The Scan Part of the Scan to CAD Process

Our test involves capturing a 3D model of a real-world object using a 3D scanner and then importing the STL mesh inside SOLIDWORKS.

The goal: transform the 3D scan data into a parametric CAD model.

SOLIDWORKS Surface From Mesh

Here we’ll explore various aspects of the Surface from Mesh features to see how good it is at handling 3D scanner data from a professional 3D scanner.

1. Decimating 3D Scanner Data

   Decimation is a common practice when working on Scan to CAD projects. It means reducing the number of polygons in your 3D mesh to make the file size smaller and more manageable. Using a smaller file size can speed up the Scan to CAD process as it prevents the computer from lagging if the file size is too large for your machine to handle. If done properly, you can maintain relatively good accuracy and resolution compared to the original file, without compromising on quality.

   From our findings, decimating an imported 3D mesh that is 10,000 to 500,000 polygonal faces using Surface from Mesh takes approximately 20 seconds to a few minutes.

   

   

   Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS can decimate 3D scanner data almost instantaneously.

   See the results

2. Creating Surfaces From 3D Scanner Data

   Surface from Mesh is capable of quickly creating planes and solids (such as cylinders) from a mesh body. It works particularly well for 3D printing applications when you have to convert a mesh that was created from a pre-existing CAD file. However, the toolset has difficulties when it comes to working with 3D scanner meshes, particularly a freeform object that is not prismatic.

   

   

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   In line with our findings, SOLIDWORKS agrees with our results.

   

   SOLIDWORKS Online Help states, “The tool works best on mesh files with regular prismatic geometry such as planes, cylinders, cones, and spheres. It may not be appropriate for highly irregular meshes such as those created from a 3D scan of an organic shape. Because the feature only creates surfaces, the recommended workflow is to trim the surfaces to form a solid.”

   

   There are alternative tools such as Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS that are better suited for creating solids from 3D scanner STL meshes because it’s built specifically for that purpose.

   See It in Action

3. Comparing the Deviation of the Sketch to the Scan Data

   The Body Compare feature allows you to see how close or how far the created surface bodies are deviating from the 3D scanner data. This is a powerful tool as it ensures the CAD model is accurate to the referenced real-world part. The visual color map makes it easy to see which areas are in and out of tolerance. You can specify the tolerance you can accept. Green means that the sketch is close to the scanned data. (It’s within the tolerance.)

   

   

   Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS has a powerful deviation analyzer feature as well.

   Compare This Feature Now

   Now that we looked at the Surface from Mesh toolset, let’s see how they compare with Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS.

Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS plugin

Once you install the Mesh2Surface plugin inside SOLIDWORKS, the Scan to CAD toolset performs as they always belong inside the 3D modeling software.

1. Decimating 3D Scanner Data

   Using Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS to decimate 3D scan data is fast and simple. If you recall, it took 24 seconds for Surface from Mesh to decimate the 3D scan data. Using the same 3D model of the scanned part, decimation took 1 second when using Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS.

   

   Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS Decimation Test By The Numbers
   Number of polygon triangles (before decimation)	1,302,610
   Percentage reduction of all triangles	50%
   Number of triangles (after decimation)	651,305
   Time to decimate	1 second

2. Creating Surfaces From 3D Scanner Data

   Mesh2Surface was developed for Scan to CAD projects. It is equipped with intuitive tools to easily extract features from your 3D scan data or quickly reconstruct planes, cylinders, cones, and spheres. See for yourself how this process works using the SOLIDWORKS plugin.

   Watch the complete walkthrough of the sketching process

   Basic Workflow

   1. Take a 2D cross-section of the largest section.

      Mesh2Surface automatically calculates the best 2D cross-section for sketching the CAD model.

      

   2. Sketch the 2D profile

      Fit Sketch Entities tools make it quick and intuitive to create lines and geometries to sketch the outline without you redrawing it manually. It does most of the work for you.

      

   3. Extrude or revolve the sketch into a solid body.

      

   4. You can also do extruded cuts to subtract from solids.

      

   5. Continue this process until you have a completed sketch of the 3D model.

      

   

   Interested in exploring Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS yourself?

