3D scanning at the Emerging Technologies Lab
By having access to a 3D scanner at the Emerging Technologies Lab, us students, were given the chance to get a hands-on experience and get a clearer idea on how it is used. Our knowledge about 3D scanning was solely based on research and trial and error experimenting. There are many types of 3D scanners available on the market. At the Lab, one can find the EinScan Pro 2X Plus by Shining 3D which is a type of laser scanner.
In order to acquire data via the laser 3D scanner, it first has to be calibrated in order to get more accurate scans. Light settings then need to be set according to the object’s texture and colour. Many times, object characteristics like ‘shiny, mirroring or transparent objects’ present certain limitations or may be more difficult than other objects to digitize them. The solution to this problem is to spray the objects with white powder. After the parameters are set, you can then start to scan the object, and accordingly, its shape will start to appear on the computer. This will be displayed as millions of points called “point clouds“as the scanner is going around to capture the object’s entire detail.
When conducting a handheld rapid scan, which is a fast-scanning experience, the scanner will be capturing 30 frames per second converted to approximately 1.5 million points. On the other hand, an HD scan, used for higher accuracy and resolution, captures 20 frames per second equivalent to approximately 1.1 million points. The point cloud data would then be recorded and merged into a three-dimensional representation of the object. One can then post-process the scanned item with different software available, suitable for its particular application.
We first started scanning small objects of different shapes. It was noticed that some objects of certain materials and colour were difficult to scan. Each time a different material is to be scanned the lighting setting of the scanner has to be adjusted accordingly. Moreover, objects which have dark colours need more light to be projected on them, and vice versa.
It was then time to start experimenting with larger objects. A 3D scan of a human was our next goal. Busts were the first 3D scan tests we conducted and recently, we managed to complete a full body scan with very high detail. The Emerging Technologies Lab has also recently procured a turntable. This has proven to be very useful for scanning small objects since the handheld scanner would be steadier and thus, captures more detail.
3D scanners are now being used in many applications and the possibilities are being broadened over time. 3D scanning technology has helped many users by simplifying long and complex jobs which usually take up days, to a matter of a couple of hours if not minutes. This has paved the way for a workflow that is well organised and quick. One can make many things more possible when using 3D scanners.
Apart from 3D scanning, the Lab offers accessibility to a wide variety of emerging technologies, such as mixed reality headsets, microcontrollers and even a 3D printer. This opportunity is open to all students who would like to work on projects such as their dissertations, or simply, to expand their knowledge on emerging technologies. Send an email to emergingtech.mita@gov.mt for more information.