3D scanning is the process of analyzing a real-world object or environment to gather data about its shape and possibly its appearance, such as color. The collected data can then be used to build digital 3D models.
The collected 3D data can be used in various fields of application. These technologies are now widely used by the entertainment industry in the production of movies and video games, including virtual reality. Other common applications of 3D scanning technology include augmented reality, motion capture, gesture recognition, robotic drawing, industrial design, orthotics and prosthetics, reverse engineering and prototyping, quality control and inspection, and digital cultural creation.
The principle of 3D scanning
It adopts a combination of structured light technology, phase measurement technology, 3D vision technology, and composite three-dimensional non-contact measurement technology. So it is also called "3D structured light scanner". The use of 3D scanning technology makes it possible to carry out photogrammetry on objects. The so-called photogrammetry is similar to the camera taking pictures of objects in the field of view. The difference is that the camera captures a two-dimensional image of the object, while the developed measuring instrument obtains three-dimensional information about the object. Unlike conventional 3D scanners, this scanner can measure one surface at a time.
3D laser scanners measure fine details and capture freeform shapes 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 large amounts of data to be described accurately, which would be impractical with traditional measurement methods or probes.
The function of a 3D scanner is simply to use an industrial CCD to collect data on the surface of a macroscopic object as completely and with as much precision as possible and transmit it to our computer. Basically, in the position that can be clearly seen by the eyes, the scanner will collect as much data as possible in a 1:1 ratio. However, some special workpieces, such as internal cavities, special-shaped flow channels, deep holes, and other 3D scanners, cannot be specifically collected. At this time, we generally use industrial CT for industrial slice scanning.
In the industrial field, when a manufacturer wants to produce a complex workpiece and wants to make a comprehensive measurement of the workpiece or wants to adjust or change the shape and function of the complex workpiece, our traditional measuring tools cannot be used for comprehensive measurement. At this time, we need to use our 3D scanner to scan the complete 3D data of the workpiece, import it into the software for corresponding detection operations, or adjust and change it to create new complex workpieces to meet customer needs.
The principle of three-dimensional scanning is: the optical transmitter emits laser, LED, blue, red, and other structured light, and the industrial CCD receives the reflected signal light and measures the time difference. According to the propagation speed of different types of light, the distance can be calculated. In this way, the three-dimensional coordinates of a large number of dense points on the surface of the measured object can be recorded, and these dense points are connected to form a surface.
What can 3D scanning do for the industry?
Scanning data and original CAD (digital-analog) 3D comparison detection
Through three-dimensional scanning of the real object, after getting the three-dimensional data of its surface, it can be fitted or compared with the original CAD design's digital simulation to check the position deviation of each place on the workpiece. Quality inspection can be carried out on the parts entrusted by the manufacturer or the workpieces, molds, fixtures, and inspection tools produced by ourselves.
3D size detection
After 3D scanning of the real object and obtaining the 3D surface data, the data is imported into the detection software, and the coordinate system and object characteristics are established to carry out 3D dimension measurement and labeling.
Shape and position tolerance analysis
The scanning data and the original CAD model are imported into the inspection software at the same time, and the geometric tolerance annotation analysis is performed on them.
Forward and reverse designs
Scan and analyze the products of competing brands, carry out reverse scanning engineering through software, turn them into digital CAD data models, and carry out forward secondary design and development, including adding new functions, aesthetics, and ergonomics. These four applications have many applications in the automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, machinery manufacturing, mold manufacturing, and other industries.