如何选择3D扫描仪

作者Paul Hanaphy

2024年 7月 16日

阅读时间 3 分钟

概要

众所周知，3D扫描技术的快速发展彻底改善了诸多行业的大量应用场景。

扫描仪

分辨率和准确性，易用性，速度

您的应用程序

对象尺寸，公差，预算

制造商

支持，软件更新，用户反馈

引言

众所周知，3D扫描技术的快速发展彻底改善了诸多行业的大量应用场景。3D扫描使工艺更为灵活，节省了时间和金钱成本。自然，越来越多的企业也在将这项前沿科技融入到他们的日常工作之中。然而，市场上的3D扫描解决方案琳琅满目，选择一款适合自己的3D扫描仪是个不小的难题。

选择3D扫描仪的几点小贴士

在选择第一台3D扫描仪时，首先完成简单但关键的几个步骤，这样，什么款式对你而言最合适就一目了然了。首先，选定一个您经常会扫描的物体或类似物体，并带上它去参加例如Formnext这样的展览。展会期间，带着它去参观所有3D扫描公司，并让公司人员为您演示扫描过程，您可观察这一过程。这样，您可以立即发现一些差别。之后，观察每家公司的扫描效果。对比他们之间不同的扫描流程、扫描数据的处理方式和每款扫描仪生成的最终模型。

对比3D模型时的第一步

如果我们花一秒时间思考一下购买扫描仪时最关键的要素，那我们会发现，最重要的莫非分辨率。没错，准确度也很重要，但在现场我们很难检查这一点。但您可以清楚地感受到分辨率的不同效果，所以您可以立刻对比出不同扫描仪间的品质差异。

了解您的供应商

如今，在网上查看卖家评论是一个不错的做法，了解一下用户对这款扫描仪及其制造商的看法。这家公司提供何种支持服务？这也相当重要。一个质量过关的3D扫描仪可耐用十年左右，因此，您需要对这段时间内所能获得的不同支持有所了解。

空谈不如实践

感受一下扫描仪使用是否方便。需要花费多少培训时间才能获得扫描仪的最佳效果？以及最重要的一点，扫描过程是否便捷？您是否需要在物体上做标记，还是说不做标记也能完成令人满意的追踪？扫描过程越方便，那整个扫描工艺也会更快捷。

软件是否最新？

配合扫描仪使用的软件也是3D扫描过程中的关键部分。扫描仪软件品质如何，多久更新？如果更新周期很久，比如说，五年更新一次，那您的扫描经历可能不会令人轻松愉快。

最低价不等同于最优价

能够多年反复使用的扫描仪才值得花钱。用完一次后就因不好用而搁置一边，即便价格便宜，但这样的购买也毫无意义。最好可以申请一笔贷款，把钱花在专业设备上。若您的业务发展良好，又有稳定收入，那很快就能还清这笔贷款。

不要过分关注科技，而应选择最适合的一款

若谈及哪款3D扫描技术最酷炫，那么可以说，所有现代3D扫描技术都很厉害，所以最关键的问题应当是您需要扫描哪类物体，以及您想获得何种效果。选择3D扫描仪时，您不用关心扫描仪采用了哪种科技。这些无关紧要。相反，您应当考虑的是哪款3D扫描仪最适合您的应用。例如，若您扫描的物体体积很小，那您选择的扫描仪需要有高精度捕获微小细节的能力。但如果您需要在相隔100米的位置进行扫描，那您就需要一款远距扫描仪。即便如此，每款扫描仪的具体原理和科技，对用户而言并不是最重要的。比如，当您选择一台电视机，您不会考虑内部零件。您只关心它的操作方式和画面品质。

选择3D扫描仪的其他重要标准

决定购买前，确保您已了解了所有必要信息，在这里，我们为您准备了一份简单的指南，帮您做出正确决策。这些内容将解答那些困扰您的疑问，比如：

我要3D扫描什么？
我要考虑哪些参数？
手持式和固定式3D扫描仪有何区别？
专业3D扫描仪的价格区间是什么?

