Home » Misc » Non contact 3d scanner

Non contact 3d scanner


3 Types of 3D Scanning Methods for Non-Contact Nano Measurement

Skip to content Home > Dimensional Measurement Blog >

Dimensional inspection includes many types of scanning devices for a broad range of applications. In the realm of 3D Scanning, the level of detail that can be captured makes it the method of choice, especially for measuring very small objects requiring non-contact measurement methods.

Whereas contact 3D scanners collect measurement data by physically scanning the object with a device that comes into contact with every point on the surface, non-contact 3D Scanners collect immense amounts of data quickly without altering the geometry of the object. This is also an advantage for collecting measurements on the nano scale.

3 Types of Non-Contact 3D Scanning Methods

Laser-Scanning Confocal Microscopes
A confocal microscope uses a process called optical sectioning to collect images from various depths. These images can be reconstructed with a computer to create a 3D model of complex small objects. Unlike other laser systems, a confocal microscope only sees one depth level at a time, which allows it to generate a highly controlled depth of focus for very small objects with tight tolerances.

White Light Interferometry
This non-contact measurement system allows you to obtain surface measurements at the nanometer level. The technology behind white light interferometry uses wave superposition to measure distances based on data collected about reflected wave interactions. Interferometers can also be combined with microscopes to measure very small objects. Because they rely on the detection of waves and not optical images, interferometers are also useful for measuring objects with reflective surfaces.

Chromatic Confocal
Like interferometry, chromatic confocal also uses white light to collect measurement data. However, whereas interferometry uses the superposition of waves after they are reflected off the object, chromatic confocal measures the wavelength as it hits the surface of the object. This method produces more reliable results when measuring surface roughness or step-height depth, due to the minimum mathematical calculation required. The tolerances of large objects may allow the use of a thin whitening spray to facilitate scanning but the geometry of very small objects could be potentially buried by it. Fortunately, all of these methods work well with various types of surfaces from reflective to absorbent.

If you require any of these types of 3D Scanning methods, or if you’re not sure what you need, the experts at Q-PLUS Labs are here to help. We’ll work closely with you through every step of the process to ensure that you get the best results for your application. Contact us anytime if you have questions, or if you’re ready to get started, call us today.

Subscribe to Our Blog

Get Q-PLUS Labs updates via email

Recent Posts

  • Orion Registrar Reaffirms Q-PLUS Lab’s through 2024

    October 26, 2022

  • American Manufacturing Sees Record Growth

    September 22, 2022

  • Q-PLUS Labs is Hosting the Next Bruker alicona µCMM Demo Workshop

    August 16, 2022

  • Q-PLUS Labs Introduces the Bruker alicona µCMM into Service

    July 29, 2022

  • Q-PLUS Labs Celebrates it’s 35th Anniversary

    June 15, 2022

Q-PLUS Labs Contact Info

13765 Alton Parkway, Unit E
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 380-7758
Fax: (949) 380-7790
Contact Q-PLUS Labs

Go to Top

Portable 3D scanners and metrology for non-contact 3D measurements

Navigation : EXPO21XX > VISION 21XX > H06: 3D Cameras > Creaform

Creaform

  •   overview
  •   business profile
  •   contact details
  •   Website
  •   send e-mail

Share:

Videos

Loading the player . ..

Product Portfolio

  • Creaform offers a variety of 3D metrology technologies that have been developed to meet the specific needs of a wide range of applications. From professional-grade to metrology-grade, they provide users with highly accurate, portable and easy-to-use solutions. Creaform metrology products are the reference tools for all stages of product lifecycle management: Concept, Design, Manufacturing, and Servicing.

      • PORTABLE 3D SCANNERS

      • Creaform scanners have been designed to accelerate the time-to-market with your product development workflows, all while helping you meet your quality control requirements in non-contact 3D measurements. Discover how the 3D scanners can help you gain a competitive edge, cut the time and costs associated with product development, and optimize production processes.

