Handheld 3D Scanners: What are they?
Handheld 3D scanners allow users to scan existing object that are large and bulky without needing to break up the object into smaller meshes. They typically use lasers and assess the time it takes the laser light to be emitted and reflected back to a receiver. Some also have optical sensors to record UV maps of the object at the same time. A user can scan to Solidworks and other computer aided design (CAD) software for direct meshing of point cloud data. This is exceptionally useful for complex artifacts that would be time consuming to model in CAD software, especially those with compound curves and fine detail.
Some companies use handheld 3D scanners and reverse engineering techniques to help create augmented reality (AR) simulations of manufacturing plants to help plan and optimize workflows. Alternatively, if you need to make something to fit an existing object precisely, instead of trying to model it in CAD handheld 3D scanners can be quickly used to gather the point cloud data as well as any visual textures and put them directing into the CAD software you are utilizing. Reverse engineering is typically used to retrofitting existing items where the design team does not have the original digital designs or they were never made in the first place.
Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering allows you to create digital assets easily that may be needed as the focus of secondary consideration in product design. This means that you could take the point cloud data and mesh them in your cad software and convert to surfaces, remembering to take out noise or backscatter prior. Once you have surfaces you can do conventional surface modelling, such as Boolean operations to create either a direct or indirect part from the scanned data. Once any surface modelling has been complete then the CAD user can convert surface geometry into solid geometry and complete the remainder of operations. Note, most CAD professions do not know that the model tree or model history needs to have surface modelling done first before solid modeling as a best practice.
You do not need to prepare the scene for non-contact handheld scanners, they are small and compact that you can take them to a worksite quickly unlike other systems. Once there all you need to do is connect the device to your laptop and start scanning. While you are gaining data, remember your working distances of the device, more expensive devices have better lasers and sensor allowing for larger working distance ranges. While this isn’t a big issue, it means that cheaper scanner will require many more meshes to be quilted together in the operation later.
How to Increase Workflow Performance
In terms of 3D scanners, you get what you pay for in terms of performance. Higher priced 3D scanners normally can produce finer detail and accuracy. Datapoint processing may also be quicker however this will also depend of where the data is being loaded to in real-time. For example, you can potentially scan to a lightweight device such as a tablet however the transfer speeds and other bottlenecks will be far greater than say a dedicated CAD laptop. You will still get the data-points you need however it will take more time.
One additional note when using any 3D scanner or reverse engineering technology, point cloud data all adds up over time, especially when capturing raw point cloud data. If your have set the system to pick up fine detail when you don’t need it your file sizes will be relatively and unnecessarily large. In that train of thought also note that if you are working to a high resolution ensure that you are using high-capacity storage to save the data, and ensure the hardware is as fast, as saving the data is usually where performance bottlenecks are.
If you are getting excessive noise or backscatter for reflective or translucent objects, you can choose to use a non-destructive temporary coating such as a carbon or chalk spray coating that you can remove afterwards.
Summary
No matter what you are scanning handheld 3D scanners provide a robust solution that can be used practically anywhere. Scan to Solidworks or other CAD platforms to speed up your workflow while allowing you to create better products and solutions. Also remember that if your business allows it, you can also sell digital assets online to make additional revenue.