1. 准确度

准确度是指制作的虚拟模型和真实物体的差异。3D模型的各个方面是否都接近原物体？

左。螺旋测微器测量的叶轮气缸真实大小 - 29.90毫米。
右。3D模型 - 29.85毫米

准确度非常重要，是我们必须对3D扫描数据做出的一项重要判断。对于工业应用场景而言尤为如此，精确度往往是这些领域中最重要的元素。

为获得最佳准确度，扫描仪必须经过校准。所有3D扫描仪都经过工厂的初始校准，工厂会确保设备准确度达到最高水平。部分3D扫描仪也支持临时校准。也就是说，顾客可以在购买设备后的任何时刻，根据自身需求，手动调整3D扫描仪的准确度设置，来满足制造商的最优标准。

就工业应用而言，高度准确的手持式3D扫描仪是个不错的选择

关键点

只有专业3D扫描仪才能达到高水平的准确度，尽管价格高于低配扫描仪，但您会发现，物有所值。

3D扫描仪制造商通常会在设备参数中标明准确度。对准确度的具体要求取决于您的扫描任务，当然最终依然取决于您。

2. 分辨率

尽管准确度是选择3D扫描仪时的主要考虑因素，但还有其他因素，如扫描设备分辨率，需要考虑。准确度是衡量扫描设备绝对准确性的指标，而分辨率是衡量3D模型两点间最短距离的指标，通常以毫米或微米为单位。也就是说，如果您想制作一个细节异常丰富的3D模型，那您应当考虑使用高分辨率3D扫描仪来完成捕获。这点对于质量控制、逆向工程、动画和虚拟现实、文物保护、法医鉴定、珠宝首饰等很多场景而言都非常重要。

分辨率越高，3D模型细节越丰满
左: 分辨率0.15毫米, 右: 分辨率0.3毫米

然而，有时用户会选择分辨率较低的数据。因为分辨率越高，模型就会显得更为笨重，扫描也会花掉更多时间。对于电脑性能一般、或打算3D打印成品模型的用户而言，这确实是个弊端。3D打印机打印有大量细节的高分辨率模型，会花费更多时间。所以，如果您介意处理时间和打印速度，这点要有所考虑。另外，部分3D打印机或许无法打印出高分辨率的效果。

根据不同的应用，用户会选择相应的分辨率设置。若希望3D模型尽可能展现更多细节，那就需要选择一款能够轻松、安全地捕获小细节的3D扫描仪。

选择轻质便携式3D扫描仪。手持式3D扫描仪便于操作，也能让您轻松围绕物体走动。选择能以0.1毫米分辨率进行3D扫描的高级型号。

3. 速度

时间就是金钱，所以3D扫描仪的速度也是重要的考虑因素。

提到速度，我们通常指3D扫描仪捕获任何一个物体的速度。衡量速度的方法也取决于设备所采用的科技。例如，结构光3D扫描仪的速度就是根据每秒捕获的帧数和点云数计算的。一些先进的白光3D扫描仪可以在一秒内捕获16帧和200万点。

最先进的手持式扫描仪采用垂直腔面发射激光（VCSEL）技术，能够每秒捕获80帧，捕获400万点。

配备内置触屏、电池和WiFi数据传输的高端VCSEL 3D扫描仪

激光雷达扫描仪的速度也是根据每秒捕获的点数计算的。一台高质量的固定式激光扫描仪每秒可捕获20万点。这些都是参考数据，具体情况视扫描仪、扫描物体和扫描距离而定。

一台高速3D扫描仪可以迅速捕获任何物体，避免多余成本，提高生产率。这点对于时间紧迫的大型项目而言尤为重要。

4. 使用便捷度

便捷性是另一项需要考虑的重要因素。为获得最佳效果、带来最大产出，我们有必要了解如何最大程度地利用设备。

一个需要考虑的重要问题是： «多久使用一次3D扫描仪？»

若您需要经常使用3D扫描仪，或捕获大量数据，那么一台具备快速捕获数据能力的专业设备可以在长期帮您节省大量时间和金钱，并提升生产率。

关键点

您可能倾向于购买便宜的设备，但要考虑这些设备可能造成时间的浪费，需要更多的培训，从而带来糟糕的体验。

中高端3D扫描仪通常更方便使用。您可能倾向于购买便宜的设备，但要考虑这些设备可能造成时间的浪费，需要更多的培训，从而带来糟糕的体验。专业扫描仪的快速帧率和先进的追踪算法，可以让扫描过程快速简便不少。在后期处理阶段，不要忽略软件的重要作用。配合专业扫描仪使用的软件往往功能更强大，带有很多不牺牲准确度的自动化功能。因此，软件往往速度更快，使用更便捷。

5. 设备尺寸

选择3D扫描仪前，我们需要考虑您具体要捕获的对象：

要捕获的物体大小如何？
扫描物体的尺寸差异大吗？或者您打算应用在自动化工艺流中，捕获大量类似物体？
这些物体主要材质是什么？细节多吗？
您3D扫描的对象是动物还是静物？

