3D scanner systems

Add-Ons

MaxSHOT 3D™

This portable optical coordinate measuring system provides the accuracy and speed of photogrammetry to a wide range of applications involving large-size parts.

HandyPROBE™

This portable CMM outperforms traditional CMMs right on the shop floor, offering unmatched accuracy and efficiency regardless of the instabilities in any production environment.

Virtual metrology lab

Create your very own virtual CMM room to free up space from cumbersome hardware—all while benefiting from Creaform’s probing and 3D scanning solutions.

Perfect tools for shop-floor environments

Creaform’s portable workstation and C Track shop-floor stand add flexibility, mobility and reliability to Creaform systems across a production plant. Take advantage of this turnkey solution to perform all your inspections.

Scanning technologies

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Laser based 3D Scanners use a process called trigonometric triangulation to accurately display a 3D shape as millions of points. Laser scanners work by projecting a laser line or lines onto an object and then picking up its reflection using one or more sensors. The sensors are located at a known distance from the source of laser radiation. Accurate point measurements can be made by calculating the angle of reflection of the laser light. Laser scanners are very popular and come in many designs. These include handheld devices, manipulator-based devices, CMM-based devices, long-range devices, and long-range single-point devices. Advantages of 3D laser scanners. Ability to scan complex surfaces, such as shiny or dark. Less sensitive to changes in lighting conditions and ambient light. Often more portable. A simpler design is easier to use and cheaper. nine0013

Projected or Structured Light 3D Scanners . Historically known as "white light" 3D scanners, most structured light 3D scanners today use blue or white LED projected light. These 3D scanners project a pattern of light onto an object, consisting of stripes, blocks, or other shapes. A 3D scanner has one or more sensors that look at the edges of these patterns or structural shapes to determine the 3D shape of an object. Using the same trigonometric triangulation method as in laser scanners, the distance from the sensors to the light source is known. Structured light scanners can be mounted on a tripod or hand held. nine0013

Laser pulse-based 3D scanners . Laser pulse scanners, also known as time-of-flight scanners, are based on a very simple concept: the speed of light is known very precisely. Thus, if the time required for the laser to reach the object and reflect from the sensor is known, then the distance from the sensor to the object is also known. These systems use picosecond-accurate circuitry to measure the time it takes millions of laser pulses to return to the sensor and calculate the distance. By rotating the laser and sensor (usually with a mirror), the scanner can scan around itself 360 degrees. nine0013

Laser Phase-shift 3D Scanners . Laser phase-shifting systems are another type of time-of-flight 3D scanner technology, and they work conceptually similar to pulsed systems. In addition to the pulsed laser, these systems also modulate the power of the laser beam, and the scanner compares the phase of the laser light sent and returned to the sensor. Phase shift measurements are typically more accurate and quieter, but not as flexible for long range scanning as pulsed 3D scanners. Laser pulsed 3D scanners can scan objects up to 1000m away, while phase shift scanners are better suited for scanning objects up to 300m or less. nine0013

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) . They are mainly used to control details. The machine can be controlled manually or autonomously by software and computers. Measurements are determined by attaching a sensor to the machine. The sensor usually has a small ball at the end of a shaft of known diameter. The CMM is then programmed to make contact with the part. When the machine senses contact with the probe tip, a value in XYZ space is measured. The most common type of CMM is the bridge type, which has 3 X, Y, and Z axes. The sensor system, which is mounted multiple times, can rotate to provide an additional 3 axes for a total of 6 degrees of freedom (DOF). For very precise measurement of parts to within a few microns, CMMs are typically installed in a control room with reinforced floors, controlled humidity and temperature, and isolation from vibration and other forces that can affect accuracy. In addition, most CMMs have a large granite table with a perfectly flat surface. Details are fixed on a granite table in such a way as to exclude their movement during the measurement process. nine0013

Arm based 3D Scanners and Probe systems . A manipulator-based 3D scanning or probing system is similar to a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) in that a touch probe can be used to measure the part. In addition to the sensor, many manipulator-based systems are also equipped with an attachable 3D laser scanner to collect a large number of points. The software tracks the movement of the hand's joints to know where it is in 3D space at any given time. Manipulator-based systems work by attaching an articulated arm to a table or a solid base. The hand is then held onto the handle at the end and moved to probe or scan. The main advantage of these systems is that they are much more portable than CMMs and can be used in the shop floor. nine0013

Optically tracked 3D Scanners and Probe Systems . 3D scanning and optical tracking probing systems use a set of cameras to track the location of a 3D scanner head or probe in 3D space. These systems have advantages over manipulator-based systems, including freedom of movement, better distance accuracy, and the ability to enable "dynamic referencing". Dynamic referencing systems work by attaching targets or LED indicators to the scanned or probed object. This allows the camera system to track the part and the scanning or measuring head separately from each other. As a result, the part can move even during scanning, without loss of accuracy or data quality. In addition, the camera system can be moved, allowing large parts to be scanned in a single setup. nine0013

