It is true that 3D scanning has made its way through several industries. Product design has only been simplified with its services. Companies looking to develop their product have quickly made themselves familiar with the various uses and countless benefits of 3D scanners.

In this article, we will explain how 3D scanners have revolutionized various industries and the common benefit of implementing them in your product.

What is 3D Scanning?

3D scanning is the process of generating a digital representation of a physical, real-world object. This process includes a scanner that evaluates the object’s size, shape, and appearance. Then, with this data, manufacturers can use the 3D digital models to reconstruct, analyze, and stimulate new ideas.

3D scanners use lasers to measure the surface of an object. The beams sweep over its fine details and free-form shapes, generating quick and accurate results. It can garner precise measurements from even the most complex geometrical forms, which most traditional methods struggle with.

Applications for 3D Scanning

The following are the various ways industries have benefited from 3D scanners:

Automotive

With the help of this technology, designers can scan entire vehicles, including their components. Designers use this opportunity to customize and refine digital models before creating a physical prototype. They can also use digital models to conduct security tests and simulations to ensure the vehicles meet safety standards.

Medical and Healthcare

3d scanners can capture anatomical measurements like the shape and dimensions of a person’s bones and joints. These measurements are then used to create customized implants and prosthetics that fit the patient comfortably. It’s the perfect substitute for common ill-fitted prosthetics that can be uncomfortable.

Construction and Architecture

Architects use 3D scanners to document detailed measurements of existing buildings and structures. This allows them to plan renovations and incorporate new designs on old structures. These scanners can also map out entire landscapes and construction sites to better visualize the placement of their project in 3D.

Entertainment and Gaming

3D scanners are significant in the entertainment industry for creating immersive virtual environments, characters, props, etc. These scanners are often used to analyze an actor’s facial features, including their various poses and expressions. Designers will also replicate real-world objects for props, sometimes even adding customizations and details to the model.

Benefits of 3D Scanning for Product Design

Here are the many ways your product can benefit from using a 3D scanner:

1. Accuracy and Precision: 3D scanners ensure the digital model perfectly resembles the actual physical object. It eliminates the concern for errors and miscalculations associated with traditional methods.
2. Reverse Engineering: 3D scanning your products also gives you the chance to reverse engineer them. This technique is useful when deconstructing and modifying an existing flawed product.
3. Captures Complex Geometry: Manually collecting data on complex geometric shapes can be incredibly time-consuming and full of errors. 3D scanners overcome this obstacle with their sharp ability for precision and accuracy.
4. Speed and Efficiency: Besides being precise in collecting data, 3D scanners can complete their scan in a matter of minutes. This allows you to streamline operations and stay on track with your projects.
5. Digital Prototyping: Instead of wasting resources on faulty physical prototypes, 3D scanning can help digitally refine your products. Any alterations and modifications can be made on screen before the actual prototype is produced.

3D scanners have become a common commodity in several industries, including entertainment, medicine, architecture, etc. With so many industries relying on it, it’s clear that this device is not without its benefits. 3D scanning captures data with sharp accuracy, provides opportunities for reverse engineering, and presents the measurements at quick speeds. Contact us for more information.

In the growing landscape of prototyping and product design, 3D scanning has transformed the way we bring our ideas to life. Its genius lies in scanning physical objects and converting them into digital models. It may not seem like much, but with an annual growth of 5.7%, this technology has taken over the product designing process.

Read on to find out about a few of the countless benefits of implementing 3D scanning to help design and modify your product.

Precision and Accuracy

One of the main benefits 3D scanning has to offer is the amount of precision and accuracy in its measurements. It’s a major step up from manual tools like measuring tape or calipers. Since they rely on manual handling, these tools will always be prone to measurement errors and limitations.

In contrast, 3D scanners can capture even the microscopic details of a product with zero shortcomings. This level of precision is detrimental in various industries, like engineering, medical, aerospace, etc.

Experiment With Design

With 3D scanning, people can experiment with their designs without reconstructing the actual product. Once it’s scanned, the digital model of the product acts as a canvas, giving designers the opportunity of unrestricted creativity. They can experiment with the shape, size, and different features of the digital product.

This kind of flexibility allows for the exploration and innovation of designs that don’t usually come with traditional methods.

Reverse Engineering Capabilities

3D scanners are the perfect tool for reverse engineering an existing product. After digitizing the product, designers have the free reign to dissect the product and gain insight into its design. This is especially useful in understanding products with intricate mechanisms and complex structures.

Designers can also use this opportunity to improve on existing products. They can easily work to make the product better or fix issues in the original design.

Quality Control

Quality control is vital when it comes to product manufacturing. Without it, there’s a great chance of creating defective products that contradict with the original design. If the quality decreases, it could compromise the product’s functionality.

For this reason, a digital model of the original product would make a perfect blueprint for further manufacturing. Since 3D scanning captures the intricate details of a design, the digitized version would offer every specification needed to make the exact replica.

Handling Complex Designs

As mentioned before, traditional measuring methods can’t record accurate details of a design. When one is dealing with complex geometrical designs, it could lead to a great number of errors and inaccuracies.

3D scanning excels at handling complicated designs and unconventional shapes. It can capture various data points on intricate details, curves, and surfaces. The best part is that 3D scanners can take measurements without physically touching the product, reducing the risk of damaging the detailed surface.

The rise of 3D scanning has reshaped the process of product design. It offers designers opportunities for experimentation and reverse engineering. With the digital models, people can rely on the scan’s accuracy and need for quality control. 3D scanners are the perfect tool for bringing complicated concepts into reality.

Source:

https://www.marketvalueinsights.com/industry-reports/3d-scanning-market/353