          • HandySCAN 3D

          • The truly portable metrology-grade 3D scanners delivering highly accurate measurements.

            The HandySCAN 3D™ is the fastest portable 3D laser scanner, offering the highest measurement rate and accuracy available on the market – all while remaining very simple to use. The HandySCAN 3D provides consistent and repeatable results across all work conditions or environments, enabling you to reduce turnaround times and increase profitability.
            Benefits:

            • Metrology-grade accuracy and resolution of 0.025 mm
            • High measurement rate of up to 1,300,000 measurements/s
            • Large scanning area of 11 laser crosses
            • ISO 17025 certified

             

          • Go!SCAN 3D

          • The easiest 3D scanning experience, generating fast and reliable measurements.

            The Go!SCAN 3D portable 3D scanner enables professionals from various backgrounds to effortlessly capture the 3D shape of any object, including complex, freeform and organic surfaces. These handheld 3D scanners can even capture 3D data in full color, providing very rich and detailed textures.
            Benefits:

            • Plug and Play: Positioning using geometry, color or targets
            • Scans typical objects in 5 minutes or less with a high level of details
            • High measurement rate of up to 1,500,000 measurements/s with 99 white light scanning lines
            • Professional-grade measurements with an accuracy of up to 0.050 mm

          • MetraSCAN 3D

          • The most complete 3D scanning solution for metrology-grade measurements on all materials.

            Free of any rigid measurement setups, the arm-free handheld MetraSCAN 3D scanner provides shop floor measurement accuracy that is insensitive to the instabilities found in even the harshest environments. This complete and powerful 3D scanning inspection solution increases the reliability, speed, and versatility of the measurement process and offers a practical alternative to traditional portable CMMs.
            Benefits:

            • Great measurement volume of 16.6 m³
            • Insensitive to the instabilities of the environment
            • Portable, arm-free optical scanning system can be easily brought wherever the part is
            • Scan any type of material, even black, multicolored and shiny surfaces

             

    90,000 technologies, methods and principles of 3D scanners

    04/16/2021

    Content

      • What is 3D scan and why it is used by
      • How 3D scanner
      • 3D scan technologies
      • Methods 3D
        • Contact 3D scanners
        • Non-contact 3D scanners
      • Types of 3D scanners according to the principle of use
      • Advantages and disadvantages of 3D scanners
      • Things to consider when choosing a 3D scanner
      • Applications

    Currently, few people are not familiar with such a concept as 3D printing. Many companies are using modern 3D printers with might and main, recreating layouts of various shapes and sizes with their help. There are also those that recreate whole objects - not only small ones (for example, phone cases, souvenirs, sneakers), but also large ones (houses, engine parts, etc.). But all this would not be possible without 3D scanners. It is they who allow you to accurately copy almost anything - from huge buildings and structures to humans, animals, small objects and much more.

    What is 3D scanning and what is it used for

    Three-dimensional scanning is a technology that appeared in the 60s of the 20th century. It was created in order to transfer the physical parameters of the object into a digital format in the form of a three-dimensional model. The need for this naturally arose when people around the world increasingly began to use computers both in everyday life and in production.

    The first samples of 3D scanners were quite simple and did not have wide functionality. Gradually, they became more complex and improved, making it possible to achieve an ever clearer image of the object. This has become especially relevant with the advent of lasers.


    3D scanners allow you to transfer object data into digital format

    3D scanning has opened up new opportunities in various areas of human activity - from the automotive industry and the military industry to design, medicine and cinema.

    How a 3D scanner works

    A 3D scanner is a device that examines an object by digitizing it using sensors and using the information received to create a three-dimensional model. In fact, a 3D scanner creates a digital copy of a physical object of any configuration and complexity. In this, it fundamentally differs from its predecessors - conventional scanners that can only read information from documents and photos.

