Our Simple Answer:
We discussed this over on the ‘Hobbyist Automotive 3D Scanning, Printing, and Design‘ Facebook Page. The best answer is from Jared Pritchard:
A scanner will only ever create a point cloud. The point cloud is converted into a mesh (usually) in software, from which measurements and critical surfaces can be extracted.
The resulting mesh will have a precision dictated by the resolution of the scanner, which will be dictated by the price.
3D scanning is not an inherently “accurate” or “inaccurate” process, you get what you pay for.Automatic Parameterisation of a mesh is a further step in software, completely independent of the scanning and mesh creation process.
See 3DPL summary below*…
The Technical Answer:
Yes, 3D scanning can be somewhat effective way to create STL files for 3D printing. Here’s how it works and why it might be helpful:
- Capturing Real-World Objects:
- 3D scanners capture the shape and dimensions of real-world objects by measuring their surface geometry. The scanner typically uses lasers, structured light, or photogrammetry (image-based scanning) to create a digital 3D model.
- This model is generated as a “point cloud” or a mesh that represents the surface of the scanned object.
- Converting Scanned Data into a Mesh:
- Once the scan is complete, the point cloud or raw scan data is processed to create a polygonal mesh. Specialised software takes the scan data and generates a mesh of interconnected triangles (similar to STL’s structure) that approximates the object’s surface.
- The result is a 3D model in formats like OBJ, PLY, or directly as an STL.
- Editing and Refinement:
- 3D scans often need cleanup, as they may capture imperfections, noise, or gaps in the mesh.
- Software is used to refine the mesh, fill any gaps, remove unnecessary details, and smooth surfaces if necessary. This ensures a high-quality STL model for accurate 3D printing.
- Exporting as an STL File:
- Once the scanned model is cleaned up and refined, it is exported in the STL format. This format is compatible with slicing software, which prepares the model for 3D printing.
- Applications:
- 3D scanning is particularly useful for reverse engineering, creating custom-fit items, and digitising real-world objects that need to be reproduced, prototyped, or modified.
- It’s also used in industries like healthcare (e.g., custom prosthetics), automotive (e.g., part replication), and heritage preservation (e.g., reproducing artifacts).
3D scanning streamlines the process of creating STL files from physical objects, making it faster and more accurate than manual 3D modelling for many applications. The resulting STL file from a scan can then be directly printed, replicated, or used as a starting point for further design work.
*However, at the end of the day it is often more effective to go from drawing or item straight to high-resolution CAD which can be more quickly and easily amended and modified.
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