3D scanning and its applicability
How is it that we live in a 3D world, yet we replicate our surroundings in 2D?
In the emerging world of 3D technology, 3D scanning technologies are possibly the least recognized instruments when compared with 3D printers and additive manufacturing. 3D scanning is the process of analysing real-life subjects, objects, or surroundings with the use of special devices. These 3D scanning devices gather object data, such as geometric properties, in three dimensions, to produce a 3D digital replica.
This technology generally works by having the 3D scanner emit laser or light beams to capture the build and appearance of an object. These 3D data points are then collected back and put together systematically to construct the 3D object. However, there are different types of 3D scanners, where their scanning methods are similar. Some 3D scanners may need extra positioning requirements to achieve the 3D data, while some others operate in a simple ‘ point and shoot’ manner.
Ever since the first 3D scanner, back in the late 1960’s, this technology has progressively become sophisticated machinery. Its capability of picking up the finest of details with high precision has gone up to yield more complex models. This enabled the technology to get commercialized and easily accessible to endusers at more affordable costs. This permitted 3D scanning to enter wide varieties of fields and disciplines, such as the following real-world applications.
This technology can produce digital models of buildings in high detail, primarily beneficial when conducting architectural surveys. In having extremely accurate measurements at hand, the possibility to fully utilize, visualize and modify the data with Computer-Aided Design is simplified. This application is increasingly growing amongst artists and historians. 3D scanning is a great way to conserve, replicate using 3D printing, and digitally reconstruct artefacts. By ways of it being noncontact, this tool is especially ideal for restoration purposes to limit contact with the artefact.
One very common application across fields is reverse engineering. This method focuses on the recreation of objects, or part objects, with the use of CAD, after the collection of 3D data from the original object. In the healthcare industry, parts of the human body are scanned for the use of precise measurements to create 3D printed medical devices, prosthetics, and medical models. This allows to customize and create products more cheaply than with traditional methods.
In the fashion industry, this technology has significantly developed over the years, particularly in body-scanning technologies. The acquisition and alteration of unlimited numbers of dimensions, is available in short amounts of time, which makes it possible to customize and create clothing which best fits the 3D individual shape of the human body.
The gaming industry is amongst the most recent fields utilizing 3D scanning. The scanning of both people and environments provide realistic content for animations, games, and videos.