   Request A 15-Day Free Trial

3. Comparing the Deviation of the Sketch to the Scan Data

   Similar to SOLIDWORKS Surface from Mesh, Mesh2Surface also has a Compare feature but with more advanced features to give you more intel to build better CAD models.

   This powerful tool helps you control the accuracy and the quality of your reconstruction at a glance at any time with its color map. Set your acceptable tolerance. The deviation analyzer works with any SOLIDWORKS body (surface or solid) and compares the reference scan data with almost instant speed. Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS also provides you with the percentage of points that are within the tolerance number you set. In our example below, you can see that 85.96% are within tolerance.

   

Conclusion: Which Scan to CAD Tool Should I Choose?

Based on our findings, you can see that Mesh2Surface provides quicker results with better outcomes compared to Surface from Mesh. This is not surprising, as Mesh2Surface is a plugin developed for Scan to CAD projects that involve using of 3D mesh from any 3D scanner imported into SOLIDWORKS to rebuild a CAD model.

Surface to Mesh is best for 3D printing applications, or for Scan to CAD projects where the 3D mesh:

• doesn’t have irregularities, or
• is a basic prismatic part that doesn’t have organic shapes.

Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS can handle more complex Scan to CAD projects. This SOLIDWORKS plugin is an affordable Scan to CAD solution compared to other solutions in the market. You can learn more about the plugin on our website. Mesh2Surface is also available for Rhino. If you are looking for a standalone Scan to CAD software, be sure to check out QuickSurface which has similar toolsets created by the same developer.

Comparing The Results

Here are some side-by-side comparison shots between the Space Spider with the Micro. We magnified the 3D models to make it easier to see the differences.

Observations:

Findings:

The Artec Space Spider does a pretty decent job of capturing the overall details of the key. However, if you want to capture every last detail of the key in high resolution and accuracy, the Artec Micro would be the choice.

From our test, the Artec Micro captures even the minute details when scanning a small object like the key. So, when would you choose the Artec Space Spider over the Micro?

Artec Micro vs. Space Spider: Which 3D Scanner Is Right For You?

1. Question #1: What is your object size?

   

   The Artec Micro’s strength is in scanning extra small objects. The maximum object size is 90mm x 60mm x 60mm (3.5” x 2.36” x 2.36”).

   Because the Micro is a desktop 3D scanner, it has a threshold in terms of the size of the object it can scan.

   

   The Artec Space Spider is a handheld 3D scanner with a larger scanning volume. This makes it more versatile for 3D scanning objects of different shapes and sizes while still capturing the details. The sweet spot for this metrology-grade 3D scanner is scanning objects from 5mm to 30cm, which is typically the size of a golf ball to a shoe.

   The Artec Space Spider doesn’t particularly have a limit to the size of objects it can scan. A Stegosaurus from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science was captured in 3D using the Space Spider. It has a massive size of 26 feet long and over nine feet tall!

2. Question #2: Do you need automation?

   The Artec Micro is a fully automated desktop 3D scanner. Simply put the object in the device, press start, and let it do all the work for you. Its dual-axis rotation system creates high-quality 3D models in the fastest time with minimal effort.

   This desktop scanner has a Smart scanning mode which allows it to capture the least amount of frames while getting the smallest file size possible.

   

   In contrast, The Artec Space Spider is a handheld device and it requires an operator to hold it in order to capture all the scans of a physical object during the capturing process. This characteristic gives it a convenience factor, as it can scan indoors as well as outdoors.

3. Question #3: Do you need high resolution and accuracy?

   	Space Spider	Micro
   Resolution	0.1mm	0.029mm
   Accuracy	0.05mm	0.01mm

   If your application requires you to capture the details of extra small objects in the highest resolution and accuracy, the Artec Micro would be the choice. However, not all applications call for this level of quality, especially when the Artec Micro is more expensive than the Space Spider.

   

   Money Saving Tip

   To save money, consider choosing a 3D scanner with the technical specifications that match your application so you don’t end up paying for more than you really need—and afford. A scanner with a higher resolution and accuracy is often associated with a more expensive price tag.

