How Does a 3D Scanner Work? A Quick Guide

The size of the 3D scanning market is predicted to be worth more than $15 billion by 2030.

This is no surprise, with so many industries incorporating 3D scanning, demand for this innovative technology will likely only increase from here. 3D scanners have helped many businesses improve their business methods and the results of their work.

You might be wondering: How does a 3D scanner work? Will buying one really benefit my business?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand more. Here’s a 3D scanner guide to find out all there is to know about them and how they work.

How Does a 3D Scanner Work?

3D scanners require a high amount of processing power to generate accurate, dense point clouds of the physical world.

Until recent years, this amount of processing power was out of reach, but now just about everyone has access to it, as many mobile apps can make your phone or tablet into a 3D scanner.

So, how does a 3D scanner work?

While there can be variations in different scanners, in essence, a sensor within the scanner will track lasers around an object to measure and map out its form. The scanner will use these measurements to build a polygon mesh of the object, which can then be made into a CAD-compatible file. 

Short-Range Laser Scanning

Short-range scanners tend to use a laser-triangulation system to map out an object within a meter of it. A source and a sensor are placed at two known locations, and the source shoots a laser at the observed object, while the sensor receives light from a known point.

By making geometrical calculations, the scanner generates a point in a 3D lattice. As this process repeats, it will eventually form a complex point cloud.

Another method of short-range scanning is through the use of a structured light scanner. It develops a map of an object by observing the pattern of linear light paths deflecting around it to triangulate a point cloud scan.

Mid and Long-Range Laser Scanning

Mid and long-range scanners use a laser-pulse-based system.

These systems, known as time-of-flight scanners, can develop highly accurate models of an object with ease. By using 360˚ mirrors, they record the time of flight for a laser to hit an object and return to the very picosecond.

The Benefits of 3D Scanners

3D scanners have a variety of uses and can generate CAD models of rooms, mechanical parts, and people. Because of the versatility of 3D scanners, they are essential to many industries. 

They are used to plan and design construction projects in CAD, helping improve accuracy and prevent a portion of the reworking process. They are also used to develop and enhance products, including for the medical industry. Many in dentistry, in particular, rely on an intraoral scanner.

Boost Your Business With a 3D Scanner

Now that you know the answer to how does a 3D scanner work, you can take the first steps to find one that meets the needs of your business. Consider taking a look at a 3D scanner buying guide to figure out which one will work best for you.

3D scanners have a wide range of uses and have quickly become essential to many fields. They have eliminated the need for architects and construction workers to tediously look through blueprints and have also been used to improve many products and medical devices.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some of our other quality posts for more tips and information on the latest technology.