By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
High-quality digital scanning devices offer manufacturers the ability to scan three-dimensional (3D) objects to create graphics for digitally printed applications. Applications created with digital scanning devices include aluminum siding, electronics, engineering, flooring products, medical devices, and prototyping.
Here, we provide a roundup of available digital scanners for 3D objects.
Cimquest Inc.
Cimquest offers the HandySCAN 3D handheld scanners by Creaform. Released in 2006, the HandySCAN 3D scanners are developed to meet the needs of product development and engineering professionals that demand efficient methods for acquiring 3D measurements of physical objects.
The HandySCAN 300 and 700 devices use multiple lasers to produce ready-to-use files after scanning. The HandySCAN 300 features a scanning area of 8.8×9.8 inches while the HandySCAN 700 features 10.8×9.8 inches. HandySCAN devices are lightweight and handheld for ease of use and portability. They fit into small suitcases for easy access and travel freedom.
The HandySCAN 300 is intended for efficient reverse engineering and design. It features up to 0.040 millimeter accuracy with 0.100 millimeter resolution. The device also includes a 225×250 millimeter scanning area and a 300 millimeter stand-off distance.
The HandySCAN 700 offers increased accuracy and resolution for inspection and reverse engineering. It has 0.030 millimeter accuracy and 0.050 millimeter resolution. With a 275×250 millimeter scanning area, the device also features a light source of seven laser crosses.
According to Joel Pollet, senior services specialist, Cimquest, the HandySCAN devices range from $43,000 to $57,000. “It’s easy to resume scans that are stopped in the middle,” he says. HandySCAN 3D scanners include VXelements, a fully integrated 3D software platform that powers Creaform’s 3D scanning and measurement technologies.
Cruse Digital
Cruse offers the Synchron Table (ST) scanner series, Cruse Portal 2D + 3D scanner, and 3D Photostation.
The ST series scans with built-in lighting techniques including a Variable Texture Effect and Light Angle Kit. “They bring out the desired look in stone or wood,” says Michael Lind, U.S. Cruse dealer, Cruse. The device also features a Surface Detection option that scans objects to create true 3D color maps that can be printed in 3D. The ST series features a maximum scan area of 150×250 centimeters with 240 dpi.
Cruse Portal 2D + 3D scanner is developed to capture flat originals like décor, leather, maps, paper, and wallpaper. It’s offered in two sizes—15 and 30 millimeters. “Our new Cruse Portal scanner scans in 2D and 3D at the same time, giving a file for each,” says Lind. The 30 millimeter device scans with a 105 millimeter strip width and is suitable for wood and ceramics.
Cruse 3D Photostation is a 3D object scanner with an automated swivel arm for multi-level scanning. It features an LED light dome with more than 30 separately adjustable light channels and presets. The Photostation scanner uses a diffused backlight to offer concise cropping. It handles a maximum weight of 25 kilograms and sizes of up to 9.84×9.84×9.84 inches.
Image Access
Released in 2008, Image Access offers the WideTEK 25 wide format flatbed color scanner. The device scans documents up to 18.5×25 inches and includes a backlight for transparent source material like x-rays.
The WideTEK 25 features a 3D scanning mode to produce 3D images. The 3D scanning mode captures surface texture with two LED lamps. The lamps produce a homogeneous illumination, which eliminates shadows caused by folds, wrinkles, and distortions.
The WideTEK 25 scans at 300 dpi color in less than three seconds. It features a scratch resistant, non-reflective glass plate that reaches the edge of the scanner to protect documents. The scanner is distributed in the U.S. by Paradigm Imaging Group.
Released in 2014, the WideTEK 12 is the smaller version of the WideTEK 25. It offers a 12.5×18.5-inch maximum scan and is intended for applications where A3+ is large enough but scanning and high-optical resolution is required.
The WideTEK 12 features a 12 second scan speed in 3D mode at 600 dpi. The device is 17.4 inches wide and is compact enough to fit onto desktops. It utilizes two LED lamps and operates with the lid open or down.
ImageXpert
The ImageXpert Full Motion system is a fully integrated motion system for automated image-based analysis. It offers machine vision-based measurements for 2D and 3D inspection including dimension, dot quality, edge raggedness, line width, and registration.
The system uses multiple cameras and laser triangulation for height profiling and 3D inspection. The cameras capture image and analyze 3D objects from edge sharpness to dimension. Full Motion has a maximum motion travel of 24×24 inches and offers lighting in LED ring light, UV, fiber optic, and backlight.
Its three-axis motion stage automatically moves objects from one test to the next for research and production environments. The addition of a laser module allows non-contact height measurement and 3D profiling of opaque, translucent, and transparent materials. The laser module for 3D analysis features 0.05 micron height resolution and 30 micron spot size.
3D Scanning
Digital scanning devices create accurate 3D images with high resolution. These devices offer capabilities to capture detail and texture for applications from décor and flooring to electronics and medical devices. Currently, there is a great selection of digital 3D scanning devices offered for manufacturers.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Capturing 3D
Nov2017, Industrial Print Magazine