EinScan 3D Scanner FAQ |
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Basic Questions
Q1. What can I 3D scan?
Generally, you can scan all visible, non transparent, not too dark, not-too-shiny surfaces that do not move for at least a few seconds of scanning time. Structured light 3D scanners need to cast light patterns onto the object in order to capture the surface features, thus dark objects absorbs light, transparent objects cannot project the light patterns and shiny objects reflects light. Inside cavities or holes cannot be captured unless it is fully visible.
The best objects to scan with EinScan 3D scanners are:
- Opaque, not translucent/transparent
- Not-too-shiny surfaces
If you need to scan dark objects, you need to powder coat it with white powder, even spray such as this, which works surprisingly well. For scanning hair, you can use dry shampoo. Transparent objects cannot be scanned as the structure light pattern cannot be projected onto the surface.
Q2. How does the EinScan 3D scanners work?
EinScan 3D scanners use structured light technology which casts light patterns onto an object. The 3D scanner produces an accurate 360° digital representation of the physical object by fusing single dimension scans that are captured at different angles. The 3D scanner captures the 3D surfaces as a triangle net (point cloud plus connecting triangles) at accurate scale.
Q3. What does the 3D scan output look like?
Check out scan files on sketchfab: https://sketchfab.com/einscan
Q4. I cannot open the 3D scan software. What do I need to do?
Is the Antivirus running? Is Windows and Graphic card up to date? Is the camera setting of Windows On? Check admin rights, cameras are working in the device manager cameras and reinstall.
Q4. The 3D scanner says it's "offline". How do I connect the 3D scanner to the software?
Check that the green LED for the power supply is on. Are the fans running? Do you see the 3D scanner in device manager? Do the cables look okay? Test the other USB port. Test with projector tool (scroll down to download tool) to see if cameras are working.
Q5. Why am I not seeing any 3D scan data in the software?
Are all the hardware components all working? Did you finish the calibration process correctly? Check that Windows and graphics card are up to date and ensure that antivirus software is not interfering.
Q6. EinScan SE/SP calibration keeps failing, what do I need to do?
Disable ALL other cameras/imaging devices on you PC and disable antivirus software. Ensure there are no scratches on your calibration board.
Q7. EinScan Pro Handheld Scanner is not calibrating, what do I need to do?
1. Make sure you thoroughly follow the steps for calibration process: Please check the calibration board position is correct, as well as the scanner position. You can refer to the support video for each step, displayed on the left of the calibration screen.
2. Avoid direct sources of light: If environmental light is too bright, or direct source of light (e.g. solar light from a window, light from a lamp) might reflect on your calibration board, the image acquisition may not be successful, leading to failed calibration.
Please try avoiding such sources of light or running calibration in a darker room.
3. Try a different USB3 port: Despite being the scanner recognized by the PC and software, it might be that the current USB3 port can not deal with video. Try connecting the scanner to a different USB3 port. We encourage updating the USB3 drivers and checking for Windows updates.
4. Do not be too fast (only for handheld scanners): Just like when taking pictures normally with your phone or camera, moving fast while shooting can lead to blurry pictures. Hold the scanner firmly and move continuously at a moderate speed to ensure data acquisition quality.
5. Are all LEDs blinking? (only for handheld scanners): In case all LEDs are not brightly blinking during calibration, it might also be causing it to fail. LEDs malfunction is due to a hardware issue. We recommend contacting Shining 3D support as soon as possible so we can take care of the faulty device.
Q8. Scans are not aligning, what's wrong?
Recalibrate your 3D scanner. Ensuring the 3D scanner is calibrated adequately is important to ensure you can capture and align the 3D scans.
Q9. Turntable is not connecting on SE/SP, how can I fix it?
Make sure you have Windows 10 vers. 1903, Software 2.7.0.8 installed on your PC. The blue light needs to be on. Test with Projector Tool (scroll below to download Projector Tool)
Q10. Which scan mode should I use for EinScan Pro Series?
- Handheld Rapid Scan: Most popular form of alignment. This mode allows the user to scan objects without the use of markers at a fast pace and with an accuracy of up to 0.1mm (100 microns). It is ideal at scanning objects with defining characteristics or features such as human faces, detailed furniture, medium to large sized sculptures, and larger objects that meet the requirements. The ideal size of the objects can vary but Handheld Rapid Scan mode is best used on medium to large size objects. To scan objects with few geometry features, like flat or plain surface, symmetric shape like cylinder, ball etc, you need put markers randomly on object surface to create features for scanner to identify. At least 4 markers must be visible per scan
- Handheld HD Mode: The more accurate handheld scan mode that requires markers when scanning. This mode allows the user to scan objects that require higher precision and detail with an accuracy of up to .05mm (50 microns) and better geometry resolution. As with the other handheld mode, it is best used on medium objects. Some good examples of Handheld HD scans can include high detailed industrial pieces, furniture, art pieces that require rich features resolution and higher accuracy. Handheld HD Scan mode can’t work with Color Pack for color data. If equipped with HD Prime Pack (Pro 2X Plus), Handheld HD Scan mode can achieve faster scanning experience without placing markers on object with rich geometry features, such as art pieces, statues etc.
