3D Scanning 101 - Alignment

Alignment is an important step for 3D scanning to ensure the 360 degree digital surface model generated by the 3D scanner accuractly replicates the physical object.

With Shining 3D scanners, there are several alignment methods that can be deployed, depending on the shape of the target object.  Let's go through them one by one.

1. Coded Target Alignment

This method uses the coded target on the turntable when used with the EinScan SE, EinScan SP, EinScan Pro 2X & Einscan Pro HD.

For this method there are 2 things to remember: 

• The camera needs to see most of the target
• The scanner needs to be set at 45 degrees angle against the turntable.​​​

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The 3D scanner will capture the coded targets on the automated turntable

2. Feature Alignment

The 3D scanner aligns with the features of the object.

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This method uses the features of the target object to align, thus most suitable for organic shapes or objects with a lot of features.

This alignment method does not work with objects that have planar surfaces or objects that are symmetric, i.e. mechanical parts.

3. Markers Alignment

​This alignment method is used to achieve the best resolution and significantly reduces the chance of misalignment, which could easily happen with 3D scanners. A minimum of 4 markers need to be visible for each scanning frame.

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Markers need to be put on the target object randomly.

4. Texture Alignment

Use this method for objects with rich colors.

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​This alignment method is best suited for objects without much features or geometry but with a lot of color such as this vase.
For EinScan Pro 2X and EinScan Pro HD, a color pack add-on is required

5. Hybrid Alignment

​This method is best suited for objects that have a combination of organic shape and non-organic form like this statue.
The 3D scanner will switch between the feature and the marker tracking during the scan process.  Markers are only needed with a surface that has less geometry.  The scanning speed will be slower, however.

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Also important to remember is when you are 3D scanning a large object on a tripod without a turntable, you need to ensure there is at least a 30% overlap from one scan to the next to ensure alignment.

​So that's it.  Not as difficult as you thought, right?

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​Growshapes the official U.S. distributor of Shining 3D EinScan 3D scanners. We now carry the eviXscan 3D scanner from Evatronix as well!

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