3D laser scanners: applications and model overview
Laser 3D scanning – creation of a digital model of a physical body using a laser beam. The technology is non-contact, works at close and long distances, excludes damage to objects during scanning. The principle of operation of 3D laser scanners: a directed laser beam is reflected from the surface of the object, forming a cloud of points. Each point has its own coordinates in space. The software determines them and creates a finished 3D digital model based on this data.
From the review, you will learn where laser scanning is used and what equipment is used to solve related tasks.
Purpose of laser scanners
Source: newequipment.com
Compared to traditional measurement methods, laser scanners have an important advantage – they can digitize objects with complex surfaces and work in places that are difficult for humans to access. The main areas of application of devices are incoming and outgoing quality control in production, inspection of operating devices for the purpose of preventing and eliminating defects, reverse engineering and other areas.
Construction, reconstruction and repair of facilities
Source: ellisdon.com
During the preparation of the building project, it is necessary to assess the features of the site and the cost of the upcoming work. With the help of 3D laser scanners, a landscape model is created, on the basis of which further work is carried out. During the construction process, intermediate control of the geometry of future buildings is required: walls, corners, openings, etc. Laser scanning copes with this task more accurately and faster than the usual measuring technologies.
The basis for external or internal reconstruction is often an accurate digital model, on the basis of which changes and additions to the current interior or exterior are planned. Laser scanners are also indispensable in this area.
Road networks and transport
Source: autodesk.com
Laser scanning is becoming an integral part of the planning and creation of urban and suburban road transport networks, tunnels, pedestrian areas, railways, ports. The technology is used to assess the current state of coatings, plan and estimate the cost of repairs, to obtain models of long-term structures, for example, bridges. The equipment is used in the design, manufacture, repair and tuning of cars, air vehicles and ships.
Utilities facilities
Source: 3dscanner.es
With the help of 3D laser scanners, it became possible to quickly digitize and document engineering communications. Scanning significantly saves time during maintenance and reconstruction. The devices work remotely, minimizing the risks of people when working in adverse conditions and in hard-to-reach areas.
Oil production facilities
Source: ramboll.com
Oil production complexes located in water require constant monitoring of working processes. Objects are regularly exposed to unfavorable and changeable environmental influences: winds of different strengths and directions, currents, temperature changes, etc. 3D laser scanning is becoming an integral part of the inspection of oil production facilities. The equipment allows you to quickly identify and record deformations and other damages, control wear, calculate the terms of scheduled maintenance, and prevent accidents.
Forensic examination
Source: faro.com
Photographs and manual measurements in investigative processes and forensic science are being replaced by 3D laser scanning. The devices create three-dimensional models of accident sites with precise fixation of the location of objects and the distances between them. The data is used in the process of pre-trial and judicial proceedings.
Other applications
Source: news.microsoft.com
3D laser scanners facilitate and optimize workflows in the following areas:
- In cartography and geodesy – when creating plans of the area, maps, geographic information systems (GIS).
- In archeology – in the restoration and preservation of ancient artifacts.
- In paleontology, to create missing parts of skeletons found during excavations.
- In medicine, including plastic surgery and dentistry.
Overview of models and manufacturers
FARO Focus
Source: ifworlddesignguide.com
FARO is included in the pool of popular manufacturers of laser scanning devices. The new S-Series of the Focus3D range stand out from other scanners in terms of lightness and compact size, as well as the ability to operate in bright sunlight and keep in touch with the site using GPS.
Scanner FOCUS 3D S 150 works at a distance of up to one hundred and fifty meters, with an accuracy at a maximum distance of ± 2000 microns. The device is used in design, architecture and construction, for digitizing equipment and other objects.
You can find out more about this model on the site…
Source: youtube.com
Focus3D S 350 scans with the same accuracy as the previous device, however, the distance to the measurement object is increased to 0.35 km. The device is designed for outdoor use.
Source: kkgeosystem.blogspot.com
SHINING 3D
Source: shining3d.com
FreeScan is a line of the famous Chinese manufacturer of digital equipment SHINING 3D. These are versatile laser handheld 3D scanners FreeScan X5 (X5 +), FreeScan X7 (X7 +) weighing up to 1 kg, with an excellent set of professional characteristics.
Main parameters:
Specifications
Creaform
Source: foundry-planet.com
The distinctive features of the Creaform SCAN 3D range are high scan quality combined with ease of use. Portable laser scanners HandySCAN 3D, MetraSCAN 3D have a clear interface, do not require special skills and complex user training.
