By Olivia Cahoon
Part 1 of 2
Manufacturers use digital scanning devices to capture images of three-dimensional (3D) objects, which are then repurposed into graphics. These graphics are digitally printed onto materials to create items from aluminum siding to flooring products. Digital scanning devices offer features like built-in lighting techniques that allow manufacturers to vividly capture imagery at high resolutions.
Digital Capture in Manufacturing
Digital scanning devices detect field depth to create accurate 3D images with high resolution. High-resolution capabilities capture detail, focus, texture, and topographic elements that are sometimes lost by conventional flatbed scanners.
In the manufacturing space, digital scanners are used for advertising, décor, flooring, point of purchase (POP), and tiles. “By combining high-quality scanning with fast high-quality digital printing, there is a revolution happening in the décor markets,” says Michael Lind, U.S. Cruse dealer, Cruse Digital.
Digital scanning devices include features like built-in lighting techniques. According to Lind, this gives scanned images a realistic 3D appearance. “Whether it is artwork, natural stone, or wood products, customers are demanding more realistic materials for home and office,” he explains.
Joel Pollet, senior services specialist, Cimquest Inc., believes the greatest benefit of using digital scanners is the ability to represent an object accurately in shape and color. “The challenges, especially where the web is concerned, is keeping the images fairly well decimated, small or lightweight, while also keeping a high resolution to ensure a good quality,” he shares.
With digital scanners, short- and long-run custom designs are completed quickly. “There is less need for the old style color processes that require millions of square feet of the same paper to be economical,” offers Lind. He believes efficient digital scanning begins with the highest level of capture, and without it, the best digital printing applications are lackluster.
Some devices have features for creating true 3D color maps that can be printed in 3D as well. Lind says the Cruse Portal scanner scans in 2D and 3D simultaneously—creating separate files for each scan. The portal device scans objects up to 60×80 inches.
While digital capture has been used for roughly two decades, 3D scanning has just begun to take off. According to Lind, there are many wide format scanners of different types. “We have over 130 scanners in the U.S. and over 600 worldwide. We feel this probably accounts for 98 percent market share of the very large wide format scanners,” he offers.
“Due to uses like reverse engineering and metrology, digital scanners have become more affordable, more lightweight, and easier to use. Software technology to take advantage of scanner capabilities that have gotten dramatically better over the past five years,” adds Pollet. Reverse engineering refers to a manufacturer’s reproduction of a product based on a detailed examination of the product’s composition and construction.
Digital scanners are available as tabletop or portable devices. Portable devices are used to keep fragile and valuable originals safe. They also provide convenience for ancient or valuable art pieces and sculptures. With a portable scanner, manufacturers bring the device to the intended scanned object whether it is in a museum, residence, or university. Portable devices scan sizes up to 10×20 feet with a resolution of 300 dpi.
High-Quality Images
Digital scanners for 3D objects capture high-quality images of thick media. These devices are used to create items that mimic textured and fragile objects without damaging the original. Part two of this series highlights available digital scanners used in manufacturing.
Click here to read part two of this exclusive online series, 3D Digital Scanners
Nov2017, Industrial Print Magazine