4. Question #4: How portable do you need the 3D scanner to be?

   If you travel frequently and require 3D scanning on the go, the Space Spider would be the best choice. This handheld 3D scanner comes with an optional battery pack that can power the scanner for up to 6 hours, allowing you to scan even in sites with no electricity.

   

Recap

Here’s a quick comparison chart that summarizes our discussion on which 3D scanner is right for you. Each 3D scanner has its strengths. Choosing the right one largely depends on your use case and technical requirements.

	Space Spider	Micro
Object Size	small to medium	extra small
Automation	No	Yes
Resolution (up to)	0.1mm	0.029mm
Accuracy (up to)	0.05mm	0.01mm
Portablility	high (handheld)	low (desktop)

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Why Invest in 3D Scanning?

Traditional methods of using manual or contact-based measurement tools are often time-consuming and complicated to use. In contrast, 3D scanners are non-contact measurement systems that can quickly capture a physical object in digital form.

The output of a 3D scanner is a highly detailed digital replica of a physical object which contains millions of 3D surface measurement points with submillimeter accuracy.

The 3D models are proven valuable in various applications such as reverse engineering, quality inspection, CGI, medical, AR/VR, heritage preservation, digital archiving, 3D visualization, scientific research, forensics, and more.

< 2 Hours For Training

The misconception is that 3D scanners are difficult to use. Handheld 3D scanners operate similarly to a video camera; they capture objects in 3D with continuous scanning. They are easy to use with some training—even for beginners.

A Deeper Look at the Benefits of 3D Scanning

It’s easy to get comfortable with the conventional ways of doing business. However, it might no longer make financial sense to keep doing things the same way if it’s not working in this ever-changing business landscape. Instead of becoming obsolete, stand out from your competitors by using 3D scanning to become market leaders that drive innovation.

Here is a more detailed look at the advantages of implementing 3D scanning technology into your business.

1. Streamline Processes

   Doing tedious work by hand can be modernized by doing it digitally with the help of 3D scanning. Implementing 3D scanners into your operations can streamline workflows and reduce bottlenecks, resulting in huge time savings while slashing costs. Do it better and faster!

   “3D scanning saves us about $2,000 in labor cost per project by eliminating the need to create the mold in-house. There’s no shipping cost involved and it saves us time. It’s cheaper and more convenient for us to pay the foundry to do it than doing it ourselves.”

   Jamie Lester Bronze Sculptor Vandalia Bronze

2. Make Better Decisions

   

   3D scanners are exponentially faster at extracting measurements than contact-based measurement tools. You can even measure organic objects. What’s special is their ability to capture large amounts of data accurately in a short time.

   3D scanning technology empowers us to solve complex measurement problems in a simple way.

   Due to measurement repeatability, you can get data you can trust in order to make informed and confident decisions—eliminating guesswork and uncertainties. Measure with confidence with 3D scanning and make decisions knowing you made the right choice.

3. Design Better Products and Get Them Faster To Market

   What if you can design better products with faster lead times?

   

   Imagine how much easier it would be if you used a 3D scanner to capture physical parts and use the 3D scan data as a reference for building a new parametric CAD model. You would get a head start instead of designing from a blank slate. The 3D model has all the surface measurements you need to reverse engineer the part. It would accelerate the time your products get to market while getting costs and time savings.

4. Gain a Competitive Edge in Manufacturing

   With 3D scanning, you can automate your quality inspection processes rather than doing it manually to permanently reduce costs. By identifying defects out of tolerance during the manufacturing process, your company produces higher-quality manufactured goods that attract and win over customers.

   3D scanning gives you the intel to learn how to use raw materials most efficiently, reducing waste and saving on material costs. You can also accurately pinpoint the root causes of manufacturing errors from scanning molds, toolings, and defective products. Fix the problem fast to minimize downtimes.

5. 3D Visualization at Your Fingertips

   Professional 3D scanners capture 3D models of real-world objects with amazing accuracy, detail, and true likeness to the original.

   By uploading models to online platforms like Sketchfab, objects in a physical location can now be shared online with anyone, making them more accessible than ever before. With the ability to capture objects in 3D, creating a library of digital archives for documentation is no longer difficult.

