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Laser Scanning / 3D Digitizing

Laser Scanning - also known as 'Digitizing' or '3D Digitizing'- is a process that uses light to capture the shape of three-dimensional objects and re-create them in a virtual workspace. The data is collected as points, and the resultant file is called a point cloud.

» How is it useful?  Close
The digitizing process captures high density geometry, compound surface curvature, and draft that are difficult to measure using traditional measurement techniques. 		Laser Scanning/Part Digitization Example
» What are the limitations?  Close
The challenges of documenting complex geometry are easily overcome as long as the surfaces to be digitized are within "line of sight". In many cases, castings can be made of internal passages that can be digitized separately and added to the external geometry. Other means of data collection such as: physical sectioning, destructive scanning, photogrametry, X-Ray, CT-Scan, and MRI are also available.
» What Kinds of Materials can be Digitized?  Close
Typical materials that can be digitized include: stone, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, bone, plastic, rubber, wax, and clay.
» How are the results communicated?  Close
The data that is collected can be provided as a point cloud, or used for:
  1. Reverse Engineering and be provided as a 3D CAD model.
  2. Rapid Prototyping after being prepared in an STL, STEP, or IGES format.
  3. Product Inspection purposes by being compared to an existing CAD model and used to create a color error map.
» The Technology behind the Process:  Close
  1. Light is projected onto the object.
  2. The object reflects the light, which is then collected by a digital sensor.
  3. Using algebraic equations, the 3D spatial (XYZ) coordinate of the surface point is calculated.
  4. The point's coordinate location is stored as part of a point cloud representing the physical part.
  5. Millions of points are collected this way until the entire surface of the part or object has been digitized.
  6. The digital data (collectively called a point cloud) is used for Reverse Engineering, Rapid Prototyping, and Product Inspection.

Read How 3D Scanning Technology Impacts Product Development
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