3D scanning (also referred as laser scanning or 3D imaging) is a measurement process that allows you to represent an object in 3D on a computer. Once you have an accurate 3D model you can inspect, redesign or modify, remodel, replicate the part or simply use the data for archiving and documentation.
How does 3D Laser Scanning work?
Different scanners have different working principles, but what they all do is basically measure the distance between itself and a great number of points on the target object in a XYZ coordinate system. All the measurement points have the same reference, so a 3D representation of the object is recreated on the screen just by drawing all the points measured.
From here on, through a process call merge, we obtain a triangle mesh. All the dots are basically stitched together in the same object.
From a mesh it is possible to compare the measurement with the original CAD model to generate an inspection report, or use the mesh as a base to obtain a new CAD model of the part, or use the mesh for animation purposes (like in movie and TV commercial).
Not sure if we can scan your object? We probably can, contact us for a free consultation for our 3D laser scanning services.
Images of our 3D imaging technology in action