    The scanning process itself can take place in different ways - depending on the type of 3D device and the technology used, as well as on what object you want to process with it - moving or static.

    3D Scanning Technologies

    There are 2 main types of 3D scanners - laser and optical. Their fundamental difference lies in how and with the help of what the “removal” of data takes place. Let's take a closer look at both.

    Laser 3D scanning, as the name implies, uses a laser and can be carried out both at short and long distances from the object.


    Laser Scanner

    For the most part, 3D laser scanners work on the principle of triangulation, when the camera finds a beam on the surface of an object and measures the distance to it, after which a cloud of points is created, each of which has its own coordinates in space, and a 3D model is built. Their "advantages" are affordable price and ease of use combined with high scanning accuracy. Of the "minuses" - there are restrictions on the remoteness and size of the object.

    Another type of laser scanner works by measuring the response time of a beam from the surface of an object - the so-called laser range finder. They are widely used where it is necessary to create 3D models of various buildings and structures. It is not advisable to use them at short distances, since in such cases the response time is very short and the accuracy of the data is reduced. Otherwise, this type of scanner is characterized by high scanning speed and the ability to read all the details.

    The disadvantage of laser scanners is the impossibility of their use on moving objects. Then optical 3D scanners come to the rescue, which shoot with one or more cameras from different angles an object illuminated by a special projector. Based on the received image, a three-dimensional image is built.


    Optical scanner

    A "contraindication" for the use of this technology are reflective and translucent surfaces - shiny, mirror or transparent. But when scanning a person, they are simply irreplaceable.

    3D scanning methods

    Any object can be digitized both by contact and non-contact methods. In the first case, active interaction with the subject is necessary, in the second, accordingly, no. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

    Contact 3D scanners

    They have a mechanical probe with a special sensor that measures parameters and transmits the collected information to the device. To do this, the object under study is placed on a special surface and fixed (if necessary). Such tight physical contact makes it possible to determine and then build a 3D image as accurately as possible, however, there is a small risk of damage to the prototype.

    Non-contact 3D scanners

    This category includes all devices capable of scanning at a distance. This is especially true for objects located in hard-to-reach places.


    Non-contact 3D scanner

    A stream of radiation (it can be ultrasound, light, X-rays or a laser) is directed to the object and reflected from it, it is recognized by the 3D scanner. They are similar in principle to a video camera and may require the use of additional devices for better lighting.

    Non-contact 3D scanners come in 2 types:

    • Active - work with the help of a laser beam or structured light directed at an object, which, when reflected, give information about the location of the object in the form of coordinates.

    • Passive - use time-of-flight rangefinders that read the time and distance that the laser beam travels to the object, and so - for each point in space, which ultimately allows you to accurately recreate its three-dimensional image.

    Desktop 3D scanners are very popular and widespread, since they are mostly simple and safe to use, do not require any special technical skills and are quite cheap. The EinScan-SE 3D scanner is one such example. It can be used both at home and in the office. It has access to the API of many popular 3D printers, which makes it possible to immediately print the created three-dimensional model.

    Add to compare

    Product added to compare Go

    Manufacturer Thor3D

    Add to compare

    Product added to compare Go

    Manufacturer Shining 3D

    Add to compare

    Product added to compare Go

    Manufacturer Shining 3D

    Add to compare

    Product added to compare Go

    Manufacturer Range Vision

    Types of 3D scanners according to the principle of use

    There is also a variety of species here. Let's highlight the main ones:

    • Manual: The are handy and simple models that are easy to use as they are quite compact and do not require special skills. True, their technical capabilities may be somewhat limited.

    • Portable: are mainly used for field work, they are convenient to take with you.

    • Desktop: have extended functionality and are used to create high-quality 3D models. Most often used in offices.

    • Stationary: are used, as a rule, in production, various enterprises, as they can scan a large number of objects of the same type at once. Mounted on special turntables.


