Laser scanners are an important part of how many businesses function. The right scanner lets a company get a detailed map of an area at high speeds, in high resolution, and without difficult controls. The technology behind 3D scanners has changed rapidly in the last ten years making it harder to find the best 3D scanner for the money. Read on to learn more about 3D laser scanners and how to choose the best option for your needs.
Size Matters
When choosing a 3D laser scanner, size is an important factor to consider. Most laser scanners are relatively small, which can be picked up with one hand. However, this is not always the case.
Size matters because of how you use the scanner. For example, an industrial 3D scanner may need to be mounted onto a drone so that it can fly to the target area. A 3D scanner that is too large may not fit on a drone that is relatively small. Likewise, the tripod that you put the scanner on must be chosen based on the limits of the scanner.
The best 3D scanner for your needs is the one that is small enough to be easily transported but doesn’t compromise on the features that you need. If your company could benefit from using a drone-mounted scanner, make sure that you choose a scanner that is the right size for the drones that you want to use. Otherwise, you may have to purchase or rent a different scanner later.
Scan Speed
3D systems capture scanners take millions of tiny measurements to complete a full scan of an area. This is why most are designed to measure at high speeds. How fast your scanner works determines how long it takes for you to complete a single scan. This can be an important factor if you have to take multiple scans to finish a project.
For example, companies that do interior design, industrial factories, and construction companies may need to complete a large number of scans. Interior design companies may need to scan every room in a large building to complete a project. The speed that your scanner works at can change your schedule by hours or days if it is too slow.
Scanning Methods
While every 3D laser scanner can perform laser scans, not all of them have access to all of the scanning methods that you need. There are scanners that can do 3D laser scans, thermal scans, sonar scans, lidar scans, and other options. If your company needs a scanner for multiple scanning methods, then see if there is a 3D laser scanner that can do all of them.
Another reason to look at the scanning methods is that not all scanners output information in the same way. In some cases, scanners use point clouds. Other scanners can use different methods to report data. Pick a scanner that is compatible with whatever backend data processing system that you have. Otherwise your scanner will not be useful to you.
Control Methods
Before you settle on a scanner, look at its control methods. Scanners can be controlled in several different ways. Nearly every scanner has contour buttons mounted directly on it, which lets you have easy access to control systems. However, it is increasingly common for scanners to connect to remote computers. In some cases, you need a special control device, but many can connect to a tablet that has the right software.
Having remote controls is important if you have a drone-mountable scanner, or you need to scan in an area that is potentially dangerous for workers. For example, scanning a bridge while it is still in use means that your staff needs to stand on the bridge when cars are driving on it. Instead, use a scanner with a remote control system so that they can stand safely out of the way.
Get Help Finding the Right Scanner
The best way to choose your 3d laser scanner is to get help from an expert. Whether you need the most accurate 3D scanner or one with a lot of special features, there is a scanner that can fit your needs. Contact NOAR Technologies at (248) 906-2375 to speak with one of our consultants about your 3D scanner options, as well as training for your staff, and our equipment leasing program.
Original Source: https://bit.ly/3J6EzYc