关键点

最适合应用场景的3D扫描仪取决于物体的尺寸，表面材质，以及您对细节捕获的要求。

若您的工艺流主要捕获大型或超大型物体，如卡车、货车、飞机，则建议选择远距激光扫描仪，能够精确捕获大型物体及其细节。

翼幅13米的Klemm L25d VIIR LX-MA飞机3D模型，准确度很高

对于小型物体，例如家具、摩托车、中等大小的雕像，则可以选择手持式3D扫描仪，它们能快速捕获数据，还能让您轻松地绕物体走动，捕获那些较难接触的地方。

若您打算捕获复杂工业零部件，用于质量控制或测量，则可选择准确度更高的手持式3D扫描仪。

对于尺寸较大，还有大量细节需要精确捕获的复杂物体，则最好选用两款或多款3D扫描仪，以获得最佳效果。一台固定式扫描能快速捕获大片面积，同时，手持式扫描仪可以精准捕获具体细节。

尺寸参考。了解您的物体大小。

6. 便携性

便携性是另一项重要的考量因素。

您打算在哪里捕获3D数据？
您通常在受控环境还是户外扫描？

同样地，您的选择依然取决于您的应用。固定式扫描解决方案非常适合大型物体捕获，这种情况下，手持式扫描仪就会花费更多时间。

便携式3D扫描仪有诸多优点。它们给操作人员更多自由，因此也更为灵活。对于难以触及的表面，便携式解决方案操作起来就更为得心应手，还能轻松驾驭高难度角度。

另外，选择一款可同时使用内置或外置电池的3D扫描仪，也同样好处多多，这样就无需外接电源了。

配合使用便携式电池组的手持式3D扫描仪，畅享无间断3D数据捕获

7. 软件功能

请记住，软件才能真正提升3D扫描仪的效果。专业3D扫描仪制造商也致力于研发优质3D扫描软件，让扫描效果锦上添花。

一款能够捕获不同尺寸物体的先进3D扫描仪，一般都需要配合使用强大的3D软件。软件能够快速准确地处理所有接受的数据，每次使用都呈现出最佳效果。

一些高级3D扫描与后期处理软件功能更全面，使用更方便

高级3D软件可用于数据的准确捕获、处理和分析等功能

购买之前，请尝试一下3D扫描仪和软件。试用一下各项功能和各类工具。这些功能是否符合您的需求？或者您的项目是否需要更高级的解决方案？

需要注意的另一点是，制造商是否会持续更新软件，推陈出新。新版软件往往可以将3D扫描仪改头换面，大幅提升速度和易用性。专业企业通常会持续改善更新他们的软硬件，确保最佳工艺流程。

8. 维护保养

不要忽视3D设备的保养工作。正如其他高级设备一样，您可能偶尔需要给设备做个“体检”。这样操作可以确保设备长期运作良好，效果准确无误。

每位制造商都有自己的维修流程，如校准、光学器件清洗等等。尽管保养意味着额外的开销，但一些品牌会提供2-3年质保服务。

9. 环境

扫描环境是另一项需要考虑的因素。

您的标准扫描环境如何？
您会在户外阳光直射下扫描吗？还是在一个阴暗潮湿的地方？

包括温度、湿度、光线等因素通常既会影响扫描仪的表现，也会影响扫描数据的品质。

结合多项3D扫描科技，实现最佳效果

结合多项3D扫描科技，实现最佳效果

制造商通常标明3D扫描设备的最佳温度范围和可接受的湿度范围，但同时也有一些普遍的规则，可以确保3D扫描仪运作良好，效果准确。

温度过高时，扫描仪可能出现过热现象。同样地，如果设备处于温度过低的环境，低温同样会影响扫描仪的准确度，并导致故障。
和其他电子设备相同，3D扫描仪不可以接触过高的湿度，或直接接触任何液体
保护设备远离灰尘或其他可能损伤设备的微粒
确保光线充足，足以捕获物体
只有少数3D扫描仪可以在阳光直射下工作。大部分都需要您尽可能寻找隐蔽处操作。

10. 价格

价格是购买设备时需要考虑的又一重要因素。3D扫描仪的价格通常体现了设备的功能、质量和数据捕获速率。

关键点

尽管短期来看，低价的3D扫描仪貌似更诱人，但不要忘记，做一项投资，我们应当看得更为长远。

3D扫描仪最低价大约为3000美元，最先进的型号约为10万美元。尽管短期来看，低价的3D扫描仪貌似更诱人，但不要忘记，做一项投资，我们应当看得更为长远。高品质的设备往往更加耐用，故障率也更低，可使用多年依然保持出色的效果。