Portable coordinate measuring machines (ARM Based) (also called "manipulators" or "arms") are mobile metrological measuring systems with 6 and 7 degrees of freedom (axes). They are ideal for fast and accurate measurements of objects, geometric dimensions, shape deviations and the relative position of the surfaces of parts in any place convenient for you due to the mobility and ease of installation of the system. The measuring arm consists of articulated segments (shoulder and forearm) made of carbon fiber (for lightness and thermal stability), as well as a built-in counterweight, control unit and power source. Determining the position of each link of the manipulator is carried out using built-in high-precision angular sensors (encoders) in each axis. Measuring manipulators can work both with contact (tactile) sensors and non-contact laser scanners. When using contact sensors, the coordinate of the center of the probe ball is determined when touching the measured surface. When using a laser scanner, the coordinates of the set of points of the measured surface are determined within the scanner's field of view. The obtained coordinates of the points are processed by specialized software, the geometric dimensions, the parameters of the deviation of the shape and the relative position of the surfaces and elements of the parts are calculated. Software available for use: PolyWorks, Verisurf, Metrolog, Geomagic, etc. To control the geometry of products and their elements, measuring arms are installed either on tripods or on a flat hard surface through special bases (magnetic, vacuum, fixed with bolts). These systems are not automated, data collection is performed manually by the operator. nine0013

Photogrammetry is a scientific and technical discipline that deals with determining the shape, size, position and other characteristics of objects from their photographic images. There are two main directions in photogrammetry: creating maps and plans of the Earth (and other space objects) from images (phototopography), and solving applied problems in architecture, construction, medicine, forensics, etc. (terrestrial, applied photogrammetry).
In short, it is the process of creating 3D models from multiple images of the same object, photographed from different angles. This technique is not new at all, it is much older than the modern process, and it has been widely used in cartography and geodesy. It became more popular due to its affordability due to the increasing power of computers, which allowed it to spread to other areas such as game development, video effects, and model building for various tasks. nine0013

Industrial computed tomography (Tomography) scan - any computer - an auxiliary tomographic process, usually X-ray computed tomography, which uses radiation to create three-dimensional internal and external representations of the scanned object. Industrial computer scanning is used in many industries for the internal control of components. Some of the main applications of industrial CT scanning are defect detection, failure analysis, metrology, assembly analysis, and reverse engineering. As with medical imaging, industrial imaging includes both non-tomographic radiography (industrial radiography) and computed tomographic radiography (computed tomography). nine0013

technologies, types, how 3D devices work

Many digital engineering strategies for the future of design, manufacturing, quality control, and product release start with 3D scanning. 3D scanners work with advanced technologies and specialized software to create a tool that allows you to achieve revolutionary results. For those still working with power tools and traditional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) technology, 3D scanners serve as an easy gateway to advanced manufacturing and engineering strategies. nine0013

Read below to learn more about how 3D scanners work and what this technology can do, so you can start enjoying its benefits now.

What are 3D scanners?

A 3D scanner works by capturing data from the surface of a physical object to describe its shape in an accurate digital 3D format. Unlike CMM measurement data, high quality 3D scan data is used for more than just inspection and dimensional analysis. The data obtained by non-contact measurement allows faster and more accessible digital analysis and inspection using a visual, in-depth method of examination. nine0045 3D scanners are also used to replicate parts in reverse engineering, check the fit, shape and function of components in remote locations, and check CAD models of 3D printed parts. 3D printers can use 3D scan data to create physical objects.

What is 3D scanning?

3D scanning is the process of capturing the surface of an object in digital format to determine its shape, allowing users to either reproduce the part by reverse engineering or verify it by dimensional analysis. nine0013

To do this, operators use scanners that use lasers, light or sensors to determine the surface of the scanned object and assign data points to this surface. These data points will eventually recreate the . Depending on the type of laser, light, or sensor used, the level of detail and scanning performance may vary.

3D Scanning Technologies

Photogrammetry

Originating from photography, photogrammetry is an incredibly useful technology in various fields. This technology allows you to take multiple images taken at different positions and triangulate points on those images to determine their location in 3D space. nine0013

For example, cartographers use this technology when compiling maps. When it comes to hard-to-reach places like mountains, surveyors can use photogrammetry to take measurements.

Many modern technologies use photogrammetry, and the quality of the images is the main factor determining accuracy. If the images are poor quality, there will be holes in the grid. The more images you can get, the higher the scan accuracy will be. nine0013

Shining 3D offers a solution - DigiMetric Photogrammetric System.

