An introduction to 3D scanning

3D Scanning is a fast and accurate method of obtaining a physical part and measuring it. This scan data, as it is typically known, can then be accurately measured and/or surfaced.

Any device that can capture this scan data is referred to as a 3D Scanner – although they can range dramatically in the way that the data is collected and the accuracy of the measurement. The following are just a few which are used by 3D Scanners (UK), and which have been tested to a required standard of accuracy.

Laser Scanners

This system uses sensors (camera’s) held within the scanning head to capture the image of the object using triangulation techniques, resulting in a point cloud (or scan data).

Long Range Scanners

This system is used for scanning large objects such as planes, buildings, rooms and bridges. It allows you to quickly capture data with very good accuracy.

Photogrammetry

This scanner is, as its name suggests, based on standard photography practices. The system takes multiple images of the object using reference points from each differing angle from which images are taken producing scan data. Please see our compressor cab casestudy (right).

CT

CT Scanning or Computed Tomography has recently taken over the destructive slicing method as it is a non-destructive system ideal for small transparent parts where again, both internal and external dimensions are required. A CT scan generates three dimensional images from a large series of 2 dimensional xray images taken around a single axis of rotation. The data is reformatted as volumetric representations of structures, which could be used for either reverse engineering or inspection purposes.

Trackers

These measurement systems are normally used to scan large scale objects by tracking the position of the measuring device on the object and recording each time a measurement is taken. These systems can be either touch or non-contact and differing techniques are used to track the measuring device.

3D Scanners UK Ltd, The TechnoCentre, Puma Way,Coventry CV1 2TT. Company No 3086571