然而，要记住在某些情况下，购买3D扫描仪也会引起额外的支出。一些公司会因如下商品或服务向您收取额外费用：

运费
销售税
安装

培训
技术支持
标准和延长质保

确保您在购买前对额外支出有所了解。

熟悉了3D扫描仪的选择标准后，您可以开始进入演示阶段。建议购买前尝试一下打算购买的扫描仪和软件，以避免不愉快的经历。销售高品质解决方案的公司一般都很乐意为您提供一对一演示、培训、工作坊等服务。欢迎咨询我们的专家，了解3D扫描科技的更多信息，以及如何为您的企业带来长期的积极影响。

2. Ease-of-use

Portable scanners like Artec Leo allow you to move freely and ensure 100% data capture

There may now be plenty of professional-grade scanners on the market, but some are easier to pick up than others. So you can start getting the most out of your device straight away, it’s best to adopt something lightweight, versatile, and cable-free – like Artec Leo. By contrast, wired, target-based scanners require calibration before use, making them trickier to set up.

Another aspect worth considering is accessories. If it’s not wireless, your 3D scanner will require you to carry around some kind of PC during data capture. Ease of transport is also key to rapid deployment, with compact, portable solutions tending to perform best in this area.

Then there’s data capture and processing software. For the uninitiated, turning scans into usable meshes and CAD models can be the trickiest part of setting up a new workflow. But there are many tips and tricks you can use to optimize results. For example, you can adopt a platform that automatically applies the best data-processing algorithms on your behalf.

When it comes to frame rate and tracking, professional devices are generally the easiest to use. Cheaper alternatives may seem more appealing, but the productivity gains you make with higher-end 3D scanners will save you time and money in the long run.

Key point

Your ideal 3D scanner will be able to handle the size, material, and surface intricacy of the objects you plan to capture.

3. Range

With 3D scanning, you can now digitize entire facilities for site planning and optimization

With 3D scanning, it’s now possible to capture anything from tiny objects with microscale details to entire buildings and landscapes. However, it’s important to weigh up which end of this scale your use case belongs on – range often comes at the expense of accuracy after all!

If your workflow involves 3D scanning large objects – whether these be planes, trains, or automobiles – long-range LiDAR devices like Artec Ray II are your friend. On the other hand, smaller objects such as PCBs and compressors are better captured with agile handheld 3D scanners, designed for digitizing hard-to-reach areas in high detail.

Speed and field of view also come into play here. As you’d expect, the more points a scanner collects per second, the faster it can digitize large objects. Similarly, the wider a device’s field of view (or the area it picks up in a single scan), the more data it will capture at once. Large fields of view aid tracking but yield huge datasets that take longer to process – so this is a balance.

Lastly, it’s worth weighing up coverage. In 3D scanning circles, this refers to the ability of a device to tackle ‘line-of-sight’ constraints like deep holes and sharp undercuts. The inherent flexibility of handheld structured light-powered devices allows them to excel here.

4. Accuracy

Sub-millimeter accuracy 3D scanning is applied everywhere, from heavy industry to dental

Portable 3D scanners are often marketed as being accurate down to 0.1 mm or less, but what does this actually mean? Essentially, accuracy describes how closely they can recreate a real object in virtual form – or more specifically, how close the dimensions of the resulting model will be. When decisions need to be made on scan data, such sub-millimeter accuracy is a top priority.

This is especially true in reverse engineering and inspection applications with minimal tolerances. High data accuracy is vital to digitizing parts that will perform once remanufactured, as well as minimizing uncertainty during product analyses, a key concern of QI engineers.

Artec Micro II can digitize small parts with an accuracy of just 5 microns (0.005 mm)

Target-based 3D scanning is great for achieving the necessary accuracy, though it often doesn’t capture texture. In this regard, structured light holds a trump card – it captures both.

If you aim to digitize inventory or work in healthcare, accuracy is similarly important. Future spares won’t slot into assemblies if they’re based on bad measurements. Scan-based custom medical devices also need to fit perfectly, so patients don’t end up rejecting them.

When it comes to digitizing tiny medical or dental parts at your desktop, the 5-micron accuracy Artec Micro II is ideal. Handheld 3D scanners like Artec Eva are also widely used in healthcare due to their versatility. Eva boasts an accuracy of 0.1 mm – more than enough for capturing patients’ limbs – a popular 3D scanning application. So the level of accuracy that you need really comes down to your individual use case.

Key point

Only professional 3D scanners provide high levels of accuracy. Though they are pricier than lower-spec scanners, they’re almost always worth investing in.

5. Resolution

Next up, let’s talk about resolution. Though resolution contributes to overall accuracy, don’t confuse the two. It’s more about achieving the smallest distances between captured points and picking up the finest surface details than capturing geometry. In applications like animation, VR, forensics, and jewelry, resolution therefore takes precedence.

