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3D technology has gained a lot of notoriety lately. It’s been featured on all sorts of television programs and is actively used by many companies to produce real, practical objects. However, most people think of 3D printing in this regard. So, what about 3D scanning? How does it come into play? What purpose does it serve for the population as a whole?

For starters, scanning of this nature captures the entire three-dimensional surface of an object. This makes it easy to replicate something or reverse engineer it. Let’s say a product is quite old and there’s no existing CAD model on hand. This kind of scanning can be used to capture the data, input it into the computer, create a CAD model out of it, and proceed to make new versions of the product. It’s an excellent way to make product updates or modifications. It’s also useful for third-party manufacturers that wish to produce accessories for a product. This way, they can get the exactly right specifications without having to hire a very expensive CAD model designer.

Another useful application is in the medical field. It’s possible to use 3D scanning to create models of bones, teeth, and skin to create implants, replacements, grafts, and to prepare for surgeries. It can also be used to document artifacts. It’s the anthropologist and archeologist’s dream come true, really.

Yet another application for 3D scanning technology is in the production of movies. 3D scans are used all the time to create special effects. People are often scanned to create three-dimensional versions of them in the film. Think of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Andy Serkis had to wear a suit with many different targets all over it to capture his movements. This technology is called motion capture and is very similar to 3D scans.

Many people might think this technology is limited to those with a ton of money or those that perform outlandish tasks. However, that’s not the case. In fact, it can be used in day-to-day life and is, in fact, in the medical community, science labs, film making, museums, and more. It’s practical and allows people from all walks of life to save money and build the things they need to build without sacrificing quality or compromising in any way. It’s truly the technology of the future and gives people an excellent way to visualize objects in a virtual space.

Picture Credit: PBS

Artifacts from various cultures are valued in art exhibits across the country. However, there was something special about the face vessels made 150 years ago in South Carolina by African-Americans. These face jugs were originally on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum and in an exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina. However, thanks to 3D scanning, more people can appreciate the face jugs than ever before.

Under commission from the Chipstone Foundation, Brian Gillis created a piece of art that used the face jugs for inspiration. It’s called “Of Ghosts and Speculation” and features face jugs, metal plating and compartments inside that include archival material about the face jugs. These items include a magnifying glass, hard drive, two thumb drives, a piece of clay, and a small book.

In order to make this piece of art, Gillis utilized the Rapid Prototyping Center at the Milwaukee School of Engineering to take three-dimensional scans of the jugs. All of the work was completed remotely, as Gillis never left Oregon.

To get an accurate 3D scan of the face jug, a black net was placed over it that contained target. A Creaform RevScan was used for the 3D scanning process. This device is handheld so it could be run over the jug and capture all the nooks and crannies. This is essential for creating an accurate and true to life model.

Geomagic Studio was also used in order to combine several files and to patch holes to create a completely watertight surface. This created the best marriage between software and hardware. The model was also upsized so that compartments could be created inside of it for the art piece. They used Geomagic Freeform for this. The final scan was three times larger than the original and included a hinge door on the back. All of this couldn’t have been possible without the use of 3D scanning technology. It just wouldn’t be possible to have such an accurate replica that could be modified so easily.

The time capsule version of the jug was cast using rapid prototyping and had nickel plating added to increase its strength and durability. Finally, superglue was used to seal the time capsule before the nickel plating was applied. The result was a project that looks at back in time as well as forward. It includes elements of history and uses the newest technologies. If anything, this project shows yet another way in which 3D scanning is being used to shape the future.

Watch Face Jug on PBS. See more from History Detectives.

What You Need to Know About 3D Scanning Tools

While you may think that picking up any old 3D scanner will solve all your problems, you’d be incorrect. In fact, there are many different types of scanners on the market, each of which that offer different features. Whether you’re interested in reverse engineering or dimensional inspection, one thing remains consistent. You need to know what different 3D scanning tools offer before you come to a solid decision.

First of all, you might think that all scanners use the same technology. However, this just isn’t true. Sure, they all are capable of compiling data about a three-dimensional object, but the way they accomplish this can vary widely. Some use probes, some use targets, some use lasers while others use light. It will depend on the make and model.

One thing you should know is that different scanners provide different levels of accuracy. Some use several data points to collect the dimensions of an object while others use only a few targets to capture this data. Obviously, the more data points will make for a more accurate scale. Even so, not every brand provides the same level of accuracy so do your research.

Along the same vein, you’ll need to think about your budget. 3D scanning tools can vary in cost widely. Some are rather inexpensive if they are probe style and handheld. Others can be very expensive, especially if they include an armature or other equipment.

Another thing you might think about these tools is that they’re unnecessary for most places of work. However, that’s not true. Most people have a very limited view of what 3D scanning tools can be used for, however they can be used for many different things. Sure, most people are familiar with the use of these tools for reverse engineering but it can be used for so much more than that. Often, this technology is used for the development of video games. It can be used to scan a product so a marketing video can be made. They can be used to scan artifacts for additional study by scientists. It can even be used in the medical industry for the creation of medical devices like prosthetic limbs.

The uses are endless and if you do your research, you’ll quickly find just how exciting 3D scanning can really be. If you have the right tools on hand, you can accomplish pretty much anything.

Picture Credit: ndu.edu

If you wear a hearing aid, wear your headphones often, or are a member of the US Navy SEALs, you need earpieces that fit you and only you. This way, the custom fit earpieces  ensure you get the best sound quality possible and you don’t experience outside noise. However, to make this happen, would’ve been a costly and time-consuming process in the past. Now, a 3D scanning service can be used to capture the structure and size of a person’s ear canal, making the development of the custom earpiece much simpler. It also removes the need for casting an ear impression, which is often messy and uncomfortable. Ear impressions involve using a silicone material that had a paste-like texture. The material was placed in the ear to make an impression then removed. A 3D model was then made from this impression off of which the earpiece was made. This was a costly and uncomfortable procedure for most people. Plus, it took at least five minutes for each ear, which is a long time to have goop in your ear if you think about it.

The process involves using a probe to place a membrane filled with fluid in the ear. From there, the 3D scanning service runs a fluorescent light over the membrane. This creates an image of the interior of the ear. Designers can then create an earpiece that fits your ear canal perfectly. It will seriously be made just for you. Every little detail of the year is captured this way, ensuring the snowed in comfortable fit

Using a 3D scanning service cuts down on the time required considerably. Now, it only takes a minute per ear to create a 3D model on the computer. It’s called the Lantos and this scanning tech pretty much only causes a little bit of discomfort due to changes in air pressure in the ear. That’s it.

Though this technology was originally created for the hearing aid market, Lantos is now looking at the consumer headphone market. Custom fit headphones are in high demand and this technology would be extremely useful. Likewise, the military has expressed an interest in Lantos Technologies. Earpieces need to be made for fighter pilots as well as those who require hearing protection or in-ear communication devices. The number of applications for this technology seem limitless and it only seems to be expanding.