Finding the Right 3D Scanning Solution for Your Business

3D scanning involves using a scanner (like this measurement sensor) to capture data from an object’s surface and accurately digitize its shape into a three-dimensional format. Unlike CMMs, which require physical contact with the object, 3D laser scanners can quickly capture and store measurement data without ever touching the part. This allows for faster and more efficient inspection and analysis of the data.

These devices use laser emitters and receivers to emit, collect, and interpret the received light, but they also rely on specialized software to record the changes in the distance and shape of the laser line. This results in a continuous collection of points along all three axes (X-Y-Z) and their corresponding coordinates.

3D laser scanning solutions are often used to detect product and manufacturing defects. They're also used to reverse engineer components and parts, ensure adequate fit between parts and components, and capture an object's surface profile—among many other things.

Besides the various applications in prototyping, engineering, and production, 3D scanners are used for quality control during the aforementioned processes. They quickly inspect the overall shape and size of various parts and excel at detecting defects (such as warpage, scale issues, or surface defects).

When it comes to benefits, the increased accuracy and precision of 3D scanners make them suitable for use across numerous applications, including manufacturing, engineering, design, development, or testing. The technology is also applicable at any point during a typical manufacturing cycle, which saves time, money, and material, thus enhancing the efficiency of the overall process.

It's important to note that not all 3D scanning solutions are created equal, and there are many different types of 3D scanning solutions available on the market, suitable for a range of applications. For example, consumer-grade 2D or 3D scanners deliver reasonable performance and are pretty accessible. However, these devices can't really deliver manufacturing-grade accuracy and detail, which are necessary for industrial use.

3D scanning solutions are gaining utility across manufacturing and engineering, especially since they solve an age-old issue of digitizing parts for more effective replication. However, as stated previously, not all 3D scanning solutions are made equal, and there are several important factors to consider when choosing a 3D laser scanning solution for your application.

Not all 3D scanning technology is the same. For example, laser triangulation sensors project a laser line onto a target and use the reflected light to calculate distance and position. These sensors are unaffected by ambient light and can capture textures in rather high detail.

On the other hand, pattern projection systems use cameras and structured patterns of light to take 3D scans. These systems capture the way light and shadows deform across a surface and use that data to construct a 3D image. These sensors are affected by ambient light and are typically less accurate than laser sensors.

However, from the manufacturing and production perspective, a more important categorization is between in-line and off-line 3D scanners. In-line scanners are integrated directly into the production line, and they usually require a more complex setup and calibration since they're more optimized for continuous, automated scanning at high speeds. This makes them suitable for real-time quality control in high-speed production lines.

Off-line scanners are standalone units that operate independently from the manufacturing process. As such, they're much easier to set up and work with due to higher flexibility, which is achieved at the expense of speed associated with in-line products. However, where the latter is more suitable for quality control, off-line scanners are better suited for reverse engineering, prototyping, and academic research applications.

KEYENCE is the world's leading provider of precision measurement technologies, such as non-contact displacement sensors, laser profilers, and 3D scanning solutions that are often used in numerous industries for industry-specific applications.

If you're looking to enhance your 3D scanning capabilities or to improve the effectiveness of your quality control processes, don't hesitate to contact KEYENCE and inquire about the possible integrations of our equipment with your existing product lines.