The use of a non-contact 3D scanner has been making waves in the industry. Practical applications for these pieces of equipment are usually seen in projects that have something to do with new product research and development.
The two main classifications of 3D scanners that have made its domination in the market are the structured light scanners and laser-type scanners. With each of these 2 categories are the myriad of models and brands of 3D scanning machines and are likely to cover every single 3D scanning requirement one may have. The applications, capabilities and 3D scanner costs vary considerably.
So, what are the important criteria you need to look for in a 3D scanning machine before making any purchase?
Accuracy
The technology that comes with a structured light scanner usually comes with a higher level of accuracy when compared to laser technology. A laser scanner may only scan your object once as the laser beam is in transit over your illuminated object.
The scan will stretch your 1-dimensional line and transform it into a 2-dimensional region. This explains the reason why you can’t count on the accuracy levels of laser scanners.
In the case of structured light scanners, they will scan your target object multiple times. As for the patterns they come with, their phase and width are likely to get altered. This measure allows for an excessive evaluation of your object during a scan. The repeated readings make it possible to achieve a higher level of accuracy.
Speed
Time is money. This is how the dizzying pace of our technological developments are defining our times. Therefore, we can’t afford to put behind the speed of scanning as an important element to consider when trying to shop for 3-dimensional scanners.
One could assert that laser scanners come with an inherent advantage with respect to the speed of scanning because they take only one, single sweep. This one is in complete contrast to what structured light scanners do which they do multiple times.
Over the years, there is a significant improvement on the inherent speed of structured light scanners. Equipped with state-of-the-art built-in cameras with faster processors, they are at a more competitive edge and can complete a scan with a staggering 1,000,000 points in a fraction of a second.
Lighting Conditions
This is another important aspect that you need to look into, the lighting conditions under which your 3D scanning will take place. Lighting conditions in your work environment may vary and may not be subject to any level of control. This is likely to have a huge impact on the performance of your scanner’s sensors. It may lead your machine to produce incorrect data
In case you’re planning to carry out your scanning tasks indoors, you can manage to do it equally well with either a structured light scanning system or laser scanner.
Things are going to take a different turn if you will do outdoor scans, instead. Laser scanners are likely to excel in outdoor lighting conditions since they have the edge of projecting a narrow and specific wavelength and thus take the ambient light out of the equation. It is important to keep in mind that under intense or difficult lighting conditions, there is a good possibility that the outcome of the laser scanning would be relatively inaccurate and noisy.
Conversely, structured light scanners are confined by the bulb’s light intensity as well as the projector’s level of contrast. This also explains the reason why you need to make proper adjustments to the sensors and projector when you are under an industrial or office environment. It helps a lot in obtaining optimal results.
Wrapping Up!
If it necessitates that you carry out your scanning in external lighting conditions or if the subject you will have is on the move, laser scanners would be the right option to use. In terms of safety and a high level of precision, a structured light scanner is a far more superior in this area.
As for the latest models that are in the market recently, most of them have significant improvements in speed.
It is complete nonsense to make a high claim that one technology is far superior to the other. Technologies come with their set of advantages and disadvantages, their bane and boon.
But behind the manufacturing facilities, they remain a work in progress to further improvements. Your choice of appropriate 3D scanner will have will depend upon the requirements of the application for which you intend to use it on.