Scanners Capture 3D Images Like a Camera

By DE Editors

Exact Metrology says that this hubcap was held in one hand, scanned in another.

Exact Metrology, Inc. (Cincinnati,OH) has added the Artec3D Scanner to its metrology product offerings. The hand-held Artec3D Scanners require no mounts or markers, and they are said to be suitable for a variety of applications including computer graphics and animation, medical imaging, archiving, and prototyping. Exact Metrology offers a range of complete Artec3D Scanner systems, including hardware, software, and training, starting at about $15,000.

The company says that Artec3D Scanners work like a regular video camera, but instead of a 2D image, the result is a 3D image captured at speeds of up to 15 surfaces per second. A user walks around the object scanning it from various angles while the software combines the unique geometry of the scanned images into one. The scanners are equipped with wide-field-of-view 3D and mega-pixel 2D sensors. The technology, reports the company, allows capture of both shape and surface texture of objects in snap-shot or video modes.

A scanned image produced by the Artec3D Scanner.

The Artec scanner can acquire data at speed of up to 1.5 million points per second while providing up to 0.2mm resolution at 0.02mm accuracy. System weight ranges from 3 to 5 pounds, depending upon the model.

“The Artec3D Scanners are unlike any 3D scanner available on the market today,” said Steve Young, principal at Exact Metrology in a press announcement. “They do not require any mounts or markers, and have a measuring speed of up to 1.5 million points per second. Their exceptional accuracy, high-speed performance, and ability to digitize large, complex-shaped, and moving objects opens up new horizons for professionals across a wide range of industries.”

The Artec3D comes with specialized software to guide users through the entire scanning process and then through the refinement of the final image. The software enables users to export the 3D model into such widely deployed formats as STL, OBJ, PLY, and WRL, where the image can be further manipulated in such applications as ZBrush, 3D Studio Max, Maya, and Rapidform. The Artec3D is available in two different models to address different job requirements.

The Artec3D TDS model (left) and the MH model (right).

Exact Metrology has launched a dedicate website for the Artec3D Scanner series that offers full product details as well as tutorials, application examples, and other information. Click here to go to the Artec3D Scanner web page.

Here's a quick overview of the Artec3D Scanner series.

Go here for registration-free tutorials on the entire Artec3D scanning process.

The complete specifications for the Artec3D Scanner series are here.

Download the Artec3D Scanner brochure.

See why DE's selected Artec3D Scanners as their Pick of the Week.