LET'S TALK ABOUT 3D SCANNING

In the fast-paced world of technology, precision is the cornerstone of innovation. Whether you’re designing intricate prototypes, restoring delicate artifacts, or crafting custom-fit components, achieving accurate 3D scans of small objects is crucial. Enter the EinScan Pro 2X V2 paired with the Industrial Kit—a dynamic duo designed to bring unparalleled precision and versatility to your 3D scanning projects.  Meanwhile in handheld mode, it is perfect for scanning mid-sized objects!

Let’s explore how this powerful setup can revolutionize your workflow and elevate your 3D scanning experience.

1. Why the EinScan Pro 2X V2?

The EinScan Pro 2X V2 is a portable, high-performance 3D scanner that combines versatility with precision. Its compact size makes it perfect for scanning small objects, while its advanced algorithms ensure every detail is captured with stunning accuracy.
Key Features:

• High Precision: Achieve an accuracy of up to 0.04mm, essential for intricate designs and detailed models.
• Fast Scanning: Sing;e scan in less than 1 second, streamlining your workflow without compromising on quality.
• Modular Design: Switch between handheld scanning and fixed scanning modes effortlessly, adapting to the needs of your project.

With its robust performance, the EinScan Pro 2X V2 sets the stage for achieving unmatched detail in small object scanning.

1. Background

Chris loves driving around Lake Tahoe in his open-top Jeep Wrangler, enjoying the blue skies and fresh air. The Jeep Wrangler is his vehicle of choice for fun adventures and transporting his wet dog after a swim in the lake. One day, Chris noticed that one of the auxiliary light mount brackets at the front had cracked. Initially, he planned to search for replacement parts, but then he heard about Growshapes' 3D scanning technology. Intrigued by the idea of reverse engineering and 3D printing the bracket, he contacted Growshapes to explore the possibilities. The original bracket mounts were made of plastic and had cracked under stress, so Chris was looking for a solution that would be stronger and more durable than the originals.

​2. The Tools and Method

Growshapes used Einscan Pro 2X 2020 to 3D scan the cracked plastic bracket mount and worked with an engineer at Uniformity Labs to reverse engineer and create a metal 3D-printed replica.

3. The Reverse Engineering Process

Step 1: 3D scan the bracket mount to capture complex geometries using Einscan Pro 2X 2020

Growshapes received the broken plastic bracket mount from Chris. Judging from the size of the part, we decided the best scanning tool was the EinScan Pro 2X 2020 that can capture intricate details with high accuracy, especially in fixed scan mode using it in conjunction with the automated turntable.  For small objects, EinScan Pro 2X is the way to go for sure.  It captures fine details as point cloud data, then converts it into a mesh that can be exported as an .stl file into a CAD software such as Solidworks. 

Growshapes 3D scanned the black plastic part that had a fracture on the main wall of the bracket mount. You can see the fracture in the scan results below.  We scanned the bracket in fixed mode to digitally capture accurate data of this small part.  Fixed scan mode was chosen to use the 3D scanner with the automated turntable. There was no need to put any markers on the parts as the scan was aligned to the markers on the turntable and didn’t even require spraying even though the part was black. The Einscan Pro 2X 2020 uses structured white light technology and the software allows for the capture of dark parts.

The steps that were taken from editing the scan files to  print:

1. The scan was imported into CAD software as points and surfaces
2. Measurements were collected and construction geometry such as planes, contours, etc. were extracted from the scan data
3. The bracket was modeled from this reference geometry generated by the scanned data
4. That design was then "optimized" for additive manufacturing, removing as much material as possible, adding lattices
5. The optimized design was exported from CAD as an STL file
6. The STL file was sliced in Netfabb using the latest EBPA
7. The SLM 125 (for AlSi10Mg) and SLM 280 (for 316L) were prepared and the prints launched
8. The builds were removed from the machine, cut off of the build plate, and sonicated
9. Supports were removed by hand

Some of the challenges Marlon faced specifically for optimizing for additive manufacturing:

• Required other software beyond just the CAD software. Other software, such as nTopology, simplifies modeling more organic shapes conducive to additive manufacturing
• Limited information about the end use of the bracket (how much it was going to support, environmental conditions, etc thus had to make assumptions

Things specifically engineered to optimize for 3D printing:

• Material removal for light weighting
• Lattices for additional stiffness
• Kept overhangs to 45 degrees to minimize support and post-processing
• Made assumptions regarding loading and boundary conditions

The original bracket was made from injection molded plastic but the plastic gave way to stress over time. The metal bracket should be stronger than the original plastic bracket mounts.  Marlon decided to use 316L (stainless steel) as is resistant to corrosion in harsh weather and can withstand varying temperatures. Injection molding requires a substantial investment in tooling thus requires volume production but with additive manufacturing, one-off print is possible with drastically shorter lead times. 
​
See the full additive manufacturing workflow​ below:

Chris is happy with the new and improved auxiliary light bracket mount that is stronger than the original one that came with the Jeep Wrangler.  He won't have to worry about having another stress fracture in the bracket mount.  Reverse Engineering is not just about replicating but also about improving upon the original design!  

Check out the mounting brackets that were fixed onto the Jeep Wrangler below.

​Every once in a while, it’s important to revisit the basics to understand how 3D scanners work. In this blog post, we’ll cover the Field of View (FOV) of a 3D scanner and how it affects the 3D scan results. The key takeaway is that different 3D scanners have different FOVs, and choosing the right model is crucial to getting the right output depending on the size of the object you want to 3D scan.

Like how humans can see a certain range (you can't see behind you) at a given moment, different 3D scanners have a different viewable area at one time from a specific distance. The larger the FOV, the larger area the 3D scanner can 'see' thus capture at once.  With the EinScan 3D scammer models, there is a variety of scanning range among different 3D scanner models that scan something as small as a coin to something as large as a car.  Therefore, it is important to understand what you are scanning and what FOV is most suitable to capture the details of the object.

The FOV of a 3D scanner can determine which model is best suited to 3D scan your object depending on its size. Choosing the right field of view is about finding the right balance between capturing enough detail of the object you want to scan and appropriate coverage for each scan. This balance is important so you can achieve a smoother scanning experience, complete scans in a shorter amount of time as well as reduce computer crashes that happen when the software is overloaded.

Some scanners have dual FOV like the Transcan C and the eviXscan 3D Quadro+ so it can scan small and medium size objects.  On the TranScan C, you can slide the cameras out to increase the FOV, while on eviScan Quadro there are 4 cameras installed - the inner cameras and the outer cameras.​

It really depends on the simplicity and versatility you require for the project.  Naturally, having multiple FOV is a bit more complex due to having varying settings.

Now let's dig a little deeper and look at the difference in FOV of Einscan Pro HD vs. Einscan Pro 2X 2020.

You can see that these 2 scanners have a different FOV.  Guess which one is better suited for large objects?  You probably guessed it right if you followed the logic so far - it's the EinScan Pro HD. Objects that are not very large like within the 3-100mm range, EinScan Pro 2X 2020 is better and it's cheaper too!  ​

So, keep in mind that there is no one-FOV-fits-all 3D scanner if you want a great 3D scanning output. The first step in choosing a 3D scanner is to confirm the size of the object you need to scan so it can help you determine the FOV of the scanner required. In the next blog, we will help you narrow it down further and together we will look at how the material on the surface of the object can affect your purchase choice.

Watch this webinar on how to select a model if you want to learn further!  

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​

​ 
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