    Handheld 3D Scanner Calibry

    Such a choice of products allows you to select the right model for a specific task. In some cases, scanners independently measure objects, in others - with the help of a person who sequentially moves the device until all the necessary information is collected.

    Such options for hand-held 3D scanners as Calibry are in high demand among buyers. Despite the apparent simplicity of execution, it has a high resolution and scanning accuracy, due to which it is able to digitize objects with a length of 0.2 to 10 meters. Objects that have a non-standard surface - dark or shiny, with a large number of corners and small details will not become a problem either. Among other things, its undoubted advantage is its low weight, only 900 grams.

    Advantages and disadvantages of 3D scanners

    Surely, many of the potential buyers are wondering: do you really need a 3D scanner to invest a lot of money in it? What can this acquisition give and will such an investment be justified?


    3D scanning has become an integral part of any modern manufacturing process

    In order to understand how much you need this equipment, we will list its advantages and disadvantages.

    Benefits:

    • They make it possible to scan objects located at a remote distance and in places inaccessible to the presence.

    • They have the ability to "read" not only colors and images, but also to convey the texture of the surface.

    • Significantly speed up the process of "taking" data from any object, even a very complex one with a large number of planes.

    • A variety of models allows you to choose the most convenient version of the scanner, including manual or portable, which can be easily taken with you.

    Weaknesses:

    • Some scanners are unable to recognize transparent or black and white objects. In this case, their preliminary preparation (treatment with a special composition) is required.

    • I do not always display complex objects correctly, with a large number of inserts and partitions.

    • To obtain a high-quality result, they require skills and abilities to work with certain computer programs for creating 3D models.

    • If the rules of operation are constantly violated, it may become necessary for expensive repairs to the equipment.

    If you need high-precision and high-quality three-dimensional copies of objects, then you cannot do without a 3D scanner. It makes it possible to work in almost any conditions - indoors and outdoors, and with any objects by type and size. It is not surprising that now these devices are in great demand, which gives rise to the annual release of a large number of models, from which you can always choose the one that suits you in terms of quality and price.

    What to consider when choosing a 3D scanner

    The computer equipment market offers a huge amount of all kinds of equipment, including devices for three-dimensional scanning. Navigating that variety is sometimes not at all easy: some buyers are only concerned about the cost, others are interested in the number of options (sometimes completely useless), but the most far-sighted look at the ratio of the first and second.


    Choosing the right 3D scanner is a big deal

    It is not always easy to take into account all the technical points that can significantly affect what result will be ultimately achieved. We will tell you what you should pay attention to if you are thinking about buying a 3D scanner.

    Focus on the following parameters:

    • How high is the accuracy of the 3D scanner. This is one of the most important features. It needs to be targeted first.

    • Resolution also plays an important role. It follows from the first, since the accuracy of measurements and the quality of copying depend on the resolution.

    • In what range the device operates, how close / far it can be from the scanned object.

    • The scanning field is the parameters of that object, thing that it is able to process in 1 session.

    • Does the scanner capture various atypical types of surfaces with complex terrain - channels, partitions, holes, etc.).

    • Portability, mobility of the device - how easy it can be moved if desired, taken with you, its size.

    • The time it takes to prepare for work, as well as the duration of the digitization process itself.

    • The range of possibilities in terms of copying: are there any restrictions on shapes, textures, material, as well as operating conditions - temperature, light, etc.

    Of course, the better the quality of the 3D scanner, the more expensive it is. However, you should focus primarily on the tasks that you face, and only then take into account everything else.

    Applications

    Three-dimensional scanners are in demand in many areas of human life. They are irreplaceable both in the industry, and for household needs. The range of their application is so wide that it is possible to list for a very long time. It's easier to say where they are not needed.

    The most common areas of use are, of course, medicine, industry, architecture, construction, film industry and design.

