, especially in situations involving extensive length, large surface area, or bulkiness.

The software photogrammetry functions include photogrammetric processing, control software for post-processing and reporting, automatic on-the-job calibration, automatic referencing, adapter correction and feature measurement. It weighs under three pounds, handles 18,000 measures/s, has a resolution in the Z axis of 0.004 in., accuracy of 0.002 in., volumetric accuracy of 20 µm + 25 µm/m, and
a depth of field scan of 12 in.

The Artec MHT 3D Scanner from Exact Metrology captures surface color and texture information in addition to the 3D geometry of the scanned object. These capabilities make the scanner suitable for computer graphics and animation, archival, and prototyping functions. The scanner captures a brilliant spectrum of colors at up to 24 bpp. Color information of an object’s shape and its geometry results in fine textured models that can then be opened and post-processed by a number of 3D software packages.

Well suited to computer graphics and animation applications, the Artec MHT 3D Scanner, from Exact Metrology, captures surface color and texture in addition to 3D geometry. The scanner captures a brilliant spectrum of colors up to 24 bpp.

The MHT does not require mounts or markers. It works just like a regular video camera, but instead of a two-dimensional image, the result is a three-dimensional image captured at speeds of up to 15 surfaces per second. The scanning process is extremely straightforward: simply walk around the object and scan it from various angles, while the accompanying software combines all the scanned images into one.

FARO Scene 4.7, from FARO Technologies, Inc., is scanning software that features more efficient point cloud handling and visualization due to the new 64-bit architecture that extends the usable memory. This version also incorporates “one-click” Web-Share functions. Scanned images can now be put on the Internet, letting you share scan information with customers, suppliers, and partners without the need of additional software.

Recently, Faro and Laser Design, Inc. announced a partnership to develop the “next-generation scanning technology system,” the Magnaline 240. This scanner will combine a 9.5 in. laser line probe with the 8 to 12 ft Quantum, Platinum, and Fusion articulated FaroArms for a versatile 3D laser scanning system. Because of the probe’s line length, it can easily scan medium and large objects.  

The Magnaline 240 initial collect speeds start at 75,000 data points per second.  The system uses Laser Design’s carbon graphite, dual-sensor scanning technology with enhanced specularity performance that improves data quality and reduces the number of scanning passes required by capturing more geometry per pass.  

Geomagic has released new versions of its 3D software for reverse engineering and quality inspection: Geomagic Studio 12 and Geomagic Qualify 12. Studio 12 directly integrates with leading 3D mechanical CAD packages to help you quickly and easily create parametric CAD models from 3D scan data. The program includes a new report generation and publishing engine that lets you embed colorized and annotated 3D models directly in a PDF file format. 

The ability to automatically trim, join, cut or subtract surfaces and solids in Studio’s Parametric Exchange further streamlines the process of turning scan data into fully parametric, native-format CAD models. Features such as automatic surface and solid trimming through Parametric Exchange lead to faster creation of full-fidelity CAD models. Enhanced Autosurface capabilities convert polygon meshes into exact NURBS surfaces with one click. Qualify 12 also offers a 3D PDF generator, which places an interactive 3D object in the report, enabling anyone with Adobe Acrobat to view and manipulate it.

RapidWorks software, from NextEngine, helps you create parametric CAD models from your NextEngine Desktop 3D scans. While ScanStudio PRO can export splines and NURBS representations of your model, RapidWorks generated CAD models include editable sketches and a full feature tree. At all steps in the process, the scan data acts as a guide, and the software snaps to the scan and automatically recognizes features of interest. While you work, built in accuracy checking makes sure your design is faithful to the original.

For its 3D desktop scanners, NextEngine offers RapidWorks software. It creates parametric CAD models from NextEngine Desktop 3D scans. The scan data acts as a guide and the software snaps to the scan and automatically recognizes features of interest.

RapidWorks is a hybrid modeler; it has full support for both solid modeling and surface modeling. Surfaces are a powerful way to represent complex curved and organic shapes. The software can recognize many features, including: revolutions, extrusions, planes, freeform areas, and many primitives. While you’re creating sketches and solids, this knowledge is used to provide intelligent snapping. For example, when extruding a sketch, the software will automatically extend the extrusion to the right point. If you’re creating a fillet, it uses the scan data to automatically determine the proper radius and fillet type.

Hexagon Metrology offers the ROMER portable 3D measuring arms. The ROMER Absolute Arm uses absolute encoders, eliminating the need to initialize the encoders. The low-weight unit includes grip positions and a perfectly balanced main tube to ensure an operator can work without fatigue during the inspection. Its WiFi capability and high-capacity rechargeable batteries enable wireless operation. Two levels of precision and seven arm-lengths between 1.5 and 4.5 m are available.

For non-tethered, wireless
measuring, the ROMER portable
3D measuring arms from Hexagon
Metrology, have WiFi capability.
In addition, they use absolute
encoders to eliminate initializing
the encoders.

threeRivers 3D recently launched the LC-2, their second generation 3D laser scanner in the LaserCode™ series. This scanner is a high speed, high resolution, non-contact 3D digitizer used to quickly convert real-world objects into detailed 3D digital models. It captures scan data in less than 5 seconds at a resolution of 1280 x 960 per individual scan; the optional rotary turntable automates full 360° capture. The optics renders the system nearly immune to ambient lighting changes and can capture most items without the need for cumbersome surface preparation.

The LC-2, from threeRivers 3D, uses a proprietary laser structured light architecture for a hybrid system with the  speed, resolution and flexibility of a white light system and the accuracy, robustness, repeatability and form factor of a laser system.

The LC-2 uses a proprietary laser structured light architecture. It projects a series of patterns similar to a white light system, but unlike those systems the LC-2 patterns are generated with a high precision laser. The result is a hybrid system with the speed, resolution and flexibility of a white light system and the accuracy, robustness, repeatability and form factor of a laser system.

Creaform
www.creaform3d.com

Exact Metrology
www.exact3Dscanner.com

FARO Technologies, Inc.
www.faro.com

Geomagic
www.geomagic.com

Hexagon Metrology
www.hexagonmetrology.com

Konica Minolta
www.konicaminolta.us

NextEngine
www.nextengine.com

threeRivers 3D, Inc.
www.3rivers3d.com

MPF