3D Scanning Process

So you're interested in having one or more items 3D scanned into a digital model, Below is a brief explanation of what's needed and how it will go. It's usually just a few questions about your needs and sending in the items.

General Scanning Process Overview for Clients

  • Describe what you'd like scanned, so I have an idea what we'll be doing
  • How many individual pieces will be scanned? Only one individual piece can be scanned  at a time, taking it's own time on the machine, and manual labor hours.
  • Do you need the final model (all combined pieces) scaled to a specific size? If yes, what is that real world size?
  • I review your example images, to assess if the object has any potential issues to inhibit scanning, such as dark colored or black surface, is the object translucent or transparent? See Notes section below for more detail about how the scanner works.
  • I send a cost estimate based on the above information
  • Cost estimate is approved (or amended by alteration to project)
  • You ship the objects to me to begin scanning.
  • Do you need the original objects returned? If yes, a return shipment cost is added to the cost estimate (lowest shipping cost possible)
  • I perform the scans, do clean up and mesh resolution optimization (raw scan meshes can be gigabytes in size). Next is re-meshing, which is a process that rebuilds a mesh to a more optimal polygon count while retaining all detail from the previous mesh, reducing the file size making it more manageable.
  • Final 3D object files are delivered to client (OBJ, FBX, PLY, whatever is needed).
  • If needed, original objects are return shipped to client

Notes About the Scanner Itself

The 3D scanner device I am using is a "structured light scanner", meaning it projects light patterns onto an object, then reads those patterns to create a point cloud that is converted into a 3D polygon mesh.

To achieve an optimal scan, the object should be midtone to light in color (medium gray to white), have a matte or rough surface, and be opaque to light penetration, and have zero to few hidden or overlapping surfaces.

Problematic Item Properties that may Inhibit Scanning

  • Dark or black colored surface — light patterns must be readable by scanner
  • High gloss or highly reflective surfaces — high gloss surfaces reflect light, making the projected patterns difficult for the scanner to read, or creating blind spots on the scan (where all light projected is reflected back onto the scanner itself)
  • Translucent or transparent surface or body — light passing through the object cannot be read by the scanner
  • Hidden surfaces (very complex overlapping shapes) — An object that has one or more hidden areas that cannot be clearly seen from any angle. Some examples:
    • a very slightly opened hand, where the palm and underside of fingers is not visible
    • inside of a sphere-like object with small openings, like a skull
    • overlapping surfaces that are not connected but obscure line of sight

Possible Solutions to Scanning Issues

  • Dark colored — Client provides alternate colored objects, if able. If unable to replace object, will try solutions for high gloss surfaces
  • High Gloss / Transparent — I apply non-destructive talc powder to object surface, lightly dusting it enough for scanner to read surface shape — this does not usually affect the detail detection of the scan
  • Gloss surfaces that will not hold the talc powder (glass smooth) — destructive action — if allowed by client, a white primer paint can be applied to the object to create a matte surface.
  • Complex overlapping shapes — destructive action — depending on object material (resin, glass, bone, metal, plastic, etc), identify points to make clean cuts to separate object into multiple pieces, if able. Separated pieces will be rejoined during cleanup & re-meshing phase.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide has helped you understand how scanning works and potential problem areas that may arise. Despite the issues, most items can be scanned without issues. Any potential scanning problems or trouble areas can always be discussed to find the best path forward to delivering the highest quality 3D scanned model for your needs.
Feel free to contact me with questions, or inquire about scanning on my Artist Services page. Thanks!