From Geometry to Reality
3D laser scanning services are becoming increasingly popular, especially 3D digital twins. 3D scanning services digitally map the 3-dimensional space of an object (or sometimes a person) by using laser scanners, infrared sensors, and other technologies. The service can be used to measure dimensions or create 3D models for visualization purposes.
It’s useful in architecture or engineering because these 3D scans can be reused to make changes without having to revisit the site! Cintoo Cloud, a 3D scanning services company that produces digital twins, recently announced they had scanned more than 200 million square meters of real-world geometry – that’s larger than some really big objects out there! This trend is taking off.
What are digital twins?
Digital twins are 3D virtual replicas of actual physical objects. 3D digital twinning is the process that creates 3D models from geometry collected through 3D scanners or other technologies, enabling visualization and analysis. There are strong applications for digital twins in several industries, including manufacturing, architecture, and engineering. These models are superior to traditional 3D models because they are “true to life” and can be used for predictive analytics.
The benefits of using a 3D laser scan to produce these models are vast. Some of the most prominent benefits include:
- Reducing the need for physical prototypes (since the objects can simply be replicated on a computer).
- Saving time and money by reducing the number of physical visits to a site.
- Improving 3D models by generating 3D scans that are more accurate than human-generated or tool-generated measurements.
- Increasing the collaboration between teams with 3D digital twinning.
Digital twins can be used in factories to visualize a product before it is created, saving time and money on expensive prototyping processes! 3D scanning services allow companies to create 3D virtual replicas.
How do 3D laser scanning services work?
There are a variety of methods to get 3D data – these can range from laser-scanning to 3D printing – but all 3D scanning services share one common goal: to create a 3D model of an object. The most popular technique is to use laser scanners, which bounce lasers off the surface of an object and measure the time it takes for the light to return. This information is used to calculate the distance between the scanner and each point on the object’s surface. 3D scanners can generate data at a very high resolution, which is why they are often used to create 3D models for 3D printing.