- Fixed Scan Mode: Fixed Scan mode trades the flexibility of the handheld modes for the high precision, high resolution and automates the whole 3D scan process. It is the ideal way to scan smaller objects and achieves and accuracy of up to .04mm (40 microns) and is capable of scanning with and without markers. Fixed Scan mode also allows the use of the Industrial Pack’s add-on automated turntable to create automated scans that are stitched together in real time through the EXScan software. The general rule of thumb is that is an object is small enough to fit the turntable included with the EinScan Pro 2X’s Industrial pack then it is better off being scanned in the automated Fixed Scan mode. This ensures the most precise scan while reducing the room for errors and simplifying the workflow.
Q11. What are the differences of human body scanning between EinScan H and EinScan Pro series?
EinScan H has a larger single scanning range than EinScan Pro series which smoothes human body scanning enormously. The optimized alignment algorithm in Body Scan mode of EinScan H enables efficient alignment despite small movements of the scanned object or person. Using EinScan H to scan the human body is much be easier and faster. The dedicated Face scanning mode of EinScan H which is equipped with an invisible infrared light source provides a reliable solution to the problem of acquiring dark-colored objects and enables an easy acquisition of human hair and simultaneously a safe and comfortable scanning process.
Q12. What are the best applications of EinScan HX？
By integrating blue light and laser, EinScan HX can be used in a wide range of applications with less limitation. Up to 1,200,000 points/s under rapid scan mode enable EinScan HX to scan large objects with high efficiency. Laser scanning technology enables EinScan-HX to an amazing performance in scanning reflective and dark objects. Minimum point distance of 0.05mm and up to 0.04 accuracy make EinScan-HX suitable for reverse engineering and measuring. We could say EinScan-HX is a powerful scanner for applications, such as automotive, shipbuilding, machining, and research.
Q13. What is the difference between, laser, blue light and white light for 3D scanning?
Blue laser is a stronger light source, predestined to capture dark and reflective surfaces. As blue light occurs at a much lesser rate in our usual environment, it is used as a light source in 3d scanning avoiding heavy environment light interference and delivering a much better performance in this case compared to white light.
Q14. I can't seem to scan challenging objects. What are some tips and tricks?
Check this out!
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Application Questions: What can I do with the scan data?
Q1. Does EinScan 3D scan files work with CAD software such as Solidworks?
The 3D images generated by EinScan 3D scanners are a “point cloud” mesh. This can be exported in industry standard .stl, .obj and .ply file formats. Each pixel of the camera sensor represents a point in the point cloud, so potentially these file types may contain much more data than a traditional, parametric solid, CAD program may be able to handle.
Usually 3D scan data generats a large file thus reducing mesh density maybe necessary prior to export the files. You can try .stl file editors such as Blender, MeshLab and MeshMixer, all of which are free to download.
You can also buy the EinScan Reverse Engineering Bundle which gives you an end to end solution from 3D scan, file editing to reverse engineering with CAD.
Q2. Can the 3D scan data be used for 3D printing or milling?
Yes. Shining 3D does not create a machine program that drives your printer/CNC, but these machines usually have software that can import 3D triangle meshes. They usually require a water-tight 3D model, a model which has no holes, so that inside and outside are clearly defined. Ensure you save the scan as water tight models.
Q3. What software can I use for 3D measurements?
MeshLab is free and offers point-to-point distance measurements. Rhino3d and Geomagic are other powerful 3D software programs.
Q4. Can I export point clouds?
EinScan scan software exports to the OBJ file format. It is an ASCII text file that contains a 3D point cloud plus triangles, surface normals, and texture coordinates. If you are interested only in the point cloud, read all lines that start with V. Each line stores the X, Y, Z coordinates of one 3D point. The reference coordinate system is the center of the calibration corner, with the Y axis pointing upward.
Q5. Can I import the 3D scan files into my 3D software?
Look for an import function for OBJ, STL, or PLY files in your software. Some programs might require an import plugin (with or without cost).
You might also be able to find a conversion tool to convert OBJ or STL into the format that you need.