Instrument characteristics:
ScanTech
Handheld range
Source: cmmxyz.com
The HandHeld Prince series uses blue and red laser beams to scan large and small objects with high precision. Scanners can be operated in bright sunlight and low light conditions. Due to its compact size, high speed and detail, the equipment is widely used in reverse engineering, quality inspection, digitization of museum, archaeological and other objects.
Main characteristics:
Composite Series
Source: twitter.com
Except double scan mode KSCAN20 equipped with a photogrammetry system, thanks to which the working area of the device is 2.5m * 3m with an accuracy of 35 μm / m.
Blue and red lasers provide high-speed scanning up to 650 thousand measurements per second with a resolution of 0.01 mm.
Main characteristics:
Areas of application of 3D laser scanners
Reducing financial and time costs in construction with FARO Focus
Source: autodesk.com
The US construction company Gilbane invested $ 60,000 in the acquisition of a FARO Focus-S 350 laser scanner, software and employee training. At first glance, the amount seems too large for a small-scale company. But, after the calculations, the company’s management came to the conclusion that the investment will pay off as soon as possible.
According to John Tocchi Jr., director of 3D design at Gilbane, after the introduction of new expensive technology, the company began to use the equipment even in areas where it was not originally planned. The team saved $ 30,000 in one hour of work on the Focus-S 350 and Autodesk Revit software.
Source: autodesk.com
Building a digital model of air ducts and other systems avoided errors in the installation of physical objects, which could take several weeks. The use of FARO Focus in the assembly of plumbing, electrical and mechanical installations helped to optimize costs at all stages of work
Case “Modernization of the University of Miami Building”
Source: elevar.com
At the time of the beginning of the work, the architects had at their disposal the drawings made 85 years ago, and a little more than 4.5 thousand square meters of the old building. Using a 3D laser scanner, Gilbane’s specialists digitized the training space in one working day. The modernization of the supporting structures, as well as the main utilities: plumbing, electrical and ventilation, was based on the data obtained from the scan.
Quality inspection with ScanTech
Source: 3d-scantech.com
The advantage of metal stamping technology, over forging and casting, lies in the lower weight and thickness of the parts obtained. The use of molds provides high accuracy and maximum compliance of the obtained parts with the specified characteristics, but does not completely exclude deviations and deformations. This, in turn, can lead to difficulties in assembling finished products and a decrease in product quality. Therefore, constant quality inspection is a necessary part of production.
Having understood the manufacturer’s tasks, ScanTech specialists suggested checking the quality of stamped parts using a PRINCE laser scanner. The ability to switch between blue and red laser modes allowed the device to combine the functionality of traditional portable and metrological 3D scanners. The mode of operation with an active red laser beam provides fast digitization of objects. In the case of increased requirements for accuracy and detail, turn on the blue laser beam mode.
The photo shows the stages of work:
1. Placing markers – takes about two minutes.
Source: 3d-scantech.com
2. Digitizing a part – takes about three minutes.
Source: 3d-scantech.com
Source: 3d-scantech.com
3. Identification of deviations – lasts 3 minutes.
Source: 3d-scantech.com
The digital model demonstrates the parameters and deviations, allows you to correct errors at the design stage. The case clearly shows that the process required a minimum of time and effort.
Using FARO 3D Scanners on Justin Timberlake’s World Tour
Source: disguise.one
The scenery for Timberlake’s program “Man of the Woods” was the natural landscapes that “came to life” on stage. First, the ScanLAB team digitized a number of forest areas in the US state of Oregon. Laser projectors then directed images over the auditorium and stage, painting amazing views of the Portland landscape on translucent canvases suspended in the air.
Source: faro.com
Two laser scanners were used to prepare visual effects Faro Focus X 330, Faro Scene 6.2 software. It took 40 digital copies in total and 1 working day in the concert hall.
Source: www.esa.int
Given the limited preparation time, large areas of surfaces for displaying images and, accordingly, the need for high-resolution images, creating visual effects in a short time without using the selected technology was impossible.
Recommendations for the selection of 3D laser scanners
In the review, we introduced you to the equipment of market leaders with an excellent reputation. All the devices described have high performance, therefore we recommend paying attention to these devices for use in various fields:
FARO Focus: Focus3D S350, Focus 3D S150…
Creaform: MetraSCAN 350 (350 Elite), MetraSCAN 750 (750 Elite), HandySCAN Black (Black elite).
SHINING 3D: FreeScan X5 (X5 +), FreeScan X7 (X7 +).
ScanTech: KSCAN20, PRINCE 775, PRINCE 335…
Outcome
Source: 3d-scantech.com
These examples clearly demonstrate that the use of laser 3D scanning optimizes workflows in many areas. The range of tasks solved with the help of 3D laser scanners is constantly expanding.
