What is 3D scanning?

3D scanning measures the geometry of a real, physical object. A 3D scanner will provide an exact digital copy of virtually anything, including the whole palette of HD colors.

This digital copy can then be exported as a polygon mesh file and be used in different computer-aided processes such as 3D modeling, computer-aided design (often referred to as CAD), computer-aided manufacturing or 3D printing.

What is a polygon mesh?

Ha, we knew this question was coming. A mesh is a representation of a 3D model made from thousands of dots (called vertices), all linked together by lines (called edges), which form tiny polygonal shapes (called faces). The assembling of all these geometry elements lead to a mesh-like structure depicting the surface of an object.

Components of the polygon mesh simply match the 3D shape of an object, allowing the use of the object’s 3D model in all computer graphics and 3D design software.

How do the Go!SCAN 3D scanners work?

The scanners project a coded pattern of light from an white light (LED) source. This coded pattern (similar to the “white noise” pattern analog TV sets used to emit, or, for a more recent reference, to a QR code) will match the shape of the object to be scanned. The software, which can decipher the specific code, will then be able to create a 3D geometry of the object from each camera frame.

The different 3D shapes captured in each frame will finally be aligned together based on their geometry, and optimized to provide a clean, quality output, and all this is happening live during the scan.

Are the Go!SCAN 3D eye-safe?

Yes they are. The Go!SCAN 3D scanners present no risk for the eyes, even when used extensively. We have received the rating Exempt Group per IEC 62471:2006 Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems (1st edition).

What is the price of a Go!SCAN 3D scanner?

The Go!SCAN 3D are the most affordable of all the Creaform scanner line-ups. They are entry-level priced, but still offer professional-grade 3D scanning quality and excellent ROI. Their price is that of a compact car.

Is there an additional step to obtain scans in color?

Absolutely not, the color is captured seamlessly; your scan will reproduce the object’s complete color palette. The results are incredibly rich and detailed, with high-definition treatment obtained as soon as you hit the “Stop” button… Should you not need the color feature, you can also deactivate it, for even faster scanning.

Is there another reason to be interested in color?

Combined with the geometry of the part, the colors are recognized by the scanner and used for superior positioning, as a geometry feature or positioning target would be. This translates into even better ease of use. The Go!SCAN 3D is the only scanner that uses color for positioning in real-time!

What kind of setup is required?

The Go!SCAN 3D are stand-alone devices that do not require any tracking or positioning system. They use the object itself as their reference and because of that, both the scanner and the object can be moved during the scan. No need for a rigid or complex setup! We know, that’s nearly revolutionary! It’s kind of the point, actually.

Just plug the USB cable of the scanner in your computer, launch the software, and scan. As simple as that.

What do you mean by resolution?

The resolution of a 3D scanner is its capacity to detect and render details on a surface. For instance if you have a small scratch on a wooden surface, the better the resolution, the most precise the scratch will appear on the 3D model.

The Go!SCAN 3D scanners have a resolution of up to 0.2 mm, which means you will be able to capture pretty fine details on surfaces: roughly the size of a grain of sand.

What do you mean by accuracy?

The accuracy of a 3D scanner can be defined as how it compares to the actual physical object. The greater the accuracy, the closest the 3D model will be to reality.

The Go!SCAN 3D scanners will provide an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm (0.004 in) or 0.3 mm over 1 m (0.012 in over 3 ft). In case you’re wondering, 0.1 mm is smaller than the thickness of a human hair.

Why this difference in accuracy?

It’s a scaling factor; the smaller the scanned object, the greater the accuracy. During our testing phase, we achieved the maximum accuracy of 0.1 mm for objects smaller than 30 cm (11.8 in), and you can add 0.3 mm to the number for each meter (3 feet), in terms of object dimensions.

What kind of results can I expect?

To find out for yourself, please visit our 3D models section and download free samples. Play with them and try them with your own tools and within your own workflow. Please do!

What is included with the scanner?

When purchasing a Go!SCAN 3D unit, you will obtain the scanner with all its accessories, among other things a custom fit carry-on case. You’ll also get the VXelements acquisition software, plus a 1-year warranty. And our customer support, which is pretty much unrivalled, if you’ll allow us.

Which file formats can be exported?

You can export the 3D models directly from the scanner software to all the standard formats:
