When it comes to scanning small and thin objects, choosing the right 3D scanner is crucial for capturing accurate, high-quality scans. Whether you’re looking to scan an object for 3D printing, create scanned 3D models, or use a 3D scanner for small objects, it’s essential to select a tool that fits your needs. Specialized 3D scanners are particularly useful for capturing the intricate details of thin objects, ensuring precision and smooth data processing. In this guide, we will walk you through tips and techniques to help you achieve the best results in 3D scanning small, delicate items.
how to choose an appropriate 3D scanner?
Define Your Needs
Start by considering the specific application: Are you capturing fine details for jewelry or scanning object for 3D printing? Accuracy is crucial for engineering tasks, while resolution is more important for capturing surface details.
Consider Usability and Environment
Look for a 3D scanner that’s easy to use, portable, and suits your scanning environment. Outdoor use requires 3D scanners that can handle changing light conditions, while indoor tasks may need compact, wireless options for flexibility.
Balance Budget and Quality
While professional 3D scanners may be more expensive, they provide better accuracy, speed, and long-term reliability. Make sure to consider software support and updates for future-proofing your investment.
How to Position Small and Thin Objects Before Scanning
Use a Turntable or Rotating Platform: If the object is small enough, placing it on a 3D scanning turntable can help you achieve a full 360-degree scan without having to reposition the object manually. This setup allows for easier and more consistent data capture from different angles.
Stabilize the Object with Fixtures: Thin or lightweight objects can be difficult to keep steady during scanning. To fix this issue, use clamps, stands, or even Blu Tack to secure the object in place. This prevents any movement that could cause misalignment in the scan.
Place the Object Upright: If you find that scan object for 3D printing is particularly thin, place it upright or side-leaning on a stable surface like a baseplate. This positioning minimizes the risk of missing data from the edges or thin features. You can also use props around the object to ensure it remains balanced.
Add 3D Scanning Marker Points or Feature objects: For enhanced alignment, especially for symmetrical or small objects, place marker points or other unique shape objects around the item. These marker points help the 3D scanner align the data during the stitching phase and ensure a smoother post-processing experience.
How to Scan Small and Thin Objects During the Scanning Process
When you scan object for 3D printing is thin, it’s important to pay extra attention to the edges so you don’t lose any details. Start by scanning the object standing up, then lay it flat to capture more details. After that, flip the object over to scan the other side. To make sure everything lines up correctly later, you can place markers or small supports around the object. These help make the scanning process more accurate and ensure the different parts of the scan fit together well.
– Thin edges: Pay extra attention to the edges of tiny and thin objects as they are more prone to losing data.
– Scanning upright: Scanning the object upright helps capture more details, especially the edges.
– Flat scanning and flipping: Start by scanning one side, then flip the object to capture data from the other side to avoid missing parts.
– Adding 3D scanning marker points: If the object has faint features or lacks distinct edges, adding marker points or supports around it will help during the alignment and data stitching process.
How to Process the Data After Scanning
After you finish scan object for 3D printing, you’ll have several images or data sets of it from different angles. The next step is to line these images up to create a complete scanned 3D model.
You start by aligning the most detailed scan as a reference, then fit the other scans to it. Once everything is aligned, the scans are merged into one smooth model.
After that, you may need to clean up the model, fixing any rough areas or details that didn’t scan properly. This makes the final model accurate and ready to use for things like 3D printing or design.
Data Processing and Stitching
Scan Completion: After scan object for 3D printing, you’ll have several sets of data. These are different “snapshots” or scans taken from various angles.
Aligning the Data: You need to align the scans to make sure they fit together properly. The most complete scan (usually from the center) will be the reference, and the other scans are aligned to it.
Merging the Data: After aligning the scans, they need to be merged into one single scanned 3D model. This is done using a process called “mesh fusion,” where the scans are combined into a smooth and continuous model.
Model Refinement and Optimization
Improving the Model: Once the scanned 3D model is created, it often requires adjustments. This can include fixing any imperfections, making sure the surface is smooth, and ensuring that all details are accurate. Software tools are used for this.
Final Adjustments: The final result is a high-quality scanned 3D model that can be used for various purposes, like printing, design, or analysis.
Mastering the techniques for scanning small and thin objects, as well as ensuring proper data processing, is essential for achieving high-quality scanned 3D models. By choosing the right 3D scanner, positioning your objects carefully, and utilizing marker points or feature objects for alignment, you can improve both the accuracy and efficiency of your scans. After scanning, proper data stitching and model refinement are key to producing a final, polished model ready for use in various applications. With the right approach, 3D scanning can become a powerful tool in your design and manufacturing processes.
Interested in taking your 3D scanning to the next level?
Explore our range of advanced 3D scanners and products, designed to help you achieve precise, high-quality scans with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, our tools are here to support your scanning and reverse engineering needs.
Subscribe our channel
Xiangxi Intelligent technology is a national high-tech enterprise focusing on the core components of micro and nano 3D machine vision. We have the core hardware design and development capabilities, parts and finished product manufacturing capabilities and professional software development capabilities of 3D machine vision. We have developed several machine vision products which include 3D AOI core module, 3D structured light, structured light 3D camera, structured light 3D scanner and structured light 3D inspection machines, and we have more than 20 core technology intellectual property rights such as invention patents and software copyrights.