High-resolution data capture does yield heavier datasets that take longer to process (especially for those with less powerful PCs). 3D printers will also take longer to create models with intricate details – some may even struggle to keep up with users’ needs. If you intend to 3D scan objects for additive manufacturing, this definitely needs considering.

For peak 3D scanning resolution, it’s worth looking at blue-light-powered devices such as Artec Space Spider. While photogrammetry also captures high levels of detail, it does so at the expense of accuracy, limiting its metrology applications.

6. Speed

No matter how big or small the capture project, speed is likely to be of the essence

Let’s face it, time is money. With pretty much all professional users, this means speed is of the essence. Many popular 3D scanners are powered by structured light: a technology capable of capturing millions of data points per second. The speed of structured-light scanners can also be measured in frames per second (FPS) – the higher this figure, the better.

But this does depend on the technology. As a reference, white-light 3D scanners can capture 2 million data points per second, at up to 16 FPS. Top-end VCSEL-powered devices, meanwhile, can capture twice the amount of points at 80 FPS over the same time period.

If you intend to do a lot of 3D scanning (or capture large amounts of data), a professional device with rapid data capture capabilities will save you time and money in the long run – as well as boosting productivity. Rapid capture is also key when scanning moving objects like people.

7. Software

3D scanning software Artec Studio continues to add advanced QA and inspection features

It’s easy to get drawn into spec-by-spec comparisons between 3D scanners, but in truth, the power lies in the software. Rapidly handling incoming data and processing it for the best possible results requires a program with highly developed algorithms.

Take the resolution-boosting HD Mode in Artec Studio. Once activated, it makes digitizing sharp corners and difficult-to-scan dark, fluffy, and shiny surfaces much easier. After capture, the software’s Autopilot also automates, streamlines, and accelerates many manual steps. Those working in QA and inspection will even find many essentials built into the platform.

While users will need to invest in dedicated packages for advanced GD&T, 3D scanning programs continue to add new functionalities each year. This effectively sees devices upgraded long after release, to make them more efficient and open up new potential use cases.

Key point

Don’t forget, the power is in the software. 3D data capture and processing programs play a key role in your results.

8. Price

Professional users often find 3D scanning faster and less error-prone than traditional methods

Understandably, how much a 3D scanner costs is a sticking point for many would-be 3D scanning adopters. But it could be a case of ‘can I afford not to upgrade?’ rather than the other way around. Devices range from a few hundred dollars to over $100,000, yet they often deliver gains that justify the expenditure.

Take yacht decking developer TT Custom Marine. With Artec Leo 3D scanning, its team is now able to renovate boats four times faster than before, freeing them up to complete more jobs (and generate greater revenue for the company).

Compared to traditional measurement and other forms of digitization like photogrammetry, 3D scanning is faster and less error-prone, in a way that cuts lead times and guarantees results.

It’s an old adage, but you also ‘get what you pay for.’ Though less expensive 3D scanners might seem more appealing in the short term, professional devices are a better investment, offering greater reliability and delivering outstanding results for years to come.

Other expenses warranting consideration include installation, accessories, and insurance. The latter shouldn’t be written off as ‘extras.’ The last thing you need is an accident happening to your new 3D scanner. Spend a little extra to protect it, and you’ll reap the rewards in the long run.

Key point

Protect your new device with accessories and insurance to ensure you get the best possible return on your investment.

Finally, consider this before you buy

To round things up, here are our top buying tips. The first thing to look at when comparing 3D models is resolution. In many cases, this is the clearest differentiator. A more detailed comparison may be required to check accuracy – though it too is a key performance indicator.

Another top tip is to know who you’re buying from. Often it’s possible to ascertain if you’re investing wisely based on online reviews. It’s also worth weighing up support. Quality 3D scanners last for ten years or more. What support are they offering during that time? For example, is their software up to date? If not, your device could become obsolete.

If you’re still worried about getting your money’s worth, don’t forget that the proof is in the process. So, when you’re being demoed a device, get hands-on to make sure it’s easy to use. If not, you may have to undergo significant training before getting a return on your investment.

Don’t forget, the lowest price may not be the best. It’s not worth investing in a 3D scanner that doesn’t meet required standards – you’ll only have to go and buy another. Likewise, don’t focus on technology, choose what’s right for you. It’s easy to get swayed into comparing specs, but you don’t do the same when buying other tech. You simply care that it works!

As such, we recommend that you use the criteria above to find a 3D scanner that meets your exact needs and request a demo. From there, you’ll have all the information required to make an informed choice and make sure you invest in a quality solution that lasts.