Where can 3D scanning be used?

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3D Scanning and digitization is a versatile and ever-growing technology with new use cases across a wide array of industries. Whether it is traditional engineering and manufacturing to cutting edge medical prosthetics, architecture or arts and entertainment, 3D scanning can save you time and money. In this article we cover a few of the common use cases we see.

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New Product Development

3D scanning provides the flexibility to create new products in CAD based directly on the geometry of the part from the real world. For example, an aftermarket adaptor or mount can be designed directly on the surface it is to be mounted using a scan object. This process enables engineers to design the system while making sure it does not collide with other parts where it is mounted and all the mounting points align properly. Because the initial design is created in CAD, the design is ready for inspection if postproduction scanning is necessary.

 

Maintenance

Mechanical wear is inevitable during the fabrication and application of mechanical products. Even small parts also cause huge losses; therefore, products’ maintenance is indispensable. The latest 3D scanners can accurately obtain 3D data of mechanical products and can assist in correctly finding the wear parts and better understand how to maintain the products.

 

Replication/Reproduction

The process of creating or recreating a CAD model for reproduction purposes requires some understanding of the original designer’s thought process. 3D scanning is the ideal tool for capturing the output of that thought process. Once extracted, a designer utilizes the data captured by the 3D scanner to reverse engineers an object transferring the model into CAD. This can then be used for design changes or manufacturing replacements. .

 

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Compared with contact measurement, 3D laser scanning is much faster and more flexible with capturing full 3D data. The 3D data of complex curved surfaces, coaxiality and cylindricity can also be easily obtained, while the traditional solutions are difficult to achieve. However, handheld 3D scanners can get complete 3D data without mechanical contact or wear of parts and obtain deviation color maps.

 

Visualization/Animation

3D scanning of people, props and environments can be used to easily generate models and components for the production of movies, commercials, events and shows. Some common examples include special effects, demo props, video games, animation and interactive displays. After the subject has been scanned, the mesh and texture can be cleaned up and modified and a skeleton can be added for animation. These assets can be used in any 3D modeling and animation software.

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Sculpture and Art

Replicating a one of a kind hand made piece of are is nearly impossible. However 3D scanning allows artist and designers to capture their work and bring it into the digital world. This use case can allow the scaling and replication of works from today or the past bringing works of art, back to life.