In 3D scanning, accuracy is a key metric in choosing which model to use for your project. 

How accurately do you need to replicate the physical model? In other words, how authentic do you want the 3D digital model of the real object to be?

High end 3D scanners like eviXscan Quadro+ can achieve up to 0.007mm (7 microns) accuracy, while lower end 3D scanners like EinScan SP can still achieve an accuracy up to 0.05mm (50 microns). Accuracy of a 3D scanner depends on the quality of the camera, projector lights as well as the software.

Meanwhile there is another important metric, resolution.  Resolution is about defining the point distance the 3D scanner can capture to generate the point cloud which is then converted into a mesh.  If you 3D scan your object in high resolution, the point distance is small thus details will be more visible, while if you 3D scan your object in low resolution,  the point distance is bigger.

Below is a guideline of resolution settings that is optimal depending on the type of objects you are 3D scanning. Basically the recommendation is the smaller the object, use high detail (higher resolution) and the larger the object, use low detail (lower resolution) settting.

The Einscan Pro HD and EinScan 2X 2020 provde super high resolution with HD scan mode and setting the resolution to "High Detail".  This kind of high detail captures is useful for objects with that has a lot of details like the object below.  On the other hand, large engineering parts may not require such detail but higher accuracy.

Basically the tip is to think about what you are going to do about your 3D scan file and choose the right resolution setting depending on the object you are 3D scanning.

​John, also being a talented engineer and with his deep knowledge of 3D printing technology, he decided to reverse engineer these Mini Cooper steering column covers and 3D print new replacement parts. Rather than measuring the parts with a caliper and designing in CAD from scratch, John decided to 3D scan the plastic steering column covers to generate a 3D digital surface model to get accurate measurements of the parts with the EinScan Pro 2X 3D scanner​

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The EinScan Pro 2X 3D scanner with the Industrial Kit enabled John to put the object on the turntable and within an hour or so, get a workable 3D mesh. Multiple scans were automatically fused together to create a watertight 360-degree digital surface mesh that was then imported into the Solid Edge Shining 3D Edition reverse engineering software. The surface mesh files were leveraged to build a solid model, make design improvements, and then be further process for 3D printing.

Results: Capturing details enabled precise CAD file creation for 3D printing 

Also importatnt to note is to understand copyright laws in the US.  Reverse engineering is legal but if you are going to reproduce and profit, you should get in touch with a patent lawyer. With an old part like above, it's beyond the copyright

We get asked this question a lot. That's why we are here to help.  It's not easy to choose a 3D scanner that needs to capture different sizes, surfaces, shapes and textures. It also depends on your budget.  The difference in price comes from different components such as the camera lens, projector, light source, and software complexity. 

Let's outline 4 important features you need to understand to decide which model would be most suited for your project.

1. Light Source - Structured Light Or Laser?

Accuracy

The accuracy gives an information about the authenticity of a 3D model to the real object. Knowing the accuracy of your scanner is very important because it determines which model is most suitable for quality inspection, reverse engineering design, medical health, or any other applications with very rigid accuracy requirements. Usually, the higher accuracy the scanner is able to generate, the more applications it could be suitable for, and of course, the higher the cost.

Remember though, not all 3D scanning projects require the highest accuracy, so consider your budget and requirements to make a decision on which model to purchase. The accuracy used in the specifications of the scanner usually refer to the accuracy of a single scan. The volumetric accuracy refers to the relationship between 3D data accuracy and object size; with EinScan Pro Series the accuracy is reduced by 0.3mm per meter. This data is based on measuring the center of sphere with marker alignment. The volumetric accuracy of EinScan HX in laser mode is 0.06 mm per meter.

With EinScan handheld 3D Scanners the Pro Series and the H series, the resolution can be changed depending on the object size to ensure the 3D scan data size is manageable. 

3.  Scan Speed

Scan speed is a specification that definese how long it takes to scan one given object. It especially matters when you are going to scan the human body, as people can not stay still for a long time, and it also helps to improve the work efficiency when you are 3D scanning large objects like cars, buildings, etc. Scan speed can be defined by the number of points collected per second, frames per second, or how many seconds it takes to do a single scan. The more points or frames collected per second, the faster the scan speed.

