3D SCANNING TIPS

Since 3D Scanners are light-based, so struggle with a reflective and transparent surface. Fuzzy, non-stable and hollow patterned objects are also difficult to scan. For these kinds of objects there are some steps that should be followed:

• Transparent, shiny and reflective objects and darker coloured objects are difficult to scan. Chalk powder is recommended to apply on the surface of the object to overcome this problem. 
• Fuzzy objects like hair are also difficult to scan. In order to scan fuzzy areas on an object, the area could be covered with a texture like tights.
• The object should be stable when scanning. It the object moves when scanning with the turntable, it should be fixed to the turntable with playing clay or blue tag. 
• It is difficult to scan objects with a hollow pattern. (to be completed)

Mesh is a 3D model composed of polygons. In 3D scanning process, polygons are created using point clouds as verticals to create polygons. In post-processing mesh, you may want to simplify the model by decreasing the number of polygons that constructs the model. Since simplification process will decrease the number of polygons, you will get a lighter model which will be easier to work with however, you will lose some details on the model.

In general, if you will use the model for digital display, you will need a lighter model. For this reason, it is better to make simplification on model.

If you would like to work you mesh model as a surface CAD model for instance in Rhinoceros or Fusion 360, it is better to simplify the model in order to make it easy to work with.

If you would like to generate 3D print your model, you may want to avoid simplification to keep every details on the model.

In simplification process, you can select the degree of simplification by setting the tolerance. During the simplification process, the edges of polygons that construct the 3D model move slightly to construct new simplified model and this process eliminate tiny details on the model. Tolerance is the maximum deviation of polygon edges to move in simplification process which means if an edge of polygon needs to be move more than the tolerance, it does not move and the simplification is done with the current position of the edges. In other words, the  details that is constructed by this polygon edge is kept.

If you want to continue working on your scan it is important to save raw versions of the scan (point cloud data and mesh data). Please be remember that any data left on uCreate Studio 3D Scanners and uCreate Studio Laptops are at users’ own risk since the data on the scanners and laptops are cleaned frequently.