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The principle of a 3D scanner is digitization – that is to say, the photographic projection of an object, its shape, its dimensions, and its offsetting in order to deduce its geometry within the space and construct its synthetic image in three dimensions. The 3D scanner is a very precise piece of technology that can capture every detail of every object, from the very biggest to the very smallest. Here are five fields that benefit greatly from 3D scanners.

Reverse engineering

Reverse engineering is the field of analyzing the operation and manufacture of objects that involves creating CAD files from a physical object. Among other things, it’s used to understand the original design of an old object, improve the features of objects, reproduce components that no longer exist, update obsolete materials, and detect counterfeits. Using a 3D scanner, the work of digitization, 3D modelling, and prototyping of objects is therefore much faster and more precise.

Entertainment

In the entertainment field, 3D scanners are used to transform real objects into digital objects. For films and video games, designers use 3D scanners to create 3D models to save time, since the speed of execution of the analysis of a model by a 3D scanner is faster than using a manual 3D modelling program. The 3D scanner is also a technology that improves the image of on-screen objects, since 3D models are very precise representations of reality that may be reproductions of objects that develop in nature.

Art

In the art field, thanks to this technology, artists such as sculptors now have the ability to sculpt a single model and then make a 3D scan of it so they can reproduce it infinitely. They can also reproduce the sculpture by adjusting its dimensions according to their needs. A work scanned by a 3D scanner can therefore be enlarged spectacularly while respecting the details of the scanned base model! The use of the 3D scanner in the art field is even broader than that. In particular, artists use 3D scanners to archive their works, to preserve them, to reproduce them later, to protect themselves against counterfeits, and to comment on them.

Medical

3D scanners and 3D printers have a bright future in the medical sector. Already used to manufacture custom prostheses and duplicate organs, these days, this technology is rapidly growing in this field. Laboratories, hospitals, clinics, and universities can use 3D scanners to gather information from a patient very quickly. The entire body, face, or just a part of the body can be captured by the scanner just by having a person stand still. The benefit of using 3D scanners in the medical field is to have quick access to very accurate, high-quality images.

Archaeology and history

Within the context of archaeological research and historical preservation, the 3D scanner is the latest essential tool for researchers and archaeologists to scan and reproduce ancient artefacts in order to study them, restore them, or simply archive photos of them. Armed conflicts, alteration over time, and natural disasters make 3D scanners essential when it comes to preserving cultural heritage. This technology also provides the public with broader access to historical objects and places. Finally, it makes it possible to restore ancient artefacts without altering them, since the 3D scanner doesn’t need to touch them.