Do you belong in the industrial and engineering industries? Or perhaps in the field of medicine or the arts? Are you searching for a tool that will help streamline your processes?
Then a 3D scanning service may be the answer. The number of businesses using 3D scanning continues to grow. Analysts predict that the global 3D scanning market will reach the $3.26 billion mark by 2024.
Furthermore, the United States will continue to be the major player as far as patronage goes.
Despite these numbers, there are still a lot of businesses that have yet to experience the benefits of 3D scanning technology. But what exactly is 3D scanning and how can it help your business?
Continue reading below as we take a closer look at the technology.
3D Scanning: How Does It Work?
To better understand the advantages of a 3D scanning service, let us first discuss how it works. 3D scanning is a non-contact technology that captures the shape of physical objects. It digitally captures the shape through laser light.
The scanner uses data to create point clouds from the objects’ surface. This allows the scanner to generate a digital representation of the object in 3-dimensional fashion.
The scanning process involves some key steps. The first step is data acquisition. You will place the object on the digitizer’s bed for laser scanning.
Thereafter, special software will drive a laser probe over the object’s surface. Using two sensor cameras, a line of laser light goes through the contours of the object. It will record the changes in shape.
The next stage is collating the data. The capturing of the point clouds happen at a very fast rate. It gathers up to 750,000 points per second with precision.
It will then create huge files of point cloud data. The machine then registers the data. It also merges them into the object’s 3-dimensional representation.
Furthermore, it post-processes the data using specific software that aligns with the particular application.
Reasons to Invest in a 3D Scanning Service
Now that you have an idea of how 3D scanning works, let us now look into some of its key benefits. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider investing in a 3D scanning service:
1. Quality Control
If you are in the manufacturing business, quality is paramount. Incidentally, quality control is one of the strongest suits of 3D scanning. You can use the scanner to analyze the condition of the parts after manufacturing.
The good thing about 3D scanners is they use a non-contact approach. This means you can inspect your products without accidentally altering anything. You can look closely into the overall size and shape of the parts.
You can check if there are scale issues. You can detect if there are problems like warping.
2. Remarkable Speed
Though traditional methods still work, they take a long time to finish. Sure, you can collect data but how long will it take you to complete the process? With a 3D scanner, you can get accurate results faster.
The technology allows data point-collection at the speed of light. The scanner does this by increasing the rate of surface data acquisition. This is multiple times faster compared to traditional methods like 2D drawings and producing prototypes via CAD models.
Furthermore, the non-contact feature significantly reduces quality inspection times. Since you can identify issues faster, you can work on them immediately and stay on track of your timetable.
It replaces pre-programmed points with coordinate maps and 3D colors. In turn, you can complete inspections in a matter of hours instead of days.
3. Streamline Your Logistics
When it comes to the design process, a 3D scanner can eliminate trials and errors. As it improves the accuracy of the process, it helps cut down your logistical expenses.
For example, you can 3D scan a product for replication purposes. Through the scan, you no longer need to ship a physical prototype of the product to the factory. In a matter of hours, you can scan create a 3D model and send it to the factory that is thousands of miles away.
To ensure all parts fit perfectly, you can also combine your 3D scans with CAD models. If there are certain parts that you need to customize with the help of a third-party company, you can use the 3D model when you collaborate.
4. Flexibility
Through 3D scanning, you can enjoy flexibility in different ways. With a portable 3D scanning device, you can perform scans to remote sites. You can also scan from challenging areas without making any physical contact with the subject.
It allows you to work in complex environments. You can enjoy a wider operating range while leaving a small footprint. You can also achieve more because of the large amount of data it gathers.
In turn, you can use the data in any of your future projects.
5. Cover Intricate Designs
If your business involves working on intricate details, a 3D scanner can help make your work easier. Regardless of the size of the project, 3D scanning can help you transition faster from the physical model to a digital one.
Whether it is a wax model or a clay model you are using as a base, the scanner can capture all the details from all angles.
If you have extra money, you can invest in a scanner that features artificial intelligence. This feature allows an automated scanning process in a more intuitively. This also reduces training time for your employees.
Also, this technology allows you to scan and combine different objects to create unique designs. This feature massively helps people from an artistic standpoint. You can use 3D scanning to create special effects and realistic applications.
You can use a real person as your base model to create avatars for video games.
Additionally, 3D scanning allows manufacturers to create ergonomic products. Through the scanner, you can digitally capture the human body and all of its angles. You can then use the data to align your products accordingly.
6. Remanufacture Parts
In case you need to remanufacture a specific part but do not have available CAD software, you can do so with the help of a 3D scanner. You can accurately reproduce parts by scanning an old one. Thereafter, you can use specialized software to reverse engineer the part and create a CAD model.
You can then take the manufactured part and compare it to the old scan to ensure accuracy.
7. Make Better Comparisons
Part of the design process is comparing the “as-designed” model to the “as-built” model. This is a crucial step to ensure that the final product matches the design to the smallest detail.
With a 3D scanner, you can use the scans to compare the two for variances. If you are in the development of small items like automobile parts, getting the exact measurements is essential to ensure the items fit perfectly.
Incorrect sizing may affect not only the vehicle’s performance but also its safety.
8. Safety
3D scanners also promote safety on many levels. Since it facilitates faster quality checks, it reduces employees’ need to stay on-site. In turn, it also reduces their exposure to various hazards.
Furthermore, 3D scanners are safe to use in medical facilities. Hospitals are using 3D scanners in their research and patient care. The scanners also help medical professionals in crafting personalized medical services.
The scanners allow doctors to perform fast and accurate body scans. There are handheld and stationary scanners that can perform these body scans. As for the data, doctors can use them to compare the pre-op and post-op conditions of their patients.
They can also create customized solutions like implants, braces, and affordable prosthetics.
9. Promote Repeatability
With 3D scanners, you can create repeatable results with remarkable quality. Some scanners feature powerful cameras with 12 to 29 megapixels. This enables you to capture scans with high precision during inspections.
10. Handle Sensitive Projects
Last but not least, 3D scanning technology allows you to handle the most sensitive projects. Through no-contact scanning, you can scan archeological artifacts while preserving their integrity.
You can recreate digital replicas of excavations whether big or small. You can use the scans in exhibits or online museums.
People from the academy can also use them in their research.
Furthermore, forensic experts can also use the technology to collect evidence. With the sensitivity of a crime scene, it is a must to protect the integrity of the area. Thus, a 3D scanner allows you to collect data faster without compromising the crime scene.
Moreover, you can get results faster compared to traditional tools like tape measures and photography.
Explore the Latest Technologies
By investing in a 3D scanning service, you can turn your business processes into more efficient ones. You can also cut expenses and save more time. But 3D scanning is only one of the many types of technologies you must look into.
We invite you to check our other articles on science and technology. We discuss different tech products that will help improve your business in more ways than one.
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