    For example, in dentistry, these devices allow you to create ultra-precise three-dimensional models of dentures. One type of such a scanner is Shining 3D's AutoScan DS-EX PRO, which does a great job with a variety of tasks while being quite affordable and reliable.

    Medical 3D Scanner

    In engineering, such technologies are also indispensable. Digital building prototypes are now much easier and faster to obtain than in the past, when it required multiple manual measurements and then entered into a database. Any physical object can now be recreated in three-dimensional form, moreover, in the shortest possible time and with a minimum error.

    In cinemas, we can see with our own eyes "revived" fantastic characters, which were created using motion capture technology, which made them as realistic and impressive as possible. This would not have been possible without 3D scanners.

    A few decades ago, it was even difficult to imagine all the things that we use all the time today. And in many ways this has become achievable thanks to three-dimensional digitization. This approach provides huge advantages in work (especially for technical specialists - engineers, designers, designers), however, in order to use them to the maximum, it is also necessary to understand computer programs for 3D scanning.

    We will talk more about this topic in one of our next articles. And if you want to know more about it, stay tuned.

    #Useful

    Expert in the field of additive and subtractive technologies, 3D equipment and CNC machines with over 10 years of experience.

    Share

    all materials

    How does a 3d scanner work? Device, principle and technologies of 3D scanning

    3D Scanner is a stationary or small handheld device for scanning objects with complex spatial geometry. Simple scanners process images in a plane, while 3d scans physical volumetric objects, displaying information as a polygonal model or a cloud of points. Three-dimensional scanning devices are used in medicine (dentistry, plastic surgery, making prostheses, organ models, etc.), for creating computer games, in the film industry, design, architecture, engineering, for designing industrial parts, cars, for reconstructing objects in archeology. Scanners analyze and digitally recreate a three-dimensional model of an object, its shape and color with a high degree of detail, working in different conditions (with insufficient visibility, in the dark, with vibration), with any materials, provide the desired format of output information for software for work with her on the computer.

    How does a 3D scanner work?

    The principle of operation of the 3d scanner is the ability of the device to determine the distance to an object, convert the received data into a digital image (three-dimensional model), transfer it to a computer. The scanner determines the coordinates of points in space on the surface of the processed object, analyzes them, and forms a detailed digital model. Cameras, lasers, rangefinders, devices for illumination are involved in its work.

    3D scanning technologies

    • Contact (contacts with the object).
    • Non-contact (without object contact). These are the most promising and new technologies that allow you to create models of objects simply by directing a laser beam, light, waves at them. The scanner is applied at a distance and is able to create a copy of a hard-to-reach object without physical contact with it.

    Non-contact 3d scanners

    The two most common scanning technologies are optical (passive and radiation) and active laser.

    Active emission principle

    Scanner emits structured, intermittent light, laser triangulation. A laser beam, a beam of light generated in a special way (diodes, lamp flashes), and waves are directed to the object under study. Based on the analysis of their reflection and position, a three-dimensional copy of the object is formed.

    Passive radiation principle

    Do not emit anything, analyze the light or infrared (thermal) radiation of an object. Work like a human eye;

    Photometric non-contact passive 3d scanning technology

    Scanners from this group are represented on the market by the XYZprinting model. These are quite compact simple models that have only basic 3D scanning functions.
    Pluses: reasonable price and compactness.

    Device

    Passive 3d scanner device (on the example of the specified model): housing, one compact camera, USB cable for connecting to a computer and transferring the image of the scanned object to it. Scanner without stand, manual, made in the form of a stapler.

    How it works

    A light-sensitive camera captures light from an object, processes it, and forms a three-dimensional model, exporting it to a computer. The user can have two modes of operation: scanning a person or objects. To get started, you need to install the software on your computer, connect the device to it via a USB cable, select the operating mode, press the button on the scanner and, slowly swiping it in front of the object, scan.

    How the technology works

    The device uses passive scanning photometric technology without any radiation and projection onto the object. The work is carried out with a slightly improved simple optical camera that captures visible light. The disadvantage is that if the lighting is insufficient, the object needs to be additionally illuminated.

