Scan Data Characteristics

3D scanning can be used in almost any engineering process and/or setting, and as a result there are many different ways that the data obtained can benefit you. While most customers require post-processing of 3D scan data, it is not necessary in some situations.

Watertight Scan Data includes all of the same characteristics and applications as raw scan data, except it does not contain any holes, much like a real object's ability to hold water.

3D Scan Data Sample

Characteristics

  • High resolution 3D surface information of physical part
  • High accuracy measurements of +/- 0.002 inches (50 microns)
  • Polymesh or point cloud data
  • Digital copy of physical part

When To Use

  • For further processing such as reverse engineering or quality inspection
  • For rapid prototyping
  • Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
  • Digital archiving

Format: STL, XYZ, PTS, TXT, ASC, CSV, DXF, DWG

Download a sample 3D Scan Data File. (Zipped STL - 16.75mb)

Reverse Engineering Model Types

Our reverse engineering process outputs files in 3 major categories. However, every file is further customized to meet the different requirements of each project.

Shrinkwrap Surface Model

Shrinkwrap Surface Model Sample

Characteristics

  • Captures as-built state
  • Includes manufacturing defects
  • Patch-work of small surfaces
  • Non Class A surface finish

When To Use

  • Need as-built state
  • Designing parts to fit as-built state
  • Surface finish is not critical
  • Free form shapes such as teeth, bones, sculptures, and custom-fit molds

Format: IGES/IGS, STEP/STP, ACIS/SAT, X_T/X_B/Parasolid

Download a sample Shrinkwrap Surface Model. (Zipped IGS 6.71mb; IGS is 19.66mb)

Hybrid Surface Model

Hybrid Surface Model Sample

Characteristics

  • Ideal data converted from scan data
  • Can ignore or incorporate manufacturing defects
  • "Dumb" IGES surfaces or solid
  • Modifications require re-trimming
  • Can be Class A surfaced

When To Use

  • Few modifications to the file are going to be made
  • 2D drawings are needed
  • Surface finish must be smooth (for manufacturing)
  • Buildings parts on or around scanned part

Format: IGES/IGS, STEP/STP, ACIS/SAT, X_T/X_B/Parasolid

Download a sample Hybrid Surface Model. (Zipped IGS 438kb; IGS is 1.46mb)

Parametrics SolidWorks Model

Parametric SolidWorks Model Sample

Characteristics

  • Ideal data converted from scan data
  • Can ignore or incorporate manufacturing defects
  • Parametric solid model
  • Modify model parametrically
  • Can be Class A surfaced
  • Includes feature tree and modeling history

When To Use

  • Modifications to the file are going to be made
  • 2D drawings are needed
  • Surface finish must be smooth (for manufacturing)
  • Buildings parts on or around scanned part

Format: PRT, SLDPRT, SLDASM, ASM, CATpart, CATproduct

Download a sample Parametric Model (SolidWorks). (Zipped SLDPRT 756kb; SLDPRT is 935kb)