Using a 3D scanner is said to be relatively simple and an easy thing to do, but if you don’t know how to handle your equipment, you may end up with faulty scans and inaccurate information. If you have been planning to improve your brand and implement the newest technology without any issues, you’ve come to the right place. Use this article to learn what are the most common 3D scanning mistakes and what to do to avoid them.
1. Not having a plan
The biggest mistake that you can make when approaching this process is not having a plan. You need to do proper research before you start the process, and you should see if there are going to be any obstacles. Pay attention to the colors, the finish of the item that needs to be measured, as well as the background, and keep in mind that for some scans, you will need to do the process several times to be able to capture all the details. In the beginning, while you are still getting used to the equipment, you will need to be extra careful and develop your skills slowly. In time, as you get more experienced, you will know how to do things without having to spend too much time preparing.
2. Messing with the equipment when it is on
Once the device is on, you need to steer clear of it. You should not mingle with it, you should not touch it, and you should not come and check it every five minutes. The measurements that are taken are extremely precise, and even the smaller disturbance is going to make a huge difference. On the same note, if the device is put on a surface that can get disturbed when you walk around it, you should just try to keep your distance from it. If there are pets or even children near you, make sure that they don’t run or walk around the device and don’t touch the items that are being scanned.
3. Not purchasing the right device
There are many different devices that you can choose from, and as you can see if you click here, you should look for the ideal 3D scanner for your needs. The type of scanner will make the difference between you having to bother too much to no avail, and getting the right scan without any issues on the first try. Some of the devices are going to be more durable and versatile than others, and on the same note, some can be much more expensive than the rest. Start by making a list of what you expect to get from this equipment and what your budget is. Depending on that, you can start seeing what is available on the market and if those items would fit your needs.
4. Not planning for the conditions
As you already know, the equipment and the 3D scanner are going to be extremely precise, and they need to be left alone while they are on. It is easy to remember that you should not mess around the equipment while it is turned on, but sometimes, you can stay as still as possible, but the measurement won’t be precise. The reason why this is the weather, and if you are doing the scan outside, you need to plan for the weather conditions. You should not conduct these measurements when it is windy outside, and you shout always protect your equipment when it is too cold, too hot, or when it is raining.
You should never leave your devices outdoors and you should avoid using them in extreme conditions.
5. Not using the proper fixture
As you already know, when using these devices, they need to be fastened and they need to stay still while they are taking the scan. The item needs to be placed on a flat surface, and it should not be disturbed while taking the measurements. Sometimes we don’t have a flat surface where we can place the scanner, and because of that, we need to use fixtures. You need to find the proper fixture and you need to fasten your scanner securely.
Look for a fixture that is going to match your scanner and that will provide the right support no matter the size and weight of the device itself.
6. Not understanding the limits of the device
When we think about these devices, we usually think that since the technology is so advanced, we can use them to scan anything and everything. We don’t want to think about the things that could go wrong, and we believe that anything that we can imagine, we can do with the scanners. This is true to a point, but every piece of equipment will come with limitations. Do your research before you purchase the scanner, and see which model is going to satisfy your needs. Don’t expect the impossible, and keep in mind that your skills in handling the equipment are going to make a huge difference.
7. Not knowing which surfaces can be scanned
As we previously mentioned, every scanner has its own limitations, and there are some surfaces that are going to be more challenging to be properly scanned. Keep n mind that if you want to scan objects that are clear or transparent, too shiny, or too dark, you may have issues with that. The reason for this is that the light is going to scatter, and it will not properly capture the image. To avoid this problem, you can use a special spray and coat the surface temporarily while the scan is being made. The great thing about these sprays is that they are not permeant and they will not damage the object in any way. You can just wipe the residue off once you are done, and the object will be back to its original condition.
There are not many mistakes that you can make when doing the 3D scan, but it is better to be aware of the challenges that you will face and the obstacles that might occur. Do your research beforehand, always approach these projects with a plan, and if needed, collaborate with professionals to learn what you can do and what are the things you need to steer away from. Be patient, take your time to learn, and remember that practice makes perfect.