    Scanning is performed using the so-called silhouette method. It reproduces the contours of an object based on a sequence of frames captured by a video camera swept around the object against a well-contrasted background.

    Stereoscopic non-contact passive 3d scanning system

    Models with non-contact passive scanning technology

    This type of device is represented by 3D Systems Sense, 4D Dynamics Gotcha models.

    Device and principle of operation of a 3d scanner based on a non-contact passive scanning system

    Devices are equipped with two cameras and an infrared sensor. The 3D Systems Sense scanner is made in the form of a stapler, it is a compact handheld device, it can be used with a tripod, in Gotcha (with a tripod and a handle), it is included. The principle of operation is passive optical. In both cases, power and data transfer is carried out via a USB cable. The devices have standard modes: scanning a person and an object.

    Scan technology

    The camera uses this technology to detect infrared (thermal) radiation and normal light reflected from an object. The systems are stereoscopic, that is, they use two cameras. The device compares frames, based on small comparisons of differences between them, determines the distance at each point of the image and recreates the object in digital form.

    3d scanners with laser active scanning

    This group of devices is represented by the following scanner models: 3D Systems iSense, DAVID Starter-Kit ver.2, MakerBot Digitizer.

    Device

    Devices have two lasers and a camera. It should be noted that the laser safety of gadgets corresponds to level I, which is completely safe for the eyes. The iSense scanner is designed to work only with the iOS operating system and with Apple iPad above 4 generations. It is made in a compact case, which is installed on a mobile gadget and connected to it with a USB cable, the battery lasts for 4 hours of its operation. It attaches like a webcam, scans and immediately displays the image on the iPad.

    Models

    DAVID Starter-Kit ver.2 3D scanner device: webcams and laser sensors with automatic adjustment function. The device comes with a tripod and tripod.

    Maker Bot Digitizer is slightly different in design from the previous model. The body of the scanner is made as a pedestal, one part of which is a rotating platform, the other is equipped with two lasers on the sides and a camera in the middle. They scan an object located on the site.

    How technology works

    Let's describe how a 3D scanner works. Laser scanning is based on the triangulation method. This is an active scan tool. It uses laser beams by projecting it onto an object. The laser processes the surface of the object, its points are fixed on its different parts. The camera captures the laser dots on it, the angle of displacement of the laser beam and transmits the data to a computer with the appropriate software, which forms the object in digital form.

    The scanning technology is called “triangulation”, because the triangle of the device's functional elements is involved in the work: the laser point on the object, its emitter, and the camera. In most cases, the dot is formed by a laser streak or spot passing over the surface of the object.

    Structured light 3d scanning technology

    Models that use structured or intermittent light technology in their work: DAVID SLS-2, RangeVision Smart, RangeVision Standard Plus, RangeVision Advanced, RangeVision Premium. A separate group includes manual Artec Spider, Artec Eva, Artec Eva Lite.

    Device

    The main functional elements of these devices are cameras and a light source that structures it in a special way and directs it to the scanned object. In the DAVID SLS-2 model, a video projector serves as a light source. These are mounted on a tripod with a tripod, which are included. This allows you to set up and calibrate instruments, install them in different positions and securely fix them, reducing vibration. Light sources in devices are halogen lamps, diodes, video projector.

    Artec Spider, Artec Eva, Artec Eva Lite are made in a compact body with an iron-like handle. The handle has control buttons and outputs for interface and power cords. At the bottom there is also a hole for standard photo tripods and legs for fixing the device on the surface. 3d scanner device has the following. From the bottom it is equipped with a 3D camera (there are three of them in Artec Spider) with increased resolution, from the top of the device - a flash (projector) of structured illumination, a central color texture camera in the middle, along with light sources in the form of 6 or 12 diode bulbs.

    Learn more