Is your 3D scanning not fast enough? Is the scanning detail not precise enough? Is the scan area not large enough? Or if you don't even have a 3D scanner yet, then it's even more important to understand its efficiency principles and find the right model for you based on the influencing factors! This article takes you on an in-depth exploration of the considerations when scanning different objects and what factors affect the efficiency of the scanning process. If you already have a scanner, you should look at the impact of these factors and how to improve them. If you don't have a scanner or are planning to buy one, you definitely 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 more refined the details of the scanned data. However, the smaller the point distance you set, the longer it takes 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) according to 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 a camera takes in one second.
The frame rate mainly depends on the material of the object and the software algorithm. A higher frame rate means faster scanning speed.
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 a 3D scanner, choose a PC that meets the configuration recommendations.
60 FPS and 24 FPS
2.3 Field of View (FoV)
Field of view (FOV) is the visible area that 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 affecting 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 it can cover with each stroke.
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 object you are 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 this table does not indicate scanning speed.
**Fixed scanners do not display frame rate, scanning speed is fixed. For example, the scanning time of OptimScan-5M Plus is the time it takes to capture a single photo.
Photogrammetry
Notably, the FreeScan UE Pro is particularly efficient due to its unique built-in photogrammetry capabilities, 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.
Scanned object: sand mold (20 x 15 x 8cm)
3D scanners: FreeScan UE 11, FreeScan UE Pro, FreeScan Combo
This is a sand mold with coded targets:
Below, you can see one of the three 3D models we created using the FreeScan series:
Results:
With a frame rate of 140 FPS, the FreeScan Combo is the most efficient 3D scanner here, capable of completing a 3D scan in 4 minutes.
Let's look at some case studies from our customers to see what kind of 3D scanning efficiency you can expect in real-world scenarios.
4.1 FreeScan UE 11: Scan a 5-meter anchor system in 20 minutes
Anchors play an important role during ship mooring. An anchoring system consists of an anchor, anchor chain, anchor chain pipe, chain stopper, windlass, and auxiliary equipment.
The FreeScan UE 11 scans smoothly and efficiently. It has an FOV of 510mm x 520mm and a maximum scanning speed of 1,350,000 points/second. Shining 3D's marine customers were able to scan this 5-meter anchor system in 20 minutes.
The Shining team used FreeScan UE Pro to perform a comprehensive 3D scan of the inner and outer cavities of the shaft. Excluding time-consuming logistical work (e.g., 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 entire vehicle without markers
Since FreeScan Trak Pro can perform marker-free scanning, it can save a lot of time in pre-scan preparation work, 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 clients, engaged in CNC manufacturing, needed to perform quality inspections on impellers. However, CMMs were very slow when inspecting such specially shaped objects. As shown in the figure, inspecting a 10 cm diameter impeller took about 4-5 hours. This waiting time was too long. With AutoScan Inspec, detection work can be shortened to 4 minutes, significantly improving efficiency!
4.5 OptimScan-5M Plus: Automated Batch Detection
There is 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 offer advantages such as high speed, high efficiency, high accuracy, and good repeatability. They are particularly suitable for scanning products that are easy to move or have complex structural contours, and even for scenarios requiring CPK batch inspection.
For example, using OptimScan-5M Plus to scan car parts. With an automatic turntable, 3D data can be obtained in less than 10 minutes.
Furthermore, high-precision structured light 3D inspection scanners combined with collaborative robots or multiple machines can achieve batch inspection and automated report output, which is extremely efficient.
Conclusion
In summary, for scanning medium and large objects, it is recommended to choose the FreeScan series scanners.
➔ For larger objects:
For large objects, we need to reduce volumetric error while maximizing efficiency. For this, the FreeScan UE Pro has built-in photogrammetry. Therefore, it is able to provide high accuracy without sacrificing speed. The FreeScan Trak Pro has the advantage of marker-free scanning, which reduces preparation time before scanning.
➔ 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:
Extremely high scanning efficiency. 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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