3D Scanning

We offer highly accurate and reliable 3D scanning solutions for creating digital representations of physical objects. With two complementary scanning systems, we can handle everything from small, intricate components to large industrial parts, either at our office or directly on-site.

Our services are suitable for a wide range of industries and applications, including engineering, product design, reverse engineering and quality control.

Overview:

• What can be scanned?
• Where do we scan?
• How precise is 3D scanning?
• 3D Scan applications?
• What are the output files?
• Cost & lead time?

What can be scanned?

With our two specialized 3D scanning systems, we can digitize a wide variety of objects, ranging from tiny precision components to large industrial parts several meters in size.

Some objects may need pre-processing (done by us):

• Objects with highly reflective or transparent surfaces need to be sprayed with vanishing scanning spray (no cleaning necessary)
• Objects that move or are soft must be fixed in place and remain stationary during the entire scanning process.

The scanners also have some limitations:

• The scanners are vision-based, meaning they can only scan what is visible to the naked eye. For example, the outside of a tube can be fully scanned, but the inside can only be scanned up to a certain depth.

Where do we scan?

Objects that can be easily transported or shipped are usually scanned at our office in Niederanven. For small to intricate objects our automated desktop scanner enables fast and highly accurate scanning whereas our portable handheld 3D scanner offers greater flexibility, allowing us to scan a wide range of objects directly on-site regardless of whether a power outlet is available.

How precise is 3D scanning?

Creaform HandySCAN BLACK Elite – Portable High-Precision 3D Scanning

This is our portable handheld 3D scanner, designed for fast and accurate scanning of medium to large-sized objects. Its flexibility allows us to capture complex geometries anywhere, making it ideal for reverse engineering, dimensional inspection and scanning components that are difficult to transport.

Technical Specifications:

• Point accuracy: 0,025 mm
• Volumetric accuracy: 0,020 mm + 0,040 mm/m
• Mesh resolution: 0,100 mm
• Certified ISO 17025 measuring tool

Artec Micro II – High-Precision Scanning of Small Parts

This is our fully automated desktop 3D scanner, used for small and intricate components. It captures fine geometrical details with exceptionally high accuracy and can also reproduce the object’s original colors in the final 3D model. This makes it ideal for reverse engineering, precision reproductions and quality inspection of small parts.

Technical Specifications:

• Point accuracy: up to 0.005 mm
• Repeatability: 0.002 mm
• 3D resolution: up to 0.040 mm
• Full-color scanning: 24-bit color capture
• Maximum object size: 200 × 200 × 150 mm
• Automated, target-free scanning

3D Scan applications?

• Reproductions
  • Copies (1:1, mirrored, scaled, repaired)
  • Reverse engineering for replacement / restoration parts
• CAD / Engineering
  • 3D scan to CAD, reverse engineering
  • Planning of complex assemblies disassembly / dismantling (virtual assembly)
  • Update of CAD file to reflect as-built tooling measurements
  • Measurements of product environment or connecting / surrounding parts
  • Packaging design
  • Prototyping
• Quality Control / Analysis  (ISO 17025 certified)
  • 3D Scan-to-CAD deviation inspection
  • General dimension & tolerance control
  • Supplier quality inspection
  • Tooling validation
  • Finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Interference analysis
  • Deformation, geometry analysis
  • Wear and tear analysis
  • As-built documentation of parts / tooling before maintenance
  • Part assessment before machining

What are the output files?

The immediate output of a 3D scan is a mesh file, typically in the .STL format. By manually repairing any holes, we can create a watertight mesh that is suitable for 3D printing.

We can also manually create a CAD file, usually in the .STP format, and include custom freeform surfaces or primitive geometry as needed. It is also possible to partially or fully reverse engineer the object.

You can learn more about this on our project post  dedicated to output files.

Cost & lead time?

Our service’s cost is calculated by the hour and is influenced significantly by the size and complexity of the object being scanned. To provide a quote for your project, we need pictures and dimensions that you can send us via email or request form.

Typically, 3D scanning projects take 2-3 business days to complete. For urgent projects, we can complete the 3D scan, perform post-processing, and send the 3D files within 24 hours.