Read also DigiMetric case study “Scanning with a Digimetric Photogrammetric System and FreeScan Handheld 3D Laser Scanner”

Structured Light

This technology is created by applying geometric patterns to an object while simultaneously capturing an image with a camera. In this case, the camera registers the deviation of the image.

Based on this template offset, all existing points can be located. It is necessary to conduct many scans from different positions, and then merge them until the mesh is 100% complete. Computer programs automatically combine all images to form a complete grid. nine0013

3D laser scanning method

3D laser scanning data collection

3D laser scanning process

The object to be laser scanned is placed on the scanner platform. Specialized software directs the laser probe over the surface of the object. A laser probe projects a line of laser light onto the surface, and 2 sensor cameras continuously record the change in distance and shape of the laser line in three dimensions (XYZ) as it passes along the object. nine0013

Acquired data

The shape of an object is displayed as millions of dots, called “point clouds”, on a computer monitor as the laser moves around, capturing the entire shape of the object's surface. The process is very fast and laser scanning is more accurate than infrared.

Inspection point cloud data

If the data is to be used for inspection, the scanned object can be compared with the designer's nominal CAD data. The result of this comparison is provided as a “color map deviation report” in PDF format, which clearly describes the differences between scanned data and CAD data. nine0013

Reverse engineering CAD model

Laser scanning is the fastest, most accurate and automated way to obtain digital 3D data for reverse engineering. Again, with the help of specialized software, point cloud data is used to create a 3D CAD model of the geometry of the part.

The CAD model can accurately reproduce the scanned object, or the object can be modified in the CAD model to correct imperfections. nine0013

Types of 3D scanners

Active scanners emit some radiation or light. The scanner detects the reflection to collect information about the object. Let's take a look at the active views of 3D scanners below.

3D Laser Scanners

3D Laser Scanners use a process called trigonometric triangulation to accurately display a 3D shape as millions of dots. Laser scanners work by projecting a laser line or lines onto an object and then capturing its reflection using one or more sensors. nine0013

The sensors are located at a known distance from the laser source. Accurate point measurements can be made by calculating the angle of reflection of the laser light.

Laser scanners are very popular and come in many designs. These include handheld, manipulator-based, CMM-based handheld devices, long-range trackers, and long-range single-point trackers.

Benefits of 3D laser scanners:

• Ability to scan complex surfaces such as shiny or dark surfaces. nine0004
• Less sensitive to changes in lighting conditions and ambient light.
• More accurate data, available for inspection.

Learn about FreeScan UE 3D laser scanner features, features, features and benefits.

For an example of using FreeScan UE and photogrammetry, visit our blog page - 3D Inspection of Large Parts.

As well as the article The rebirth of historic motorsport icons. nine0013

Projected or structured light 3D scanners

Historically known as “white light” 3D scanners, most structured light 3D scanners today use blue or white LED projected light. These 3D scanners project a pattern of light onto an object, consisting of stripes, blocks, or other shapes. A 3D scanner has one or more sensors that look at the edges of these patterns or structural shapes to determine the object's 3D shape.

Using the same trigonometric triangulation method as in laser scanners, so the distance from the sensors to the light source is known. Structured light scanners can be mounted on a tripod or hand held. nine0013

Benefits of Structured Light 3D Scanners:

• Very fast scan times of just 2 seconds per scan.
• Versatility - multiple lenses for scanning small and large parts in one system.
• Portability - handheld systems are highly mobile.
• Eye friendly for 3D scanning of people and animals.
• 3D color scans available.
• Various price ranges from inexpensive to expensive depending on resolution and accuracy. nine0004

An excellent solution of 3D scanners with structured light, are models:

• Einscan HX
• manual 3D scanner EINSCAN H.

ENSTALLY TAME 3D scanners EINSCAN:

• HTTPS :// www.shining3d.ru/blog/perfectly-equipped-for-emergency-with-the-einscan-hx/
• https://www.shining3d.ru/blog/at-the-intersection-of-craftsmanship-and- technology-einscan-h-and-fusion-360-in-traditional-boat-building/. nine0004

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is mainly used for parts inspection. The machine can be controlled manually or through autonomous control by software and computers. Measurements are determined by attaching a sensor to the machine. The sensor usually has a small ball at the end of a shaft of known diameter. The CMM is then programmed to make contact with the part. When the machine senses contact with the probe tip, a value in XYZ space is measured. The most common type of CMM is the bridge type, which has 3 x, y, and z axes. The attached sensor system can be rotated to provide an additional 3 xyz axes, giving a total of 6 degrees of freedom (DOF).

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