3D Laser Scanning Services and the Challenge of Reflective Surfaces

3D scanning of reflective surfaces is a technical challenge. 3D scanners use lasers to measure depth and surface angles, which can bounce off shiny objects like glass or metal. Deflections and reflections make it difficult for 3D scanners that work because the angle of incidence (the angle at which light hits a surface) is directly related to the reflected angle, often causing the rays to bounce off and away from the scanner’s sensor. 3D laser scanning services have had to develop specific techniques for 3D scanning reflective surfaces.

Why do 3D scanners need to care about reflective surfaces?

Many industries, like automotive manufacturing, rely on 3D scanning services to create accurate digital models of objects. The reflective surfaces of cars and other vehicles can cause problems for 3D scanners, so 3D laser scanning services that offer Reflective Surface Detection (RSD) have become an important part of the industry. RSD is a process that uses software algorithms and 3D data acquired by 3D scanning services to remove or separate reflections and deflections in 3D scans.

What is 3D deflectometry? How does it work?

Aircraft modelers use 3D deflectometry to test the surface angle of wing surfaces. They shine a pattern of light through an arc onto the model and 3D scan the reflected pattern. They can determine the surface angle of any part of the model. This process is also used for 3D scanning reflective objects like car bodies.

The automotive manufacturing industry has been one of the biggest drivers of 3D scanning innovation, and 3D scanning services that can handle reflective surfaces are in high demand. 3D deflectometry is one such technology developed to meet this need. With the help of 3D scanning services that offer RSD, automotive manufacturers can get an accurate digital model of their products – complete with all the reflections and deflections present on the actual object. It’s important for tasks like quality control, where manufacturers need to ensure that their products meet all the required specifications.

Growing demand for 3D laser scanning services for reflective surfaces

3D scanning services that can handle reflective surfaces are in high demand. 3D deflectometry is one such technology developed to meet this need. With the help of services that offer RSD, automotive manufacturers can get an accurate digital model of their products – complete with all the reflections and deflections present on the actual object. It’s important for tasks like quality control, where manufacturers need to ensure that their products meet all the required specifications.

Scanning services are constantly evolving to meet the needs of new industries, so it’s no surprise 3D scanning of reflective surfaces is also becoming more common.