6. 3D Printing For Rapid Prototyping

   

   3D scanning complements well with 3D printing applications. Parts captured with a 3D scanner can be output into a watertight STL for 3D printing. It’s great for rapid prototyping applications where you can do it in-house rather than outsourcing, giving you more control as well as saving time and cost.

   

What is the ROI of 3D Scanning?

If you are still looking for hard numbers into the ROI on 3D scanning, look no further than these two case studies.

85% Reduction in time and cost using 3D scanning

An international manufacturer and distributor of construction machine spare parts wanted to replace old parts with new ones.

Read case study

80% Reduction in time

69% Reduction in costs using 3D scanning

An orthotics and prosthetics clinic needed to reduce the time and costs required for making custom orthoses, while making them more precise and comfortable.

Read case study

Final Takeaway

“Pressure can burst a pipe, or pressure can make a diamond.”

– Robert Horry

Although economic downturns often put us in an uncomfortable situation, it’s only under pressure that companies evolve and grow.

3D scanning technology might be the fuel you need for your business to thrive into the new year and beyond. If you have any questions on how 3D scanning can help you with your business, please feel free to contact us.

Uploading Scan Data to Artec Cloud and Doing Scan Processing There

You can watch our video findings here:

We used the Artec Leo to scan a small section of the railroad and then uploaded the scan data wirelessly.

Upload Time

• ~ 20 minutes
• Using 4G Network
• Uploaded 2.5 GB of Data

One of the great things about Artec Cloud is that it’s a collaboration platform so the more information you put into it, the more information you will share with your team to provide more context on the project.

With our initial testing, we were able to use the Artec Leo in conjunction with Artec Cloud on an iPad for processing without touching a laptop or desktop computer. This is very different from the conventional workflow we are used to and it’s all thanks to the Artec Cloud!

Using the Scan Data As A Reference For Design

In our second test, we wanted to see how far we can take the STL mesh we downloaded from the Artec Cloud and use it for a reverse engineering application (Scan to CAD). Keeping true to our test, we sketched the CAD model all on the iPad.

You can watch our video findings here:

Once we exported the data, we used an app called Shapr3D, a mobile and intuitive CAD app. We imported the STL scan data into the app and used it as a reference for designing a CAD model.

Shapr3D is foremost a CAD modelling app, not a dedicated reverse engineering platform, so we wanted to push the limits to see its capabilities of reverse engineering this railroad. If you need a highly accurate CAD model (in comparison to the scan data), we would still recommend doing it in Geomagic Design X or SOLIDWORKS.

In keeping with the test of seeing how far we can take our scan data using an iPad, we used an Apple Pencil to sketch the section of the railroad. Shapr3D allowed us to import the STL file, align the 3D mesh to a world coordinate system, and sketch out a CAD model of the section of the railroad we’ve scanned with the Artec Leo.

Interesting to note that our conventional workflow typically involves using a Windows-based machine. In our test, we only used the Mac operating system operating system (specifically the iPadOS) in both our tests.

What Happens If We Did It The Convention Way?

We decided to go back and doing it the convention way on a desktop computer. First, we built out a section of the railroad using SOLIDWORKS by importing the STL data from the Artec Cloud.

Conclusion

In our first tests, our upload speed was approximately 20 minutes on a 4G Network for 20.5 GB of data. Using a 5G network would theoretically make the workflow go even faster, and cutting down upload time substantially. In the future, faster data transfer speeds will help in facilitating the adoption of these types of mobile applications more quickly.

From our tests with using the Artec Leo and Artec Cloud, we also find there is a lot of promise in 3D scanning, scan data processing, as well as the application side of things where the entire workflow can be completely mobile.

Completely Mobile and Wireless Workflow

Upload scan data wirelessly	Using an iPad
3D scanning with the Artec Leo	Viewing and processing the scan data in Artec Cloud.	Download the STL mesh from Artec Studio and reverse engineer the rail using Shapr3D.

Artec Cloud allows us to view and process scan data without going the conventional route of using a laptop or computer with a Windows-based operating system. We did this entirely using Apple products. Shapr3D’s ability to very quickly and easily reverse engineer from scan data without sitting in front of a desktop computer is impressive even though it’s not a reverse engineering app. We look forward to further technology developments for the Artec Cloud and apps like Shapr3D!