There are many types of 3D scanners and 3D scanning technologies. Some are ideal for short range scanning while others are better suited for mid or long range scanning. The 3D scanner and technology needed to 3D scan a very small object is very different from the best 3D scanner to 3D scan a large aircraft.

EMS uses a wide range of 3D scanners and 3D scanning technologies, which enables us to select the best 3D scanning technology or combination of technologies for every project.

Here is a brief outline of the 3D scanning technologies and types of 3D Scanners.

Short Range 3D Scanners

Short Range 3D scanners typically utilize a Laser triangulation or Structured Light technology.

Laser based 3D Scanners

Laser based 3D scanners use a process called trigonometric triangulation to accurately capture a 3D shape as millions of points. Laser scanners work by projecting a laser line or multiple lines onto an object and then capturing its reflection with a single sensor or multiple sensors. The sensors are located at a known distance from the laser's source. Accurate point measurements can then be made by calculating the reflection angle of the laser light.

Laser scanners are very popular and come in many designs. They include handheld portable units, arm based, CMM based, long range, and single point long range trackers.

Projected or Structured Light 3D Scanners

Historically known as “white light” 3D scanners, most structured light 3D scanners today use a blue or white LED projected light. These 3D scanners project a light pattern consisting of bars, blocks or other shapes onto an object. The 3D scanner has one or more sensors that look at the edge of those patterns or structure shapes to determine the objects 3D shape. Using the same trigonometric triangulation method as laser scanners the distance from the sensors to the light source is known. Structured light scanners can be tripod mounted or hand held.

Medium and Long Range 3D Scanners

Long range 3D scanners come in two major formats - Pulse based and phase shift – both of which are well suited for large objects such as buildings, structures, aircraft, and military vehicles. Phase shift 3D scanners also work well for medium range scan needs such as automobiles, large pumps and industrial equipment. These scanners capture millions of points by rotating 360 degrees while spinning a mirror the redirects the laser outward towards the object or areas to be 3D scanned.

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is used primarily to inspect parts. The machine can be controlled manually or through controlled offline through software and computers. Measurements are defined by attaching a probe to the machine. The probe typically has a small ball at the end of a shaft of a known diameter. The CMM is then programed to contact the part. When the machine senses contact of the probe tip a measurement value in taken in XYZ space. The most common type of CMM is a bridge type which has 3 axis X, Y & Z. The probing system that is attached many times can rotate providing an additional 3 axis for a total of 6 degrees of freedom (DOF). To very accurately measure parts to a few microns, CMM’s are typically deployed in a very controlled inspection room that includes a reinforced floor, controlled humidity and temperature, and isolation from vibration and other forces that could affect the accuracy. In addition, most CMM’s have a large granite table surface that is perfectly level. Parts are fixtured onto the granite table so that there is no movement during the measuring process.

Arm based 3D Scanners and Probe systems

An armed based 3D scanning or probing system is similar to a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) in the fact it can use a touch probe to measure a part. In addition to the probe, many arm based systems also have an attachable 3D laser scanner for collecting large amount of points. Software keeps track of the joint movements of the arm to know where it is in 3D space at all time. Arm based systems work by attaching the articulated arm to either a table or sturdy base. Then the arm is held by a hand grip at the end and moved around to probe or scan. The main advantage of these systems is they are much more portable then a CMM and can be used in a shop floor environment.

Optically tracked 3D Scanners and Probe Systems

Optically tracked 3D scanning and probing systems use a set of cameras to track the location of the 3D scan head or probe in 3D space. These systems offer advantages over arm based systems including freedom of movement, better accuracy over distance, and the ability to include “dynamic referencing”. Dynamic referencing systems work by attaching targets or led lights to the object you are scanning or probing. This allows the camera system to track the part and scan or probe head separately from each other. The net result is the part can be moving even while scanning and no loss of accuracy or data quality occurs. In addition, the camera system can also be moved around allowing you to scan large parts in one setup.