How accurate are 3D scanners? Is it worth Investment?
In the digital era, understanding the accuracy of 3D scanners has become increasingly complex. While specifications can often be overwhelming, the crucial question is whether the scanner can address your needs.
Therefore, a deeper understanding is necessary when selecting a scanner that suits your purpose and environment.
The accuracy of 3D scanners is not a straightforward concept. Although we hope they can capture objects with perfect precision, reality may prove otherwise.
How small of details can these scanners capture? Let’s delve into the accuracy of 3D scanners and provide some guidance to ensure that your investment is worthwhile.
Exploring 3D Scanning Accuracy and Standards
In 3D scanning, accuracy refers to the degree of closeness between measured values and their true values, while resolution is the clarity with which images can be displayed.
Both are critical indicators in 3D scanning, but their concepts and measurement methods may vary depending on the type of scanner.
The accuracy of 3D scanners is influenced by multiple factors, including the type of scanner, technology, and the nature of the scanned object.
When choosing a scanner that suits your needs, these factors must be considered. Rather than solely comparing accuracy data across different types of scanners, it is more important to determine whether they can meet your specific requirements and expected outcomes.
In 3D scanning, accuracy is typically divided into single-scan accuracy and volume accuracy.
Single-scan accuracy
Single-scan accuracy is a primary criterion for evaluating the measurement accuracy of 3D scanners, directly reflecting the accuracy of measurement results during a single scanning process.
This is particularly crucial for applications that require precise measurements of small objects or rapid data acquisition within a short time frame.
For example, consider a jewelry design company utilizing 3D scanning technology to create digital models of jewelry. They need to measure every tiny detail of the jewelry to ensure the precision and aesthetics of the design.
In this scenario, single-scan accuracy is the first chioce because it determines whether the data obtained from each scan is sufficiently accurate, thereby influencing the quality and precision of the final design.
Typically, single-scan accuracy is represented in specifications as a value such as 0.05 millimeters, indicating that the deviation between the measured result and the actual value does not exceed 0.05 millimeters in a single scan.
Volume accuracy
However, for larger objects or applications requiring accurate measurements over a broader range, such as automobiles, buildings, etc., volume accuracy becomes more critical.
Volume accuracy considers the size and shape of the entire scanned object, providing a more comprehensive assessment of data accuracy.
This is suitable for applications that require a comprehensive understanding of the object’s shape, size, and structure, such as in engineering, architecture, and cultural heritage preservation fields.
Most 3D scanner OEMs specify volume accuracy, considering the precision required for multiple captures, with global accuracy gradually decreasing as the scanned portion increases.
For instance, imagine an automobile manufacturing company using 3D scanning technology to measure the size and shape of the entire vehicle for design and production purposes.
In this case, volume accuracy considers the size and shape of the entire vehicle, providing a more comprehensive assessment of data accuracy.
In specifications, volume accuracy is typically represented in the form of values such as 0.05mm + 0.15mm/m, indicating that as the distance increases during scanning of large objects, the accuracy per meter may increase by 0.15mm.
Therefore, for 3D scanning applications involving large objects, volume accuracy is more important than single-scan accuracy as it provides more comprehensive and accurate data, ensuring precise measurement results and design outputs.
In practical applications, single-scan accuracy and volume accuracy often complement each other. A 3D scanner may excel in single-scan accuracy but may experience a decrease in volume accuracy when scanning large objects. Therefore, considering both of these metrics holistically is key to selecting the appropriate 3D scanner.
Accuracy Standards and Influencing Factors of 3D Scanners
While the accuracy of 3D scanners typically ranges from 0.01 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters, there is no fixed standard for accuracy. Instead, the required level of accuracy should be determined based on the needs to achieve the desired results.
For example, more affordable handheld scanners may sacrifice some precision but offer greater flexibility and adaptability. Therefore, when choosing a scanner that suits specific requirements, it is necessary to consider multiple factors comprehensively, rather than just accuracy.
Factors Affecting the Accuracy of 3D Scanners
Surface Type and Reflectivity
Surfaces that reflect or refract light, such as shiny or reflective surfaces, may affect the accurate capture of data. Some scanners employ specialized techniques to overcome these challenges, but considering surface properties is also necessary.
Scanning Techniques and Parameters
Different scanning techniques and parameter settings can also influence scan results.
For example, scanners using laser scanning technology may perform better when dealing with transparent or reflective surfaces, while structured light technology may be more effective at capturing surfaces with rich textures.
Additionally, settings such as scanning speed, exposure time, and sampling density can impact accuracy.
Environmental Factors
Factors such as lighting conditions, temperature, and humidity in the scanning environment may also affect scan results.
Insufficient or excessive lighting can result in decreased image quality, while changes in temperature and humidity can impact the stability and accuracy of the scanner.
By considering various factors and implementing appropriate measures, the quality and accuracy of scan results can be maximized to meet the requirements of different applications.
Is Investing in a 3D Scanner Worth It?
Whether investing in a 3D scanner is worthwhile depends on your specific needs and intended applications. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a 3D scanner is worth it:
Application
How do you plan to use the 3D scanner? For professionals such as engineers, product designers, manufacturers, architects, or artists, a 3D scanner can be an invaluable tool for creating detailed 3D models and prototypes.
It can save time and costs compared to manual measurements and provide more design and manufacturing details.
For hobbyists interested in 3D printing, a 3D scanner can facilitate easy replication or modification of existing objects for 3D printing projects.
However, if you only need to scan objects occasionally or for personal projects, there may be more cost-effective options such as using smartphone apps or outsourcing to 3D scanning services.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a 3D scanner is an important consideration. If you require high-precision models for professional or industrial purposes, you’ll need to invest in a 3D scanner with higher accuracy.
Cost
3D scanners come in a wide price range, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as accuracy, resolution, and included software.
If you frequently use a 3D scanner for professional purposes, it may be a reasonable investment. Otherwise, if you only need 3D scanning services for one-time projects, consider hiring an external 3D scanning service.
Ease of Use
Some 3D scanners are easier to use than others, so selecting a user-friendly 3D scanner is essential. If a 3D scanner is complex to use and requires specialized skills or training, it may offer less value to you.
Finding the Right High-Accuracy 3D Scanner for Your Successful Investment
To achieve the best results, you need a company with extensive knowledge and expertise to provide a high-resolution 3D scanner that meets your needs.
With accurate high-resolution scanning, you can go beyond measurements and take advantage of opportunities provided by digital transformation.
Scantech’s team of metrology experts will help you find the best high-resolution 3D scanner to meet your needs.
Learn firsthand how a high-resolution 3D scanner can improve your quality control processes. Contact a member of the Scantech team for a demonstration today!
