Next-generation 3D scanning solutions at formnext 2017
November is the month of the main manufacturing conference and expo of the year, formnext, where Artec 3D will be showcasing its newest 3D scanning solutions together with German partners algona GmbH, KLIB and Antonius Köster GmbH & Co. KG..
Covering all aspects of the manufacturing cycle, from concept design to serial production, formnext is geared toward answering the question of how to reduce time to market and gain an edge on the competition using intelligent production technologies. Formnext has established itself as a rapidly growing platform for making new business contacts: last year this trade fair saw a 50% increase in the numbers of visitors and exhibitors, respectively.
What should you expect to see on the Artec stand this year? We will be holding live demos of our brand new and industry acclaimed 3D scanners, which are used by companies across the globe to optimize their workflows. The highlight of the show will be Artec Leo, the revolutionary wireless scanner equipped with a touchscreen.
Leo does not need to be connected to a tablet, laptop, mains power source or battery pack – it has everything you need for capturing objects in 3D right onboard! The scanner is as easy to operate as a camera you shoot videos with. Leo’s own internal computer, the powerful NVIDIA® Jetson™ platform shows you a 3D replica of the object or scene you are scanning on the touchscreen in real time, making it utterly convenient to verify whether you have captured the entire area.
The ease of use is coupled with exceptional precision: this metrology-grade device boasts up to 0.25 mm 3D resolution and up to 0.1 mm 3D point accuracy. In addition to this, Leo features expanded working distance and volume capture zone so you can scan larger areas in one sweeping movement.
The data collected by the scanner can be processed onboard or transferred to a computer via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or an SD card in order to be further edited in Artec Studio 12.1, the latest version of our comprehensive software for 3D scanning and 3D data processing. Artec’s team of seasoned software engineers has made sure some of the most resource-intensive operations can be done much faster than ever before. Take Global Registration: this revamped algorithm feels like a godsend, especially when working on larger projects. Our tests have shown that for a 9,200-frame dataset of a vehicle, which is an example of an average large project, Global Registration is completed within 6 m 8 s, while in Artec Studio 11 it took 1 h 56 m.
You will also feel the difference when performing operations such as eliminating the base you scanned your object on. Artec Studio 12.1 detects even curved or uneven base types and effectively removes them in a matter of seconds, meaning you don’t have to do it manually anymore – a great time-saver. Another feature that expedites the workflow is smart memory management, which enables the software to choose exactly what data must be stored in RAM and what can be discarded, freeing up RAM on your device.
Artec Studio 12.1 saves not only time but also disk space by compressing 3D data up to 10 times more effectively without the risk of losing texture quality. Among the numerous boosted features you are sure to appreciate automatic sensitivity adjustment. Previously, users had to manually modify the sensitivity settings in order to effectively scan thin, black or shiny objects. Now the software automatically selects the optimal settings for the surface you are scanning. You will be able to try out this new feature for yourself at formnext while scanning with Artec Eva, the award-winning versatile 3D imager that is used for a range of 3D scanning applications such quality control of water pipes, repairs of naval ships, and reverse engineering of construction machine parts.
On our stand, you’ll also be able to scan with Space Spider, the scanner developed to spec for the International Space Station. This robust device is distinct for long-term repeatability in data capture, meaning that its accuracy is not affected by fluctuations in environmental conditions. Among the jobs done with Space Spider is creating digital replicas of tools and other assets used during space missions and incorporating them into NASA’s Hybrid Reality environment in order to enhance astronauts’ training experience.
At formnext, we’ll show you all the benefits of using Artec 3D scanning solutions, help you find the right one for your business, and explain how to effectively combine it with reverse engineering and CAD programs. Looking forward to meeting you in Frankfurt!
Where: Booth C10, Hall 3.1, Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
When: November 14-17