3D Scanners

3D Scanners For All Your Scanning Needs in 3 Dimensions

A 3D Scanner is an important tool for many different industries, and many hobbyists use this product for various scenarios.

A 3D Scanner is a gadget that creates a 3D "map" of whatever you scan, which is then turned into a digital file.

A 3D Scanner is used to scan any object, which then becomes a file that you can view on your PC or phone.

This file can be opened in various programs and shows a precise image of what you have scanned, which can be used in many contexts.

How a 3D Scanner Works

3D Scanners are expensive and complex technological devices, and they function in three primary ways.

• Laser - By shooting lasers and measuring the distance between it and the two cameras, it creates a "digital twin" of your object.
• Structured light - The scanner projects light, and then measures how the light is distorted to scan your object.
• Photogrammetry - This method uses multiple images taken from different angles to create a 3D model of the scanned object.

These are the three most common ways that 3D Scanners function, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages.

However, there are two more that are better suited for more specific purposes.

• LiDAR - Really good for scanning large spaces or rooms.
• Contact scanners - can provide very precise scanning through physical contact, but can damage delicate objects.

These are, however, more for specific use and are not used in the same way as the other three types of 3D Scanner.

What Can You Use a 3D Scanner For?

A 3D Scanner can be used for many different professional and hobby projects, due to the scanner's great versatility for many different tasks inside and outside the workshop.

Professional Use

Many professions use 3D Scanners for various purposes, which can include:

• Education
• mold-making
• Culture-driven and creative industries
• Construction
• Architecture
• Exploration of crime scenes
• Preservation of cultural heritage

However, 3D Scanners are used by many other industries around the world, for even more purposes than what is listed here.

Hobby Use

3D Scanners have become easier to obtain than before, and are therefore now available for hobbyists who can use these 3D Scanners for personal use.

3D Scanners can be used for many hobby projects, for example:

• 3D Modeling
• 3D Printing
• Video game development
• Graphic design

But they can also be used for much more.

What is Important to Consider When Buying a 3D Scanner?

There are a long list of considerations you should make before you make a final purchase of a new 3D Scanner.

Purpose of the 3D Scanner

It is important to know in advance what your desires for a 3D Scanner are and what it is to be used for.

Whether you need it for hobby projects or if you are in a profession where 3D Scanners can enhance your productivity, it is important to know precisely what it will be used for.

For example, if you need it to scan larger objects, such as windmill blades, then it is important to acquire a scanner that can handle this job.

Size of Scanned Objects

Depending on the size of the objects you wish to scan, it is important to obtain a 3D Scanner that suits the task.

Whether you want to scan small, medium, or very large objects, the different types of 3D Scanners are built for their specific tasks and sizes of objects.

If you are a hobbyist looking to scan smaller objects, photogrammetry is fine for you, but if you instead want to scan large, industrial objects, you will probably prefer to go for a laser 3D scanner.

Precision and Image Quality

Depending on your needs, high precision and image quality can be vital for your scans, but are not a major requirement for hobbyists.

Precision and image quality are extremely important if your scanner is often used in industry.

These elements can also be worth investing in if you use your 3D scanner frequently.

Accessories

It is important to consider whether you will need additional accessories with your 3D scanner, such as a turntable.

Turntables are the most common accessory for a 3D scanner, and are a small table that can rotate, thus rotating whatever is on it.

A turntable is good for you if you are scanning smaller objects or have trouble scanning on your own and cannot keep the scanner steady.

Other accessories that may be important for a 3D scanner are the scanner's or scanning markers.

Software

It is important to know how a 3D scanner is used, and just as important to know how the files produced are used.

For some people, it is essential to have software that is straightforward and much more user-friendly, while others prefer to have more freedom and options for exploration in their software.

Budget

It is important to obtain a 3D scanner that fits your budget, and not to buy a high-priced product if you cannot afford it.

A cheap 3D scanner is not necessarily a bad 3D scanner, and good quality can be found at a low price.

File Format

There is a wide range of files that showcase 3D models digitally, among the most common are:

• STL
• OBJ
• PLY
• VRML

Not all files are compatible with all kinds of programs, and therefore the output file of the scanner can be very important for you and your use.

Hardware Connection

It is important to know what your 3D scanner can connect to and how.

A 3D scanner must have a way to connect to other hardware to transfer the digital scans to a computer or phone.

This can be done in many ways, and which one you prefer is up to personal preference, but can for example be:

• Bluetooth
• WiFi
• SD card
• USB