3D Scanners

3D scanning of objects

One of the components of 3D technology is the 3D scanning method, which allows you to quickly and easily obtain a digital model of the required product. In short, 3D scanning of objects is the process of converting the physical form of a real object into a digital form. The texture and even the color of the original sample are preserved. Thus, a 3D model of the required product can be obtained without unnecessary effort. 3D scanning of objects helps to prepare the required model for 3D printing and, in some cases, can play a decisive role in the construction of a digital product.

The key device in the 3D scanning process is a 3D scanner - a device that reads the physical parameters of objects and creates a 3D model based on them.

3D scanning of objects can be useful when designing any complex elements, the 3D modeling of which is extremely labor-intensive when done manually. In particular, 3D scanning is useful for modeling various fixtures, components, main parts, and spare parts. It is often used when there are no drawings or other documentation for a product, as well as when it is necessary to convert curved surfaces, including artistic forms and casts, into digital form.

The 3D scanning process

The 3D scanning process is generally similar to the human stereoscopic vision system. The process of obtaining data with a 3D scanner is similar to the formation of a three-dimensional image seen in the human brain. To do this, the 3D scanner compares two images that are offset from each other. The necessary accuracy of the 3D model is achieved through the use of additional technological techniques, such as periodic flashes or laser illumination.

As for scanning accuracy, it depends on both the specific device and the characteristics of the original product. It is possible to perform 3D scanning of objects from 1 cm (with all details), with no maximum size limit. To achieve the best detail, after the 3D scanning process is complete, the 3D model is further refined by a specialist. Thus, thanks to 3D scanning of objects, digital models are virtually flawless. The error for 3D scanning of objects with a surface area of 100 cm2 is 1 mm and can be eliminated during subsequent refinement. 3D scanning of large objects can be implemented by batch processing photos of the object from all sides.

3D scanning methods

For a better understanding of the technology, it is useful to list the existing methods of 3D scanning. There are two of them: contact and non-contact. The first requires direct contact between the 3D scanner and the object.

The non-contact method divides peripheral devices into two types:

• Active 3D scanners, which emit a beam of directed waves onto the object and record their reflection. Possible types of radiation include X-rays, ultrasound, and light.
• Passive 3D scanners, which record the ambient radiation reflected from the object, most often light.

All 3D scanning methods have their advantages and disadvantages, which affect the cost of 3D scanners, the speed and accuracy of scanning, and the range of objects available for scanning. When purchasing your own 3D scanner, it is recommended that you study this issue in more detail, or better yet, get quality advice from professionals. The Expert3D team is ready to help you with this and recommend the optimal 3D scanner model.

3D scanning and 3D printing

3D scanning and 3D printing complement each other, as scanned 3D models are most often used for subsequent reproduction on a 3D printer. Currently, 3D scanning is used for a wide variety of purposes and industries. With the help of a 3D scanner, 3D models of real people are created, which can then be reproduced using full-color 3D printing with plaster. A more promising use of 3D scanning is in medicine, where it is used to create ultra-precise surgical models and implants. You can read more about our contribution to this field of medicine here. Another interesting area of application for this technology is in the production of custom footwear and clothing.

3D printing: problems and solutions

Of course, all beginners in 3D printing want to avoid potential problems as much as possible. But this is the most difficult stage. The culprits can be incorrect print settings or hardware malfunctions. Lack of practical experience with a 3D printer also plays a role.

In addition, a 3D printer is a rather capricious machine, and you often have to find your own approach to it. As you can see, there are many possible causes of difficulties. And so that the problems that arise during 3D printing do not leave you at a dead end, we have compiled this section. In it, we will try to list the most common problems in 3D printing and effective ways to solve them.

Problems when printing on a 3D printer

Problems when printing on a 3D printer can arise for anyone, no one is immune to this. Therefore, it is important to know about the typical difficulties in 3D printing and be able to solve them. Users can solve almost all problems with 3D printing on their own without any particular difficulty. Only in the case of physical damage is it advisable to contact a special service center without trying to fix the problem yourself. But below we will look at common problems with 3D printing that absolutely any user may encounter.

Problems with 3D printers

FDM 3D printing has certain characteristics. Problems with 3D printers are often caused by these characteristics, and they should be solved with this in mind. Let's not delay any longer and get down to business.

1. Insufficient adhesion (the model does not adhere well to the 3D printer table)

To build a high-quality object, it is extremely important to ensure that the plastic adheres well to the work platform. Otherwise, the sample is unlikely to print properly. Possible causes of insufficient adhesion:

• Large gap between the nozzle and the 3D printer bed;
• The working platform is not calibrated;
• The printing speed of the first layer is too high;
• Incorrect temperature or cooling settings.

How to solve it: If the problem is with the 3D printing settings, change them according to the requirements for the specific plastic. Be sure to calibrate the 3D printer platform according to all the rules. This is a very important step in the printing process. It is also possible to apply special materials to the platform for better adhesion: Kapton, blue tape, or special glue.

2. Under-extrusion or over-extrusion

These terms refer to insufficient or excessive plastic feed, which leads to poor-quality prints. Although these problems are diametrically opposed, they have the same root cause. Reasons:

• Incorrect plastic filament diameter setting;
• Incorrect extrusion ratio;
• Mechanical problems.

How to solve: Set the optimal 3D printing settings or check the plastic feed unit and pressure mechanism.

3. Overheating during 3D printing

During the 3D printing process, plastic is fed at a very high temperature onto an equally hot platform. If the cooling parameters are set incorrectly, the model will overheat, leading to deformation.

The main causes of this problem are high printing speed and insufficient cooling. The solution is to determine the optimal parameters for a specific material. After all, the melting and cooling temperatures differ for different plastics.

4. Thin plastic webs on the model

This is a common phenomenon that is quite difficult to get rid of. Small plastic webs in several places on the object are normal. But if there are too many of them, it is worth digging into the 3D printing settings. Most often, the correct setting of the plastic retraction parameter helps to get rid of such threads. Check the values of the distance and retraction speed. Basically, after a few trials and errors, you will understand how to set this parameter correctly. Also pay attention to the temperature regime. Too high an extruder temperature will cause excessive melting of the plastic and its leakage.

5. Layer offset

This is a fairly serious problem in 3D printing, the occurrence of which should alert the user. Such failures can signal problems with the electronic or mechanical components of the 3D printer. However, you may have set the print head movement value too high. Try lowering this parameter. You should also place the printer on a flat, stable surface and not touch it during operation. Excessive movement can cause the print head to shift.

6. Plastic is not feeding

This happens quite often, and it is no cause for concern. Possible causes:

• Low extruder temperature;
• Print speed too high;
• Clogged nozzle;

First, try pushing the plastic through manually. If that doesn't help, reload the filament. Still no luck? Try changing the 3D printing settings and restarting the model. If that doesn't work either, it's time to clean the nozzle. Special needles of the required diameter are available for this purpose.

7. Cracks and layer splitting

This can happen both during and after printing. Sometimes it is due to poor-quality plastic, but more often the reasons lie elsewhere. Namely:

• Too low printing temperature;
• Too high layer height.

As you may have guessed, correcting these settings will help solve this problem.

Defects in 3D printing

We have listed the main problems in 3D printing. Of course, there are many more possible difficulties, but most of them can be solved by setting the correct values in the slicer. This is something you need to learn. With experience, you will understand how to adjust the required parameters and learn how to eliminate defects in 3D printing. That concludes our article. If you have any additional questions that we have not addressed, please email us and we will add your questions if necessary!