3D Scanning Services
Our 3D scanning services provide a fast, accurate and cost-effective way to digitise your physical object for 3D printing, CAD modeling, reverse engineering and more.
We offer both on-site and in-house scanning services using structured blue light, blue laser and full colour texture scanning meaning the scope of things we can scan is extensive.
Complete 3D Scanning Service Provider
3D scanning is one of our core businesses at AB Technology. We offer a complete 3D scanning service for projects of all shapes, sizes, and materials. From generating a point cloud of your object, digitising your product as an STL mesh, through to a fully reverse engineered parametric CAD model. We are experts in utilising the latest hardware and software to bringing your physical object into the digital world.
If you need help deciding which of our 3D scanning services is for you, contact us for support.
Our 3D Scanning Services
We offer the following services, both on-site and in-house.
Scan To Point Cloud
Collecting up to 480,000 points per second, our 3D laser scanning provides a fast and efficient means of digitising your item. With point spacing from 0.05mm and accuracy from 0.04mm we can capture fine details.
Scanning your object generates millions of data points, collectively known as a Point Cloud, that represent your part in the digital world.
Point Cloud data can be supplied in many different data formats, allowing you to import the data into a wide variety of software packages for further analysis.
Scan To Mesh (STL)
Scan to Mesh converts your 3D point cloud into a 3D Mesh by connecting the points together to form triangular faces. A Mesh is a versatile format that supporting both on screen rendering/visualization and 3D printing. Meshes can be supplied in many different formats including .STL, .PLY, OBJ, Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, Solid Edge, Geomagic.
Scan To Surface Model (NURBS)
Scan to surface coverts your 3D Mesh into a 3D Surface model. The surface model has the true shape captured by the 3D scanning data in a format (NURBS) that works efficiently with CAD. Surface models can be supplied in a number of formats including STEP, IGES, Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, and Solid Edge.
Scan To CAD
Our Scan to CAD service provides you with a full parametric design intent CAD model created from 3D scan data.
Benefits of our Scan to CAD service:
- Eliminate any manufacturing defects or damage in the original part
- Ideal for further adaptation and modeling
- Easily integrated into future designs and assemblies
- Ready for Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Ready for creating detailed engineering drawings
- Ready for manufacturing
For more information on our Scan to CAD service, see our reverse engineering page or contact us.
Surface Deviation Analysis
Our 3D scanning service for surface deviation analysis is an extremely cost-effective way to capture full-coverage of your part and compare it to an existing CAD model, previous scan data or a second component’s scan data. We will produce a comprehensive colour map report visually detailing any deviations.
Our surface deviation analysis service allows you to:
- Quickly and cost effectively understand an objects deviations
- Compare your object to a reference CAD model
- Compare your object to a reference object
- Identify undesirable manufacturing characteristics
- Identify and quantify areas of damage
- Gain confidence in an object’s conformity
Full Colour Texture Map Scan
The integrated colour camera in our 3D Scanner allows us to capture a full colour surface texture map of your item in addition to its 3D shape, adding another dimension to your 3D CAD model. Our colour texture mapping service means you can bring even more of your item to the digital world, capturing it for prosperity or even allowing your customers to see your product in 3D when buying online.
To discuss your 3D scanning project, get in touch today.
What size objects we scan with our 3D scanning services?
We can scan object ranging in size from a few centimetres to as large as a vehicle. For examples, see our 3D Scanning Portfolio.
What types of materials can we scan?
Using the latest blue laser scanning and blue light scanning technology we can successfully scan a wide range of materials and surface finishes including:
- Plastics
- Metals
- Rubber
- Ceramic
- Carbon Fibre
- Black finish
- Shiny finish*
- Transparent*
- Textiles
- Skin
*Scanning some surfaces may requires the application of a self evaporating scanning spray.
Understanding your application
Selecting the right approach to scan your item is essential. The main considerations are cost, accuracy, and ability to access features. By taking the time to understand your application, our engineers will recommend the most suitable solution. We want your project to be a success.
What we need to know
To enable our engineers to quickly and accurately assess your scanning requirement, we need to know what you would like scanned and what data you require from the scan. Don’t worry if you’re unsure, we can work with you to figure out the most appropriate data format for your project.
What to send us
If possible, images showing the overall size and shape of the item to be scanned, plus close up images of any key features or areas to be scanned.
If you know the scan data format you require or have a written specification, please include this in the description of your enquiry. Otherwise please let us know what you would like to be able to do with the data and we will suggest the most appropriate format that meets your requirements in a cost effective manner.
Either way we will engage with you to ensure that we fully understand your requirement, and will deliver a high quality, cost effective solution.
Quality Assurance
All our in-house 3D scanning work is completed in our temperature controlled laboratory. We are also available for on-site 3D scanning work, for which we are SafeContractor approved.
All our management processes are ISO 9001:2015 accredited.
Certificate Number: 3001
ISO 9001:2015
Certificate Number: SR0847
To find our more
We are here to help.
Location:
Unit 8 Crewe Close
Blidworth
Nottinghamshire
NG21 0TA
United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 (0)1623 491700
Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday: 0830-1630
Friday: 0830-1530
Weekends: Closed
