Different kinds of 3D scanner

A 3D scanner is a machine which scans real-time objects, ranging from something as small as a penny to something as big as a tomb, and collect relevant data about them such as shape, size and texture. However, there is not only one kind of 3D scanner and this short informative article is going to explain a few of the different kinds for you:

Time of Flight scanner

This kind of three dimensional scanning device uses a laser light to probe into an item. The laser belongs to a rangefinder which is situated in the heart the machine. This laser then measures the exact distance of the surface of the object by timing how long it takes the pulse of light to reach the item and return back.

A Triangulation scanner

This scanner too uses a laser to scan its environment. The scanner shines a laser onto the object and then uses a camera to look for the location of the laser dot. This is known as a triangulation scanner because the laser emitter, camera and laser dot form a kind of triangle. This method of 3D scanning was first developed by the National Research Council in Canada in 1978.

Hand-held scanner

A hand held laser also uses the triangulation method. The data which is collected is done so in relation to an internal coordinate system and so collects data while the scanner is in motion.

So as you can see there are a wide variety of different 3D scanner machines out there all built with certain pros and cons making them perfect or not so good at scanning certain items. It is up to the team in question as to which kind of scanner they would use.

3D scanning and its military applications

From Space Shuttles to high tech military jets and other equipment, 3D scanning inspection has reached every level of military inspection.

A small number of years ago, this kind of technology was instituted to scan Space Shuttles for potential errors, defects and flaws, allowing the difficult-to-inspect areas to be accurately measured and checked.

Why 3D Scanning?

3D Scanning technology has been implemented in all levels of military inspection. This allows accurate measurements to be taken in a 3D form that eliminates all guess work by presenting the data as it is accurately depicted.

This means that equipment; parts and tools can be accurately measured and compared thus allowing flaws to be instantly identified so they can be repaired. Laser technology and 3D scanning improves the safety, reliability, and useful life of high value equipment where lives may be at stake with its usage.

Meeting military standards:

The necessary accuracy and precision that military technology requires demands that the laser scanning and inspection company be of the highest standard possible. Thorough checks will be made in to all companies providing such services to the forces.

What’s ideal about the new developments in 3d laser scanning technology is its increasing portability which allows the equipment to be taken anywhere so that military equipment can be checked out in the field.

Fighter jets, helicopters and other equipment can be checked without it being taken from those who may need to use it. This allows for the detailed and specific quality inspections that are so essential when lives are at stake.

Laser technology and 3D Scanning technology can even be used to accurately access the hulls of ships whilst they are still in the water, no matter how big the ship may be. Ship hulls can involve complicated shapes, especially when they involve the complexity of military design and technology for defence purposes. 3D Scanning produces an exact model of the ship’s hull while still in the water, identifying any flaws, defects or weakness for potential repair.

Moving forward:

The safety an accuracy of military infrastructure has been greatly improved through the development of laser scanning technology in all of its shapes and forms. When it is used for product inspection, improving the safety of all relevant equipment as well as the lives of the personnel who operate them it is something that should not be undervalued or underestimated.

For more information see 3D Scanning