3D LASER SCANNING

 

What is 3D Scanning?

3D Laser Scanning is a non-contact, non-destructive technology that uses a line of laser light to digitally capture the shape of physical objects. 3D laser scanners generate "point clouds" of data from an object's surface. In other words, 3D laser scanning is a method of capturing the exact size and shape of a physical object into the computer world as a digital 3-dimensional representation.

3D laser scanners capture free-form shapes and measure fine details to quickly generate highly accurate point clouds.

3D laser scanning is ideal for the measurement and inspection of contoured surfaces and complex geometries that require massive amounts of data for accurate description and where using traditional measurement methods or a touch probe is impractical.process :3D Laser Scanning Data Acquisition.

CLASSIFICATION

1. No Contact Scanning:

Millions of points on the xyz coordinate system can be easily captured via non-contact scanning. This data provides a fuller, more accurate picture of an object's size and shape than a physical part measurement could. The likelihood of human error is decreased because this approach can detect the entire portion, including warpage. Active and passive scanners are additional categories for non-contact scanning.

2. Passive Scanning:

Because they do not produce radiation itself, passive scanners are frequently affordable. They rely on sensing ambient radiation that has been reflected. A digital camera is frequently a good option for this.

3. Laser Triangulation:

In this method, a point or line is projected onto an object using a laser, and a sensor placed at a certain distance from the laser's source then records the reflection. The 3D measurements of the part can be determined by interpreting the reflection angle.

4. Contact 3D Scanning:

By rubbing different locations on an object's surface with the ball of a probe, you can digitise it. Instead of using organic free-form shapes, individual 3D data points are acquired to accurately define an object's geometric form. With a coordinated measure machine, digitising is performed (CMM). One of three scanner methods is possible for CMMs:

a system of rigid arms attached to a carriage in a perpendicular position, an articulated arm with angular sensors and rigid arms and for mapping massive objects with internal chambers or overlapping surfaces, a combination of the two can be used

PROCESS

3D Laser Scanning Method An object to be laser scanned is placed on the digitizer's bed. Specialized software drives the laser probe above the surface of the object. The laser probe projects a line of laser light onto the surface, while two sensor cameras continuously record the changing distance and shape of the laser line as it sweeps along the object in three dimensions (XYZ).

Data obtained as a result

The shape of the object appears on the computer monitor as millions of points called a "point cloud" as the laser moves around capturing the entire surface shape of the object. The process is extremely fast, collecting up to 750,000 points per second, and extremely precise (to.0005′′).    

APPLICATIONS

1. Education

All throughout the world, 3D scanning is beginning to be used more often in classrooms. Students with very limited 3D CAD modelling abilities can build and 3D print fully unique models that would be next to impossible to produce with software alone by using sculpting clay or a comparable media. We recently began work on a lesson plan that has students design, scan, and print their very own ergonomic pen. We are major proponents of 3D scanning in the classroom. We will be developing a lot of lesson ideas in the future that utilise both 3D scanning and 3D printing.

2. Art/History

Artists and art historians are increasingly utilising 3D scanning. One of the main applications in this sector is the scanning of artefacts to produce reproducible 3D printed replicas or for preserving and curating. Any type of cultural asset can be categorised, measured, analysed, and even shared among the study community thanks to 3D scanning. With 3D scanning, artists may include real-world photos and objects into their creations. A designer of home goods recently spoke with us about his desire to scan organic things like leaves and feathers and incorporate them into his creations, such as on a decorative vase or bowl.

3. Medicine/Health

Nowadays, 3D technology has established itself as a vital instrument in the health sector. Among all industries, prosthetics is one of my personal favourite uses for 3D technology. With the use of 3D scanning, prosthetic limbs can be designed and manufactured with a level of accuracy that ensures optimal comfort, movement, and pain relief. This technology takes a tiny fraction of the time and money of more conventional techniques when combined with 3D printing. More and more, 3D scanning is being utilised by medical practitioners to thoroughly examine bodily components, such as before surgery.

4. Engineering

Engineering is another industry with a lot of promise for 3D scanning. Rapid prototyping and reverse engineering are made incredibly simple by the ability to scan any thing and then modify it using CAD. It is easier to investigate mechanical qualities and undertake precise measurements.