How to Make a 3D Scan

You have probably heard that 3D scanning is the new black now: this technique of capturing objects in reality to translate them into a 3D look is used in many fields and areas. This greatly facilitates the work of a 3D artist and takes a minimum of time.

However, few people know that you can create a 3D model even with a smartphone. Some smartphones already have a built-in 3D scanner app installed by default, such as SONY Xperia XZ1, Lenovo PHAB2 Pro and iPhone 12. For other phones, this application needs to be downloaded separately from the App Store or Google Market.

In any case, 3D scanning is now a really useful feature that both beginners and professionals use. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to 3D scan an object for 3D printing, making the process of creating a 3D model from a real-world object simple and accessible.

What to Do if You Need a 3D Scan an Object

The quality of 3D scanning depends not only on the technical characteristics of the scanner but also on your ability to use it effectively. In this article, we have put together a quick guide that will help you take your scanning technique to the next level, even if you’re a beginner 3D modeler.

By taking the tips below into account, you’ll be able to accurately digitize even the most complex and highly detailed physical objects of various sizes and shapes. Our guide focuses on practical advice for scanning objects, ensuring you get the best results possible.

Advantages of ordering at CyberFox

CyberFox offers a great professional solution for your 3D scanning needs. You can order any service related to 3D modeling from us in a matter of minutes. Our team creates accurate three-dimensional models of your objects and can integrate them into virtual reality, allowing you to view and modify the shape, materials, and color of the scanned item. Why choose us?

Punctuality

We give you a realistic assessment of the work completion time. You always get the job right on time.

Flexibility

Based on your project, we will suggest how to achieve the best result. Just send the materials you have.

Knowledge

Our experience and knowledge allow us to offer the best solutions to show your ideas. If you have questions, just ask.

Speed

We perfectly understand when you need visualizations urgently. We work fast.

Experience

We share our expert opinion on how best to present your project because we care.

Saving time

You do not need to understand the software or 3D imaging technology. Everything is available at CyberFox.

How 3D Scanning Works?

Let’s take a minute to understand the theory and terminology. What is a 3D scan? It’s a digital representation of real-world objects or people, created using devices like phones, tablets, computers, or specialized 3D scanning gadgets.

The process involves capturing shapes and colors using depth sensors, often with an infrared transmitter that projects thousands of microdots onto the object. During scanning, these special sensors collect data about the item’s surface and form, creating a finished 3D model as a result.

If you’re satisfied with the 3D scan, you can use it as is. However, you always have the option to edit it with 3D modeling software. After that, you can use your 3D model in various ways – for advertisements, VR games, or even 3D printing. Let’s explore how to scan an object for 3D printing and what post-processing tools you need to create a perfect 3D model – read on to learn more about the fascinating world of 3D scanning.

What do I Need to Create a 3D Model on My Smartphone?

Reading the heading, you might think your smartphone is the only important tool for creating a 3D model, but it’s not quite that simple. You need to consider several factors, especially if your phone doesn’t have built-in 3D scanning capabilities. Let’s cover the main things to keep in mind when you want to scan objects using your smartphone.

Choosing the right application If your smartphone doesn’t have built-in 3D scanning like the SONY Xperia XZ1, you’ll need to download the right app. For iOS, apps like Scandy Pro or Polycam can capture objects instantly in Photogrammetry Mode using the special LIDAR sensor, which works only with iPhone 11 Pro and higher or any rear-facing camera capable of photogrammetry.

Latest versions of iOS You won’t be able to use 3D scanning apps with iOS versions lower than 14.0. This is because the LIDAR sensor is only available in newer versions, so you can’t perform 3D scanning with older models like the iPhone 7.

Lights and shadows Lighting is crucial when capturing any object for a 3D model, especially when using just a smartphone camera. Avoid dark and blurry environments; instead, try to scan in a well-lit, clear space or set up good lighting for the object you’re going to scan.

A tripod and a turntable While optional, these tools can be very helpful: a tripod will make the whole process easier and faster, and a turntable can rotate small objects, allowing you to capture similar high-quality, sharp images from all angles.

Top 3D Scanning Apps for Smartphones

If you don’t have a 3D scanning software already installed on your smartphone by default, you will need to download it yourself. The applications we are going to speak about further are the ones that are based on the photogrammetric method. It is a 3D scanning technology allowing the creation of 3D models out of 2D pictures or photos. 

Photogrammetry software is a technique used when making a 3D model. When you take overlapping pictures of an object you need to have in 3D, you do it from different angles, and the special software combines all of the pictures together and generates a volumetric 3D model that can be turned around and edited in any way you need. So the higher the resolution of the device you take photos on and the more high quality pictures you have, the better 3-dimensional image you will get in the result.

Let’s take a look at the applications that are able to 3D scanning physical objects and their main features, so we could answer the question of how to scan something for 3d printing.

Qlone

The first on the list is the Qlone app, a popular 3D scanner application with lots of tools having its own pros and cons. For example, the key feature of it is its merging capabilities: the program is taught to show the better 3D result out of a variety of different 2D pictures while scanning and rendering. When you are finished with your 3D model scan you may share it on any social platform. 

On the other hand, the work with the applications starts with printing a black and white mat, which looks very similar to QR-code and putting an object you need to have in 3D on top of the mat. This is technically not very hard, but still takes more time and resources. 

One more thing is, exports of all the photos and 3D scans are available in different formats like .OBJ, .STL, .PLY, .X3D, but you need to pay for each finished work to export it.

Trnio

Trnio is known to be a great app for scanning objects offering two working modes: the object mode and the scene mode. The first one is about capturing one object from various angles, and the second one is focused on moving around large and transparent objects items scanning such things like landscapes, buildings, streets and other outdoors objects.

Strengths are, for all steps of usage of the application you get clear guidelines, so you will never miss any. Another advantage is social media space within the application. Registering an account, you can create your own 3D collection of models and be shared, liked and followed by other accounts.

Speaking of weaknesses, it works only with iOS, so Androids stay aside at this point. 

Scann3d

While the previous app was only for iPhone owners, this application is only for Androids.

The key points of the Scann3d are its simplicity in using and beautiful and catchy design of the interface. Beginners use the app because it has got the result in instant, you don’t need to do hard work in settings or do any kind of preparations and all the rendering process is performed automatically.

But also according to the feedback of users it is known to be too primitive having only the easiest way of rendering and developing a 3D model, so it suits well only for simple projects.

Scandy Pro

This application is used by many people mostly because of its wide spectrum of tools and features that allows to render large files and is able to generate high-quality 3D models. Supporting all kinds of formats needed for exporting of 3D files, it doesn’t let pictures lose quality while collecting all data and forming a 3D image.

Although the other side of it, the app is compatible with iOS only, but for some reason files aren’t stored in the Cloud space, so once deleted, they can never be recovered back. Some are concerned about it, calling it the biggest disadvantage of the app. 

itSeez3D

The app is widely used in cases when small objects are needed to be scanned. Scanning big ones is a challenge for this application and it is said that the quality of a finished 3D model scan can be quite low from time to time. 

Though it’s important to mention, the procedure of rendering and creating takes minutes and is not very time consuming, and the scanning process itself is totally free and unlimited, but you need to pay for every exported file.

Bevel

This application is of the rarest ones that are compatible with both Android and iOS and is known to be very easy to use (must be plugged-in to a device) and absolutely free to download and export files. 

In addition, it doesn’t take up much memory storage space during operation. A special eye-safe laser usually captures scales and geometric details, while a smartphone camera is only able to capture textures or colors, so rendering and scanning in Bevel are performed extremely fast, in seconds. However there is the other side of the coin which is related to lack of features (the app literally can do the scanning and simple editing only), for example, it can’t generate 360° 3D scans.

Polycam

It’s a very popular application that also can be used on both Android and iOS and is very powerful. Professionals say about this app that it’s a good one for scanning, mentioning it has got two modes: Photo Mode and LiDAR Mode. The first one is a great tool for creating a 3D model by photogrammetric method and the second technology is about processing certain scenes: sceneries, streets and so on. 

On the contrary, it’s focused on creating more detailed things, so the operating process takes time so it’s good when you need complex things done in 3D.

