Is your scanning speed not fast enough when using 3D scanning? Is the scanning detail not precise enough? Is the scannable area not large enough? Or if you don't have a 3D scanner yet, then you need to understand its efficiency principles and find the right model for you based on the influencing factors! This article will take you on a deep dive into the considerations for scanning different objects and what factors can affect the efficiency of the scanning process. If you already have a scanner, you need to understand the impact of these factors and how to improve it. If you don't have a scanner yet or are planning to buy one, you especially need to read this to understand your needs!
What is 3D scanning efficiency?
3D scanning efficiency is an important factor to consider when choosing a 3D scanner. It will determine how quickly you can 3D scan different objects. Several factors affect 3D scanning efficiency:
• Point distance
• Frame rate (FPS)
• Field of View (FOV)
• Object size
Factors Affecting 3D Scanning Efficiency
2.1 Point Distance
Point distance refers to the distance between the two closest 3D points. The smaller the distance, the finer the detail of the scanned data. However, the smaller the point distance you set, the longer it will take to complete the scan.
In 3D scanning, this concept is often synonymous with "resolution."
Point distance refers to the distance between two 3D points.
Before scanning an object, choose the appropriate point distance (resolution) based on your needs.
2.2 Frame Rate (FPS)
Frame rate is the frequency at which bitmap images appear consecutively on a display, measured in frames. Therefore, the "frames per second" (FPS) specification indicates how many photos the camera takes in one second.
Frame rate primarily depends on the object's material and software algorithms. Higher frame rates result in faster scanning speeds.
High frame rates require a good PC configuration, such as a powerful graphics card, RAM, and processor. To benefit from the maximum FPS capacity of your 3D scanner, choose a PC that meets the configuration recommendations.
60 FPS and 24 FPS
2.3 Field of View (FoV)
The field of view (FOV) is the visible area from which a 3D scanner can capture data from a certain distance. This is similar to how our eyes can only see a part of a scene at a time. The larger the FOV, the larger the area that can be seen at once.
FOV is another factor that affects scanning efficiency. When a 3D scanner has a larger field of view, it can capture more data in each frame. It's like painting; the larger the brush, the more space each stroke can cover.
2.4 Object Size
Some 3D scanners are designed for scanning small objects, while others are better suited for larger objects. Choose a 3D scanner optimized for the size of the objects you will be scanning.
For medium and large objects (such as car fenders or engines), choosing the portable features of the FreeScan series can effectively improve scanning efficiency.
For small objects like coins, keys, and car parts, choose OptimScan-5M Plus and AutoScan Inspec for better detail and higher efficiency.
Comparison of Metrology 3D Scanner Efficiency
3.1 How efficient are SHINING 3D's metrology solutions?
As shown in the table above, we can see the scanning efficiency of each scanner in the metrology series.
*AutoScan Inspec is fully automatic, so the table does not indicate scanning speed.
**Fixed scanners do not display frame rates, scanning speed is fixed. For example, the scanning time of OptimScan-5M Plus is the time it takes to capture a single photo.
Photogrammetry
It's worth noting that the FreeScan UE Pro is particularly efficient due to its unique built-in photogrammetry feature, especially when scanning large objects. Photogrammetry can be used to scan large objects without coded targets, ensuring accuracy and improving overall productivity.
Traditional coded targets require manual application and removal
3.2 Workshop: 1 Sand Mold, 3 FreeScan 3D Scanners
Our team used three different 3D scanners to digitize the same object to demonstrate their efficiency.
Object scanned: Sand mold (20 x 15 x 8cm)
3D Scanners: FreeScan UE 11, FreeScan UE Pro, FreeScan Combo
Here is the sand mold with coded targets:
Below, you can see one of the three 3D models we created using the FreeScan series:
Results:
With a 140 FPS frame rate, the FreeScan Combo is the most efficient 3D scanner here, able to complete a 3D scan in 4 minutes.
Let's look at some customer case studies to see what kind of 3D scanning efficiency you can expect in real-world scenarios.
4.1 FreeScan UE 11: 20-minute scan of a 5-meter anchor system
The anchor plays an important role during ship anchoring. The anchoring system consists of anchors, anchor chains, anchor hawse pipes, chain stoppers, anchoring machinery, and auxiliary equipment.
The FreeScan UE 11 scans smoothly and efficiently. It has an FOV of 510mm × 520mm and a maximum scanning speed of 1,350,000 points/second. Shining 3D's maritime customers were able to scan this 5-meter anchor system in 20 minutes.
The Shining team performed a comprehensive 3D scan of the inner and outer cavities of the shaft using the FreeScan UE Pro. Excluding time-consuming logistical work (such as climbing, wiring), scanning the entire mold took approximately 35 minutes. Combined with photogrammetry, the volumetric accuracy can reach 0.02mm + 0.015mm/m.
4.3 FreeScan Trak Pro: Capture the entire vehicle without markers
Since the FreeScan Trak Pro can perform marker-free scanning, it can save a lot of time in pre-scanning preparation, improve work efficiency, and has a maximum scanning speed of 1,370,000 points/second. It is very convenient for scanning large objects.
4.4 AutoScan Inspec: From 4 hours to 4 minutes
One of Shining 3D's customers is engaged in CNC manufacturing and needs to perform quality inspection on impellers. However, CMMs are very slow when inspecting objects of this special shape. As shown in the figure, inspecting a 10 cm diameter impeller takes approximately 4-5 hours. This waiting time is too long. With AutoScan Inspec, detection can be shortened to 4 minutes, making it much more efficient!
4.5 OptimScan-5M Plus: Automatic Batch Detection
It's a common misconception that fixed 3D scanners are less flexible or efficient than handheld 3D scanners, but this is not the case.
High-precision structured light 3D inspection scanners have the advantages of fast speed, high efficiency, high precision, and good repeatability, making them particularly suitable for scanning products that are easy to move or have complex structural contours, and even scenarios that require CPK batch inspection.
For example, scanning automotive parts with OptimScan-5M Plus. With an automatic turntable, 3D data can be obtained in less than 10 minutes.
Furthermore, high-precision structured light 3D inspection scanners can be combined with collaborative robots or multiple machines to achieve batch inspection and automatic report output, which is extremely efficient.
Conclusion
In summary, for scanning medium and large objects, it is recommended to choose FreeScan series scanners.
➔ For larger objects:
For large objects, we need to reduce volume error while maximizing efficiency. For this, the FreeScan UE Pro has a built-in photogrammetry function. Therefore, it can provide high accuracy without sacrificing speed. The FreeScan Trak Pro has the advantage of marker-free scanning, which reduces pre-scanning preparation time.
➔ For scanning medium and small objects:
We recommend OptimScan-5M Plus and AutoScan Inspec. Their advantages lie in high accuracy and small point distance.
➔ For small objects:
Scanning efficiency is extremely high. Among them, AutoScan Inspec is a fully automatic scanner, which is convenient and efficient for scanning small objects. OptimScan-5M Plus has three ranges: 100mm*75mm, 200mm*150mm, and 400mm*300mm. The corresponding point distances are 0.04mm, 0.08mm, and 0.16mm, providing more choices for objects of different sizes.
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