FAQ

Smaller objects that are not too heavy can easily be transported to our office and we ship them back afterwards.

For big objects that cannot be transported we also have the possibility to do the scanning at your facilities. Extra transportation costs do apply based on the travel distance etc.

Our scanners are certified according to the international VDI/VDE 2634 part 3 norm. This norm certifies the scanner against a calibrated artifact. We can provide the certificate on request.

The following rule of thumbs can be applied to estimate the measurement accuracy:
For parts:

• < < 50 mm: about 0,005 mm or better
• < < 150 mm: about 0,008 mm or better
• < < 300 mm: about 0,016 mm or better
• < < 550 mm: about 0,028 mm or better
• < < 700 mm: about 0,035 mm or better
• > > 1500 mm: about 0,035 mm + 0,015mm/m or better

The exact achieved accuracy depends on multiple factors like the part geometry, the part material, the part flexibility, the measurement environment (when on-site) and measurement setup.
When the application requires it, we perform a MSA (Measurement System Analysis) to determine the exact system performance, on a specific part. We often ends up with better results than shown in this table.

The resolution depends on the part size as well.
We can achieve the following resolutions for objects:

• < < 50 mm: up to 0,012 mm resolution, or about 83 points / mm
• < < 100 mm: up to 0,031 mm resolution, or about 32 points / mm
• < < 150 mm: up to 0,065 mm resolution, or about 15 points / mm
• < < 300 mm: up to 0,112 mm resolution, or about 9 points / mm
• < < 550 mm: up to 0,176 mm resolution, or about 6 points / mm
• > > 700 mm: up to 0,212 mm resolution, or about 5 points / mm

The standard output of a 3D scan is a .STL file. It is a mesh built out of small triangles.
We can export it as well as a .G3D, .POL, .PLY, .OBJ, .3DS, .WRL or .JT file.

After reverse engineering, we can deliver a CAD file with these file formats: .IGES, .STEP, .X_T or .X_B file (Parasolid) Please check our reverse engineering service for more info as this involves an extra step and costs after 3D scanning.

Usually you can open .STL files in your native CAD software. Depending on this software you might have limited options to process the scans. If your own software doesn’t allow you to open the files, you can use the free GOM Inspect viewer. This software can be downloaded here (https://www.gom.com/3d-software/gom-inspect.html).

Both types of 3D Data have different purposes.

A 3D point cloud, or point cloud, is what is built up during 3D scanning. This is basically a collection of points that define the shape and surface of an object. Each point has specific coordinates. This point cloud is very precise and can capture a high level of detail.

A 3D mesh is usually composed of a network of planes (polygons). Mesh files are easy to manipulate, and are often used in the engineering world, among others.

Our standard delivery time for 3D scanning is about 5 working days. Any accompanying report is considered on a case-by-case basis.