Creating a 3D model using a smartphone is quite simple. Here’s a workflow that covers the essential steps for 3D scanning:

• Step 1: Prepare your Object for Scanning First, set up your object. Mount it on a turntable or place it on a plain surface to capture it from multiple angles. Consider the object’s size when choosing your setup.
• Step 2: Set the Lighting When preparing for 3D scanning, avoid uneven or harsh direct lighting. Ensure your object stands out from the background for a high-quality 3D scan.
• Step 3: Set your smartphone For stable shots, mount your phone on a tripod before you start scanning.
• Step 4: Open the App and start taking pictures Open a 3D scanning app that suits your phone model and begin capturing photos. Take at least 20 photos, but remember: more photos result in a clearer, more accurate 3D model.
• Step 5: Photograph the object from all sides and angles Use a turntable to rotate the entire object, or move around it with your camera. Capture the object’s surface from every angle, including areas you might miss at first glance.
• Step 6: Choose the options you need After uploading all the photos, it’s time to create the 3D model. Most 3D scanning software offers resolution options: reduced, medium, or full. Select mesh size and texture settings, and choose object masking to filter out the background.
• Step 7: Generate a 360-degree video Some apps allow you to create a 360-degree video of your scanned object.
• Step 8: Processing photos and creating a 3D model The app will now process the photos and render the 3D model. This creates a point cloud that forms the basis of your 3D scan. Check multiple scans to ensure accuracy.
• Step 9: Export, save and share your model Once your 3D model is complete, you can export and save it in formats like .OBJ, .STL, or .PLY, ready to share or use in other applications.

Tips for 3D Scanning Objects

When it comes to 3D scanning, there are several important tips to keep in mind for achieving high-quality scans. Let’s explore how to 3D scan an object effectively:

Lighting is crucial: Use proper lighting with balanced white color and avoid shadows. Shadows can interfere with the scanner’s ability to capture fine details and create an accurate point cloud.

Camera positioning: Set up your camera or scanner so that the entire object fits in the frame. Maintain an equal distance between the camera and the object’s surface for every shot. This consistency helps capture intricate details from different angles. Tripods or turntables are excellent options for maintaining this consistency.

Multiple angles: To create an accurate 3D scan, capture the object from various angles. This approach ensures that all sides of the object are recorded, resulting in a complete and detailed 3D model.

Resolution: Aim for high-quality scans by using the highest resolution your 3D scanning setup allows. This will help capture even the finest details of the object’s surface.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating accurate and detailed 3D scans of objects, preserving their intricate features in digital form.

Tips for 3D Scanning People

When it comes to 3D scanning people, the process is surprisingly straightforward. To capture a face, you simply need to walk around the person, using your scanner to capture images from one ear to the other. This creates a complete 3D scan of their profile.

As you move around, maintain a consistent distance from the face. This ensures that all edges and angles are captured accurately, leaving no detail behind. Remember, the goal of 3D scanning is to create a precise digital representation of the human body.

Two important tips to keep in mind:

1. Ask the person to maintain the same facial expression throughout the scanning. This consistency helps the scanner capture accurate data without confusion.
2. Position the person in front of a plain, monotone background. This separation prevents the colors of the body and face from blending with the background, resulting in a cleaner 3D scan.

By following these simple guidelines, you can achieve impressive results when 3D scanning people, even as a beginner.

Conclusion

3D scanning has rapidly evolved from a novel concept to an essential tool in various industries. Just a few years ago, creating a 3D model with a smartphone was groundbreaking. Today, it’s become the norm, with software developers constantly improving these applications to enhance image quality, reduce rendering time, and expand the scope of 3D technology in our modern world.

Different types of 3D scanning technologies, from smartphone apps to advanced laser scanners, have made it possible to create accurate models of both small objects and larger objects. The scanning process has become more accessible, allowing users to scan an object and create detailed 3D models without extensive 3D design skills.

This powerful technology has found applications in diverse fields, from video game design and virtual reality to reverse engineering and CAD software integration. The ability to capture objects in digital form has revolutionized the design process in many industries.

However, challenges remain. Transparent objects and transparent surfaces can be difficult to scan due to how they interact with reflected light. Different strategies and post-processing tools are often needed to handle these complex cases.

As 3D scanning technology continues to advance, we’re seeing more features that allow for multiple scans to be combined, creating even more detailed and accurate models. Most scanners now come with software tools for post-processing, enabling users to refine their 3D models after the initial scan.

At CyberFox, we’re at the forefront of this technology, creating high-quality 3D models for a wide range of clients. Our studio has extensive experience in producing 3D models and animations for many large companies. We offer affordable prices and a flexible approach, ensuring high-quality teamwork throughout the project.

Whether you’re looking to scan small objects or tackle larger projects, having the right equipment and understanding of the technology is key. If you have any questions about 3D scanning or how it can benefit your specific needs, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help you navigate this exciting and rapidly evolving field.