4. Desktop or Handheld

Desktop 3D scanners are provides higher accuracy and enables automation of the whole 3D scan process. The EinScan Pro series handheld 3D scanners can be turned into a desktop/fixed 3D scanners with the Industrial Kit.  For 3D scanning larger objects (like humans or cars), using the handheld 3D scanner is the only solution.

Here is a comparison at a glance.

Accuracy Comparison

In reality all of the above models have similar accuracies. 
EinScan Pro HD and EinScan Pro 2X 2020 both have the same accuracy of 0.045mm in Handheld HD mode, while it is 0.05mm for EinScan H in body and standard mode, and 0.04mm for EinScan HX in laser mode. So accuracy might not be a critical parameter for you to choose a proper device among EinScan series. If high accuracy is a top priority on your agenda, EinScan HX is the best choice among all EinScan scanners. 

Resolution Comparison

EinScan Pro Series (2X 2020 & HD) achieves a higher resolution compared to EinScan H series.  Resolution captured by EinScan Pro 2X 2020 is marginally higher than the Pro HD due to the single scan range being smaller.

​The EinScan H series have a different projecting pattern to the Pro Series thus the resolution is lower. But remember, the EinScan HX can achieve a higher accuracy vs. the Pro Series.

To compare the speed of scanners, two facts need to be considered: single scan range and the points captured per second.

For points captured per second, in Handheld Rapid mode, all scanners of the EinScan Pro Series come with the same speed of 1,500,000 points/s. However as the EinScan Pro HD has a larger single scan range, it can scan large objects at a faster speed. EinScan H (standard scan&body scan) and EinScan-HX (rapid scan) come with the same scan speed in terms of points captured per second and scan range, which are all faster than Pro series. In the face scan mode of EinScan-H, the maximum scan range could reach 780mmx 900mm enabling a fast scan.

Hope this answers many of the questions you may have had!

eviXscan 3D FinePrecision is an optical measuring device operating with blue LED light source. The scanner equipped with two fast 8.9 Mpix cameras of the latest generation with CMOS matrices is characterized by high accuracy of reproduction of even the smallest elements of precision mechanics. FinePrecision technology enables to achieve an accurate measurement of the dimensions of the scanned object (accuracy better than 6 µm, repeatability less than 3 µm). The detail of the scans obtained results from high density of recorded points (more than 1200 points per square millimeter of the scanned surface). A single scan can collect measurement data from a volume of 120 mm x 60 mm x 45 mm.

The advantage of the eviXscan 3D FinePrecision scanner is the short scanning time. The combination of high-speed cameras and the modern DLP light projection system, whose signal triggers the cameras every time a new pattern is displayed, reduces the scan acquisition time to several hundred milliseconds.

FinePrecision scans with high level of detail which is crucial when measuring elements of precision mechanics (micro rotors, small plastic elements made by injection molding, objects manufactured on CNC machines or by 3D printing). The scanner allows also precise 3D scanning of sharp-edged tools or components. FinePrecision can also be used in the scanning of implants, in prosthetics as well as in jewelry manufacturing and watchmaking industry. Its precision enables its use in the optimization of the 3D printing process.

– Based on experience with our Heavy Duty scanners and discussions with our customers indicating areas where precise measurement and very detailed surface mapping was needed, we defined the requirements for a scanner that is a solution for these unfulfilled needs – said Kamil Góra, Product Manager of 3D Scanners in Evatronix. – According to these requirements our R&D department developed a product ready to meet everyday challenges of metrology labs with measurement of fine mechanics objects. Using cameras and projector optimized specifically for our scanner, allowed us to offer a product adjusted to the needs of its future users, really a scanner “from engineers for engineers”.

eviXscan 3D FinePrecision can also be used in the field of predictive maintenance. The identification of microdamage to key components of production equipment (e.g. turbine blades) helps to prevent potential failures, which in turn reduces costs of downtimes.

Fine Precision scanner is available for demonstration and ordering now with first deliveries planned for the second half of March 2021.

Read more details and request a quote for the eviXscan 3D FinePrecision scanner from here. 

Evatronix, the industrial-grade 3D scanner manufacturer, is shipping two new 3D scanner models early March 2020 to the USA!  Announced at Formnext 2019, these 2 new scanners utilize the advanced eviXscan 3D scanning software that comes with Heavy Duty Optima and Heavy Duty Quadro, while it is optimized to scan larger objects and smaller objects with high precision.  

Growshapes is an HP Silver Partner of HP 3D scanning solutions and the official U.S. distributor of Shining 3D EinScan 3D scanners. We are now carrying the eviXscan 3D scanner from Evatronix too!

​See the innovators on Growshapes’ social media channels to get the latest expert news on innovation in 3D digitization, then share your thoughts and join the conversation about 3D digital innovation with #digitize3D.

Growshapes had a great 2018 and have been busy to make sure we offer the best customer experience when somebody is looking to buy 3D scanners or adopt 3D scanning technology into their workflow.

Highlight of 2018

• Expanded our product portfolio beyond HP 3D scanners and added Open Technologies (now FARO) industrial grade 3D scanners as well as Shining3D EinScan handheld 3D scanners
• Became a referral agent to Artec 3D scanners
• Partnered with "medifacturing" startup, PrinterPrezz, to extend reach into the medical industry with 3D scanning technology​

But the year isn't over yet! 

If you want to add 3D scanning to your workflow, check out the 3D scanner selection on www.growshapes.com.

​Growshapes likes 3D-scanning stuff (naturally!) to see how digitization impacts industry and people.  

This month we 3D-scanned a beautiful Bizen-ware bird, created by Japanese ceramic artist Yukiko Akai, who lives in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Yukiko uses an 800-year-old kiln firing method for ceramics, which originated on the Korean peninsula and migrated to the town of Bizen, Japan, eventually evolving into Bizen-ware. Bizen-ware is a durable ceramic with a distinct gloss created from a chemical reaction of clay, fire, and firewood ash, rather than from glazing.  Even without glazing, the ceramic is watertight.
 
Because of Bizen-ware uses all-natural materials and processes, Yukiko also participates in the excavation of medieval kilns to research historical kiln structures, document findings, and educate others. Such research aims to not only uncover the past, but also enable exploration of new artistic expressions.
 
This summer, Yukiko and her Master (teacher) undertook a project in Arkansas to recreate the Bizen-ware process there, using the clay and local materials of Arkansas.  You can read more about the project here.

When Growshapes encountered her work, the first thing we thought was, “Let’s digitize!”

So here it is.  A piece from Yukiko's signature "Bird" series in its digital glory. 

This piece was a bit tricky to 3D scan due to its dark color, gloss and the concave shape on the top.  The key was to place the object in the right position, 3D scan from several angles so that the light would cast on all angles of the object. ​

 The "Bird" has been scanned using the HP 3D Structured Light Pro S3 with dual camera, with the scanner set up on the desk scan lever, and the object placed on the automated turntable. 

Click to buy the HP 3D Structured Lights Scanner Pro S3 with Dual Camera Bundle.

The whole scanning process took less than 2 hours from set up to file clean up.  Organic shapes, especially symmetrical ones, tend to be difficult to align in 3D scanning.  But the HP 3D scanner alignment features really excelled once again!

Growshapes is an HP Silver Partner of HP 3D scanning solutions and the official U.S. distributor of Open Technologies 3D Scanners - an endorsement that makes us proud.

​See the innovators on Growshapes’ social media channels to get the latest expert news on innovation in 3D digitization, then share your thoughts and join the conversation about 3D digital innovation with #digitize3D

Many of our customers are scanning very small objects or large objects.  The great thing is the HP Pro S3 3D scanner is quite flexible and offers calibration panels that you can print out.

The calibration point pattern files come with the HP 3D Scan 5 software.  After you have installed the software on your PC, the calibration point patterns is stored under Program Files.

You will find it per below.  "Program Files on your PC > HP 3D Scan 5 > printout" 

The key is to create a 90° corner with the right side and left side panels and ensure the panels are flat to enable successful calibration with your custom calibration panel.
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• Tips on building a large calibration panel - see here. 
• Tips on building a small calirbration panel - see here.

Yes, you can even 3D scan a walnut. 

All you need to do is to calibrate the HP 3D scanner Pro S3 using the smallest calibration scale, 30mm, on the calibration panel. 

A walnut has various protrusions and as result, creates lots of shadows when casting the projector light onto it.  So we propped up the walnut on a black foam to ensure the projector light could penetrate the walnut as much as possible. 

