Tips for scanning

First scan the position of all parts when digitizing an installation, composite part or movable mechanism. After that, the mechanism can be disassembled and you can digitize each item separately.

If there are some movable elements on the object, they should be securely fixed before you scan.

All the surfaces with fine porous structure should be glued with masking tape before applying a matte spray.

Markers can be sticked on a masking tape to accelerate the process of removing them from the surface of a large object.

3D scanning of thin-walled objects from two parties can be performed with the help of auxiliary substrate. It is useful for collecting markers from both sides. Markers on the base substrate can be pre-stored as the reference network.

It is allowed to move only objects with rigid, constant geometry when scanning. Objects with variable geometry depending on the motion should be rigidly fixed.

Twice the number of markers should be apply on the surfaces with complex geometry on  (angles, zones with sharp transitions, etc).

Markers should be placed on flat surfaces of the object. Make sure that the markers are not curved.

The surfaces of the object must be cleaned and covered with a matte spray if they are dark and glare.

If the data on the front and backside of the object are in different files, there should be sufficient overlap in order to eliminate voids and facilitate the merge when scanning.

The markers are applied on the outer surface of the frame, and the part is fixed inside with the help of sharpened bolts.
Reference grid of the markers once is captured on both sides of the frame, stored in a separate file and loaded for
execution of new projects.
The frame can be digitized in different positions.

When you are scanning a group of elements, you should place them at a minimum distance from each other, without mutual overlap of the surfaces.

The shade will provide a good result of scanning when digitizing achromatic texture. If you scan with colour texture, set up good lighting.

Before you begin digitizing on the turntable, make sure that the object is in the field of view of 3D scanner when rotating 360 degrees.

it is recommended to place the object on a stand to simplify the post-processing (for example, removal of the surface of the table and other unnecessary items that are not related to the object). This will give the option to remove the “extra” geometry in two clicks.

It is useful to make an extra group for alignment in RangeVision ScanCenter program when scanning thin-walled objects. For this purpose you need to scan the surface covered with markers. Next, place an object on the surface and digitize two of its sides. The markers applied on the substrate of the object provide automatic alignment of scans in the program.

It is possible to add extra geometry (such as clay) for scanning symmetric objects. Then stick the markers on it. It is the useful method when there is no possibility of applying markers to the surface of the object.

If the object of scanning is unstable or difficult to fix through the help of a clay, you can take a piece of foam and make a crosscut in the center of it. Thus, the object will be easier to fix, and therefore working with it wouldn’t make a bit of trouble.

You may use the substrate made of different materials as long as it is not curved, and the markers on it are not shifted. Glass substrate is the best option for work.

When scanning small and flat objects, you can place them such that they take a form of a mushroom. Thus, the scanner will not capture the part of supporting surface, and post-processing in RangeVision ScanCenter program will help to get rid of unwanted elements with ease.

If the length of an object is longer than four consecutive measuring volume in one of the measured directions installed on the scanner, it is advisable to use a system of photogrammetry to keep the accuracy of the project.

The unnecessary elements - floor, table and so on, often enter the shot when scanning. Please note, that when merging the scanned data, the extra geometry may introduce error in the result of alignment, so you must remove it before performing global merge.

When selecting the surface detail, keep in mind that selecting a high detail (a low value in microns) for large objects can lead to a very large file size.

The final number of triangles can be set manually by selecting the optimal value. It helps to avoid receiving a high volume final 3D model.

When scanning of deep holes, narrow slots, grooves, undercut, perhaps, there will be lack or insufficient amount of data due to technical unavailability of these sites for 3D scanner. In this case, especially when it’s necessary to address the need of reverse engineering, you can use measuring tools (calipers, etc) to fill the missing data.

It is necessary to choose such angles of scanning, in which both cameras can capture the desired area of the object.

Changing light and temperature in the room in which you scan can affect the stability of the optical 3D scanner and the quality of the final 3D model. It is necessary to avoid the changes in scanning conditions.

Vibrations of the floor or surfaces are not allowed in the room where digitizing is performed and where 3D scanner or object is placed.

It is necessary to ensure a stable position when the 3D scanner is moved. All adjusters must be securely fixed.

If you scan with color texture, it is advisable to set up good lighting. Shade will provide a good result of scanning when digitizing achromatic texture.

If an object is large and there are areas with fine detail on the surface, it is possible to use several measuring zones for its digitization.

If the facility has both dark and bright areas, you can use the mode of contrast exposure. This function allows to obtain two scans: one with low exposure and another one with high exposure.

You can combine several modes of scanning when digitizing complex objects. For example, get the most of the data when scanning on a turntable, and then perform additional digitizing of complex sites in the free mode. To combine multiple projects, use the Editor mode