3D printers are no longer futuristic machines embedded in our imagination. Today, these devices are increasingly found in manufacturing plants, engineering and design companies, educational institutions and other areas. There are also 3D printers designed specifically for the hobbyist or home consumer.
3D printers are used by consumers both for personal needs (creating souvenirs, figurines, etc.) and for work purposes. The machines are used in a wide range of areas, including medicine, construction, science, car making, etc.
However, the capabilities of a 3D printer would be impossible without 3D scanners that transfer data about a physical object into a digital format. From there, special computer programs are used to create a 3D model, which can later be sent to print.
In fact, scanning is only the first stage of work. The major work falls on the processing of the collected information.
Specialized software analyzes the information received and creates a virtual copy based on it. Moreover, it can eliminate possible errors and errors made during the scanning process, and much more.
Today, we’ll look at the best 3D scanner software for beginners as well as professionals, which can solve almost any user problem.
Best 3D Scanner Software
1. Photomodeler Scanner
is a simple but functional software capable of creating 3D models of varying degrees of complexity. The software is easy to learn for beginners and there are tutorials on how to recreate virtual copies of everything, anything, even a person.
You can set the characteristics of the future object in Photomodeler Scanner using 3 methods:
- by prescribing the parameters manually;
- automatically, from already laid beacons;
- from point cloud from overlapping images.
In the latter case, you will also need to indicate the position of the camera during shooting and mark the control points on the images, linking them together.
In Photomodeler Scanner, you can create all kinds of schemes, graphs, different planes, extend a 3D line and much more.
This application is affordable but also allows you to get professional results with a minimum of effort.
2. Geomagic Design X (formerly known as RapidForm)
is one of the best 3D scanner software programs. The program stands out for its quality and versatility, as it is suitable for creating many 3D printer models.
The software analyzes the data obtained with a 3D scanner and creates an accurate 3D model. If you need to make any changes, you can do so easily. This software is simple and straightforward to use.
Geomagic Design has several types of programs:
- XOS – designed to regulate and control 3D scanning, as well as process the resulting images.
- XOR is widely used in design, as it has a huge number of tools for 3D modeling. With it, you can create high-precision 3D models (point cloud) of almost anything.
- XOV – allows you to control the quality of the resulting 3D image, which makes it possible to maximize its detail.
3. RangeVision ScanCenter
has a huge selection of functions and tools for creating high-precision 3D digital copy of an object. To analyze the data, unique algorithms are used to convey not only the geometry of the scanned object, but also its color (up to shades, including white) and texture.
This 3D scanner software is suitable for both beginners and advanced users as it is intuitive and easy to use.
This 3D scanner software can work in various scanning modes: free, with markers and on a turntable. The resulting file can be exported to all popular formats.
All actions of the program are automated (calibration, tuning, analysis of the quality of scans, etc). This greatly facilitates the task and gives the best result at the output.
4. Geomagic Control X / Design X / Wrap
is a 3D scanner software that is available in in 3 versions: Wrap, Control X, Design X. The program uses the latest technologies for topological shape recognition. With the software, you can not only project a 3D image of an object, but also analyze the degree of its possible wear and tear.
This software is often used in reverse engineering.
Let’s look at what you can accomplish with the various versions of Geomagic.
Geomagic Design X
This is a 3D reversible design software that can combine CAD and 3D scan processing based on design to create detailed CAD models. This can be done both in automatic mode and manually by setting parameters and editing the processing of the point cloud and polygonal meshes.
Geomagic Control X
This software is designed for quality and geometry control of 3D models. The software features a range of scanning tools. There program also has reporting and data analysis capabilities.
Wrap
This software is used in modeling and design to process point clouds and polygonal meshes. The program works quickly and accurately, and can optimize models without them losing their original properties, such as texture. After processing the scanned data using Wrap, the created 3D project can be printed.
Wrap is suitable for working with both small and large objects.
With the Geomagic software package, you can control the quality of scans and export the 3D models created in various formats.
5. FARO Scene
Faro is one of the leading manufacturer of 3D scanners, and also develops its own 3D scanner software. One of the best 3D scanner software from the company is Faro Scene. This software is compatible with both Faor scanners and 3rd party 3D scanners.
The software is effective in processing scans. It can combine them, carry out all sorts of measurements, visualize data, etc. The program also allows you to transfer color from the photo to the finished model by overlaying and its further balancing.
6. 3DF Zephyr
is one of the most popular 3D scanner software due to its convenience and simplicity. The interface is simple and easy to understand.
This software is suitable for both amateurs and professionals. The latter will especially like the large selection of tools and settings, including the ability to transfer the resulting 3D model to CAD software.
7. Colmap
is indispensable when you need to quickly and easily create a 3D copy of an object. The software makes it possible to use a 3D mesh from one camera or several. This approach is very convenient where you need to scan a large number of items in a short time.
However, with Colmpa, you cannot edit 3D models without additional software. Nevertheless, the quality of such 3D images is quite acceptable.
8. PolyWorks
allows you to analyze the accuracy and quality of the resulting 3D scans.
PolyWorks is widely used in areas where maximum detailing of a 3D object and its accurate reproduction is required, e.g., in medicine, automotive, construction, design, etc.
9. Vxmodel
Produced by Creaform, Vxmodel is created specifically for reverse engineering products as well generating 3D scan data. With the software, you can edit the polygonal model, its alignment, extract primitives, build surfaces and export objects.
This software can process information from any 3D scanner, translate it to work in CAD and prepare it for 3D printing, therefore it is very convenient to use.
10. Artec Studio
is a high-quality 3D scan software with a wide range of tools. The software is friendly for beginners thanks to the “Autopilot” mode, which simplifies the process of processing 3D scanning data. In this mode, the software independently selects algorithms based on the user’s answers.
With Artec Studio, you can control the quality of a 3D model not only at the processing stage (compatible with Geomagic Control X), but also in the process, giving a color signal about how close/far the operator is from the object when scanning.
The software can select the degree of sensitivity of the scanner by analyzing the type and complexity of the surface. This makes it possible to digitize even dark and shiny objects. This software defines the colors and configuration of the scanned object well, making it unnecessary to apply markers.
Artec Studio easily copes with large amounts of data. Therefore, it is ideal for 3D scanning of various buildings and structures All operations are performed quickly and efficiently.
This software is suitable for formatting scans for CAD.
Conclusion
All the 3D scanning software highlighted above have advanced tools and options to perform various complex tasks. The programs are suitable for both professionals and beginners, since they have a high degree of automation and simple interfaces.
Most 3D scanner manufacturers produce their own software for their scanners. However, most of the software can be used on third-party devices without losing the quality of work. You can use any of the listed 3D modeling software.