We used black foam that comes inside pelican briefcases. One of our customers taught us this trick and it really works well as the 3D scanner only captures some bits of the foam due to its dark color.  The bits captured can be easily deleted in the editing phase.

Below is the combination of the 3D scan files, all 47 different scans as we tried to capture the undercut as much as possible. The 3D scans still have have holes as was really difficult to penetrate the projector light into every undercut of the walnut.  Furthermore,  the difficulty was aligning the front and the back of the walnut as the side profile was pretty difficult to capture.

And here is the fusion results after the HP 3D Scan software automatically closed all the holes to create a watertight model.

And now we know that the walnut is 1,314 mm³ or 0.08 in³!

We just wanted to show you with this blog that you can 3D scan even a walnut!

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Our FREE TURNTABLE (worth $1,199) FOR EVERY HP 3D SCANNER PRO S3 PURCHASE campaign is ending soon, so if you are contemplating buying the HP Pro S3 3D scanner, now is the time!

Growshapes's customer, Eric Schultz of the Western New York Osteological Survey who studies bones, made a video for Growshapes to explain how he managed to 3D scan a very small object - a human molar that is 5mm in diameter!  

Eric made considerable modifications to the DAVID 3D Scanner SLS-2 set up to 3D scan this tiny tooth, so we wanted to share with you how he adapted the system and how you how flexible the DAVID 3D scanner solutions are.

The Western New York Osteological Survey's mission is to creates digital images for skeletal structures of animals and his team is creating a digital reference manual which aims to become a comprehensive survey of all osteological elements of fauna in Western New York. Eric used the DAVID Structured Light 3D Scanner SLS-2 in order to capture highly accurate digital models. 

​The minimum scan size achieved by DAVID SLS-2 with the standard setting is 60mm, so in order for Eric to 3D scan the target object that was only 5mm diameter,  he had to appy modifications to the camera lens, the calibration panel, as well as the scanning process, all of which can be seen in the videos below.  You will see how DAVID 3D scanners can be adapted to go beyond its standard capability and this philosophy is continued onto the later SLS-3 model as well. 

 Key customization points for 3D scanning very small objects:

• Customizing camera to be able to focus on the small object
  • Computar 50mm Manual Iris Megapixel Lens, 2/3", f1.8 (extension tubes used to turn this into macro lens)
  • OEM EVA8X-CS Close Up Macro C-Mount 9.8 - 72.8 MM CCTV TV Zoom Lens
  • C mount 5mm extension tubes 
• ​Choosing the right calibration panel to fit the small object (included in the software under DAVID folder)
• Setting up proper scanning environment by minimizing light obstruction

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Eric customized the DAVID scanner by replacing the original camera lens with a lens that allow to focus on smaller objects. He also used DAVID’s calibration panels that comes with the software to print out his own panel to fit the very small object size.​
The scanning environment consisted entirely of black materials, such as a black desk, black backdrop, black equipment and nearly pitch black lighting. Additionally he used black clay to create a foundation on the turntable for the tooth to stand upon. The scanner picks up little detail from the black clay which minimizes the editing of the scanned images.

Other points to consider for enabling a successful 3D scan is the distance between camera and projector which is adjusted on red bar.

• Distance between camera and projector being too far - scanned image will become flat
• Distance between camera and projector being too close - software will have challenges in wrapping the images

Good starting point of distance between camera and projector Eric suggests is 118mm and with camera at 25 degree angle.
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Camera needs to be level with the calibration panel as well, which in normal scan is not the case as the camera is usually placed higher than the calibration panel.  Also calibration needs to be rotated to ensure the points are on the screen so it can be visible with the target.

Here is a 5 minute video of the set up.

Watch the 14 minute video below on the calibration, scanning, fusing, clean up steps to see how the final digital 3D scan file are created.

Another key aim of this survey is to create a digital catalog for students and inspire them to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). A significant part of this digital manual will be 3D scans of bones so students can view their shape and structure.  Science departments in school and scientific organizations are constantly seeking state of the art methods and technologies to engage and stimulate students in science and is great to hear the DAVID 3D scanner is making contributions!
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​Go to the store page to see all the amazing DAVID 3D scanner options available from Growshapes.

Thank you Eric for pushing the limits of what is possible with the amazing DAVID 3D scanner and sharing your experience with Growshapes!