WHAT CAD FILE FORMATS DO YOU OFFER?
- .STEP – Solid models
- .IGS – Standard CAD models or models that include curves
- .SLDPRT – Native Solidworks models
- Additional solid model file types available upon request
WHAT POLYGON FILE FORMATS DO YOU OFFER?
- .STL – for general 3D scan data and 3D printed models
- .PLY – for models with vertex color
- .OBJ – for texture mapped models
- Additional model file types available upon request
WHAT SCANNING TECHNOLOGIES DO YOU USE?
We use a wide range of 3D scanning technologies depending on the application.
- Hemispherical Phase or Lidar based scanners to capture large objects at sub-millimeter accuracy
- Handheld laser scanners to capture high detail on large to medium objects
- Structured light White/blue scanners to capture high resolution micron levels on medium to small objects
- Laser trackers finite measurement of large parts
WHAT IS THE BEST 3D SCANNER?
There is no single best 3D scanner. They all have strengths and weaknesses. Some projects require multiple scanners to get the most accurate, best quality data.
Our current in-house toolbox includes 3D scanning technologies from these manufacturers:
- API
- Artec
- Faro
- GOM
- Hexagon
- Leica
- Romer
- Scantech
- Steinbichler
- Surphaser
- Zeiss
DO YOU OFFER ON-SITE SCANNING SERVICES?
YES, all of our equipment is portable. Most of our 3D scanning takes place at customers’ facilities.
CAN YOU SCAN DARK, REFLECTIVE OR TRANSPARENT OBJECTS?
YES, if a surface is too dark, shiny or transparent, we use special 3D scanning spray that turns the object white temporarily. The spray then evaporates over the course of 2-6 hours, and requires no cleanup.
CAN YOU 3D SCAN OUTDOORS?
YES, Most of our scanning technologies work outdoors without issue.
DO YOU 3D SCAN FOR BIM OR ARCHITECTURAL MODELS ?
YES, We utilize our long-range scanning capabilities and are able to capture as built structure models.
WHAT IS THE LARGEST AIRPLANE YOU CAN SCAN?
There is no plane too big to scan. We have scanned a Boeing 747-8 and an Airbus A380.
Waiting for the call to scan a C-5 Galaxy.
WHAT IS REVERSE ENGINEERING FROM SCAN DATA?
Reverse engineering from scan data is the process of taking a complex triangle model and extracting the available primitive geometries and building a complex CAD or NURB surface model. Most CAD packages don’t work well or at all with millions of triangles. Creating a CAD model allows you to manipulate the data as if it were built in a native CAD package.
HOW DO YOU REVERSE ENGINEER FROM SCAN DATA?
We have multiple CAD packages built to work with large, high-resolution data sets. These tools not only allow us to extract, loft, and build unique surfaces, but they also give us real-time feedback on accuracy and deviation. The resulting model can be built as scanned or manipulated to show the original design intent depending on application and tolerances.
DO YOU SELL 3D CAR SCAN MODELS?
NO, we have NDAs with our customers, and the scans are their proprietary data.
WHAT IS THE SMALLEST OBJECT YOU CAN SCAN?
With our structured light scanners, we can capture a point every 18 micron to an accuracy of 8-10 micron. This allows us to pick up subtle details on mechanical or medical parts. We have recently been able to utilize this technology to inspect heart stents pre-operation.
WHAT IS THE LARGEST OBJECT YOU CAN SCAN?
3D scanning can be scaled up for any application, from parking structures to entire cities. Here are a few of our notable large projects we have worked on:
- NASA’s 170ft SLS Core Stage Vertical Assembly
- San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS)
- The Santa Monica Pier
- The Great Hall from Game of Thrones
HOW MUCH DOES 3D SCANNING COST?
Every 3D scanning job is unique! Cost is driven by the level of detail, the accuracy requirements, and the final deliverable model. To get an accurate price, submit a photo and project details via our RFQ page for a quick price quote.