3D laser scanning accomplishes high-quality three-dimensional measurement of complex objects, generating both incredibly accurate geometric models and stunning photorealistic texture in less time than traditional recordation. For straightforward object recordation, metric analysis, reverse engineering and rapid prototyping, 3D laser scanning offers great flexibility and accuracy on a moderate budget. Objects from the size of a coin to full-sized vehicles can be quickly and accurately measured with sub-millimeter accuracy. Models created through 3D laser scanning can be imported into other mainstream 3D modeling, CAD/CAM, and engineering software applications for analysis, viewing, and manufacture.
A 3D laser scanner measures objects by emitting a laser line, which sweeps across the field of view. A digital video camera records the laser line, calculating the size and shape of objects within the field of view by analyzing the "bends" in the line as it sweeps non-flat surfaces. The measurement data is recorded to a CCD, and a color image of the scene is attached. By moving the object, or the scanner, multiple measurements are collected, which are then aligned and merged to create a solid model of the entire object.
3D laser scanning is fast and safe! Scans take only 2-3 seconds each, collect hundreds of thousands of data points, and can be used to scan people, animals, and delicate materials with absolutely no physical contact.
Examples of what 3D Scanning is used for -
Reverse Engineering
Rapid Prototyping Quickly modifying and developing manufacturable 3D designs from clay models
Inspection Quality assurance, first article and production line surface measurement, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD & T)
Visual Effects/Film Industry
Animation/Gaming Enviroment Face and body scanning, data acquisition for 3D character creation, 3D worlds from physical scale models
Archaeology On-site feature documentation of burials, rock art, features and architecture, osteological and artifact catalogs, public outreach
Museums 3D archiving, repair, duplication, and virtual museum creation
Fashion and Textiles Fitting clothes and determining dimensions
Medical/Dental orthopedics, prosthetics, orthotics, maxillofacial and breast reconstruction, and surgical planning
About the Konica Minolta Scanners -
Konica Minolta is the world's largest manufacturer of 3D non-contact digitizing instruments, and has supplied hundreds of 3D scanners to the automotive manufacturers, universities, museums, forging companies, medical facilities, and others around the world. Konica Minolta 3D scanners include the Vivid 910- a reliable and accurate system, and the Vivid 9i, Konica Minolta's newest 3D scanner.
The Vivid 9i is the newest, most advanced, most flexible addition to the Konica-Minolta 3D product line. Optimized for a range of industrial applications, the 9i excels at high-precision 3D measurement of items from the size of a coin to full-size cars. With the added power of photogrammetry, the 9i can tackle demanding tasks from reverse engineering to quality inspection and rapid prototyping. Features of the Vivid 9i laser scanner include:
A fourfold improvement in measurement accuracy through new hardware design, to .05 mm (50µm).
Significantly improved precision of merged measurement data using photogrammetry and coded targets, holding cumulative error under a few millimeters across large extents.
Improved precision per scan using a user calibration system, eliminating errors from lens replacement or changes in the ambient environment.
The Vivid 9i can be used for reverse engineering to reflect the shape and dimension data of mock-ups or prototypes in design drawings, or checking part shape, checking molds, inspecting quality, etc. in prototype-production or mass-production processes. Currently, the Vivid 9i is used by:
Automobile and motorcycle manufacturers and parts suppliers
Dimension measurements of forged and cast parts
Verification of accuracy of press formed or molded plastic parts, parts inspection, check of mating with machine parts, verification of tool and die molds
Inspection and analysis of seats, tires, bumpers etc.
Reverse engineering of seats, headrest wheels etc. from actual parts, mock-ups or scale models
Heavy industries, iron and steel makers, heavy machinery manufacturers
Inspection and equipment design of turbine blades, steel pipes, propellers, screw blades, etc.
Other manufacturers
Inspection and reverse engineering of exterior and interior wall materials, unit baths, etc.
Wear checking of train rails, tanks and turbine blades of hydropower stations etc.
The Vivid-910 is Konica Minolta's high accuracy, high-resolution 3D laser scanner. The Vivid-910's captured 3D data is two times more accurate than it's predecessor, the Vivid-900, making it suitable for applications in industrial manufacturing, medicine, computer imaging, cultural heritage and research sectors. The Vivid 910 incorporates features such as portability, high speed, simple operation and compactness. Features of the Vivid 910 laser scanner include:
No lengthy set-up, warm up or calibration process. Konica Minoltas precision auto focus means there's no need to move the VIVID back and forth or to manually adjust or guess at the optimal focus.
Selectable scan modes, either FINE for high resolution, or FAST for unstable objects
The 910 does not require a host computer. Multiple scans can be saved to the compact flash memory or viewed immediately on the rear-panel's color LCD viewfinder. Compact and mobile, lightweight (25 lbs) and transportable, for travel and indoor/outdoor use.
The Vivid 910 can be used for reverse engineering, cultural heritage documentation, quality assurance, web content, and medical applications. The Vivid 910 is used for:
Quality Control and First Article Inspection; Tool and Die Verification
Industrial Design: capture design studies into CAD database
Rapid Prototyping Input
Reverse Engineering: create CAD legacy data from master parts
3-D shape capture for Computer Aided Engineering Analysis (CAE and FEA)
Machine Vision
Medical Applications: Surgical Planning (maxillofacial, dental and orthopedic), orthotics and prosthetics, plastic surgery, anthropometric measurements
Archiving: Museums, Artifact cataloging, Archeology, Anthropology research
Web content creation/ on-line product database creation
Contact us for information about Vivid 3D laser scanner pricing and accessory packages to fit your needs. Unsure whether 3D laser scanning is right for you? We can address any questions you might have, provide examples of similar applications, or demonstrate the system to you at your facility or ours. We are able offer price incentives to colleges and universities!
For more information or to discuss a project Contact us: