Best scanner for large objects

[jba]

Hi,

I’m currently in the market for at new 3d scanner. We have a EinScan Pro2x plus but the things we scan are getting increasingly bigger so we are pushing the EinScan far beyond its limits which result in poor data.

The things we scan now and in the future are primarily sections of wind turbine blades, fiberglass boat molds and parts of buildings. It’s often difficult to get close to these object so a handheld scanner requires scaffolding and lifts. Also registration is a nightmare. A terrestrial scanner seems to be what we require to scan these objects.

We almost always have to reverse engineer the things we scan so getting a nice accurate mesh model is crucial. I really don’t know what to expect regarding accuracy, but I know it will be less than with our handheld which is okay.
The first scanner I found was the Artec Ray which seems to do everything we need. Compared to many of the other brands they seem to focus more on scanning objects as opposed to landscapes and building/construction sites. I don’t know if they are better that the alternatives it just an observation. We have no need for images. Time consumption of the scan is also of no importance. Scanning will most of the time be at a range from 2-10m.

So basically what we need is a very accurate scanner that scans objects well at a 2-10m range.

The FARO Focus3D X 30 also seems to fit the bill but there is not much information out there compared to the the FARO focus S and M models which might be overkill for our needs. This same is the case with the RTC360- It might be overkill but the only cheaper Leica alternative -BLK360 seems to be too entry level.

I have also looked at Trimble X7 and have a guy coming on Monday to give a demo. It sounds like a good scanner at a fair price and the guy was quick to respond. Finding a dealer for some of the other brands are a bit more challenging and some have not responded to my calls. I’m located in Denmark.

We are not a “scanning company” so most of the time we will not be offering scanning services for customers. When we scan we will use the data ourself and use it to make things.

Regarding price we off course don’t want to pay for something we don’t need but what we also don’t want is to buy something that is not good enough.

Does any of you have any recommendation in what scanner might suit our needs?

[Carbix]

If you're not scanning every week you might be better off making a deal with someone who has a scanner. Often it's cheaper to hire someone with a scanner if it's once or twice a month.

Software and tech with skills are what kill your budget in the end.

Also, you might want to mention what your tolerance is. "Really accurate" means nothing to this group. At 10m 3-5mm is meh, 1-3mm ok, 0.5-1.0 Good and 0.5> Amazing... For most applications.

But again I would hire someone out at first. If you're going to be getting scans on a regular basis, strike up a service contract and you will see that price fall. I think I speak for everyone when I say "The best kind of work is consistent work."

[jba]

I did suggest to my boss that having someone else to do the scan was also an option but. When I said it I already knew that it was an uphill battle. He very much prefers to have everything inhouse. Also he likes new tools That being said I have not been in contact with any companies that offers scanning services so I have no Idea what it will cost. Also we often need to scan at a moments notice. Having to coordinate this with another company would most likely be impossible.

Dont worry about the cost of tech skill and software.

About accuracy it depends on whats being scanned and what it will be used for. I would be happy with 1-3mm in most cases but if 0,5-1mm is ´possible without that much extra cost that would sometimes be nice.