Frequently Asked Questions

An .STL file, or stereolithography file, is a raw triangulated mesh surface, typically used as a generic 3D scanning file format. It does not carry colour or unit information, just the triangles making up the mesh surface. This means that any parametric shapes the triangles appear to create are not parametric at all, because they are just a series of triangles.

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A solid model file, commonly in STEP, IGES or Parasolid format, are 3D part files supported by various CAD software programs. They contain shape information that can be used for manufacturing processes. Parametric shapes are recognized as such and can be modified.

No, our 3D scanners are optical scanners, meaning they can only scan what they see. They use visible (or infrared) light patterns and signals to capture the geometry of the surfaces on which they are projected.

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If you can't see a surface, then neither can the scanner. 

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Rapid3D will always be your first call for support. Most of the time we can solve your issues and answer your questions right away. In the rare case we cannot come to a conclusion, we have the full support of our OEMs and their resources for assistance.

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To get back onto a support or maintenance plan, contact us today.

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Coming soon! We will provide answers for FAQ for our most popular software shortly. For now, feel free to contact us. 

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In most cases, no. There are some exceptions, like scanning a sculpture where an exact replica is desired. However, scan data is different from a CAD model. A cylinder in a CAD model is recognized as such and has associated dimensions. A scanned cylinder is a series of triangles to form the surface with no associated shape information. If the scanned cylinder is out of round, this would be included in the final print of the part if it was not properly reverse engineered. After scanning is complete, a CAD model must be created from the scan data that can then be used for manufacturing. 

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Any of the Creaform BLACK or the new SILVER series scanners are capable of scanning shiny and chrome objects, it's no problem. In other cases, AESUB scanning spray is an excellent option to coat the difficult-to-scan surfaces in a matte, white powder. 

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Handheld 3D scanners can be positioned in 3D space differently, which we refer to as their positioning method. The first way scanners are tracked are through arm-based systems, which are typically rigid and difficult to move. The second method is called tracked 3D scanners, where the scanner is positioned by an external optical tracking device, like the MetraSCAN and C-Track. The third method is through positioning targets, where the scanner looks for the unique pattern of positioning dots and triangulates its position, like the HandySCAN. The fourth method is positioning through natural features, like the Go!SCAN. This method is convenient but not the most accurate option.

For practical applications, no. Most CAD software is not equipped to actually allow the user to interact with the scan data enough to extract useful reverse engineering information for modeling and design work. The STL files come in as a sort of graphic body, almost like a background image. Depending on the size of the STL, it may not even import and if it does most CAD software cannot handle such large amounts of data efficiently. 

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For more specific CAD program questions, contact us today.

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It depends! Each scanner has its own specific accuracy specification, and can be based on different measurement standards. However, our most accurate 3D handheld scanner is the HandySCAN Black+ Elite LIMITED, accurate to 0.012mm locally, and 0.012 + 0.015mm/m volumetrically.

If your scanner is under an active Complete or Complete Plus plan, calibrations are included. Simply email creaform.support@ametek.com and provide the following information:

- E-mail subject: Calibration Request 

- serial # of your scanner

- your courier, account# and shipping address for the return of the scanner after calibration

- Preference for Ground or Overnight service

- Details of any other concerns you are having with your scanner

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For detailed shipping instructions, click here.

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When you purchase any of our scanners and software, the license is perpetual. If you receive this message, it typically means that you have installed a later version of the software where the old license is no longer active. For Creaform products, simply update your license by connecting to Online Services in the Product Manager and pressing the orange download arrow. Similarly, you can manually download the latest license from the Customer Portal.

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Yes! The scanners can scan anything they see. Handheld white-light scanners, like the Peel 3D or the Go!SCAN Spark, are best suited for scanning human faces and bodies. The scanners have a setting that allows for accurate data collection while compensating for minor movements (breathing, small twitches, etc). 

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All AESUB products are designed specifically to be used for 3D scanning applications. Each spray is a white, matte powder meant for coating shiny, transparent, and dark surfaces that are normally difficult to 3D scan. 

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AESUB White: this is a permanent spray until you wash or wipe it off. 

AESUB Blue: this is a disappearing spray, lasting between 30 mins and 4 hours. 

AESUB Orange: this is a disappearing spray, lasting up to 24 hours

AESUB Green: this is a liquid spray meant to be used with a spray gun, lasting up to 12 hours.

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All optical scanners will struggle with transparent materials. They work under the assumption that there will be a reflection of their light pattern back toward the camera sensors. With clear surfaces, the light pattern will shine straight through. 

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Using AESUB Scanning Spray, it is possible to coat the transparent surfaces with a temporary matte, opaque, white layer of powder.

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No, 3D scanners scan to a mesh file also known as an STL. There is still work to be done to convert the scan data to a CAD model using specialized scan-to-CAD reverse engineering software.

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Sometimes Rapid3D will offer pre-owned demo units for purchase, depending on availability. 

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Contact us for more information. 

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If your scanner is under an active Complete or Complete Plus, plan calibrations are included. Simply email creaform.support@ametek.com and provide the following information:

- E-mail subject: Hot Swap Calibration Request 

- serial # of your Scanner and C-track

- your courier, account# and shipping address for the shipment of fresh calibration artifacts

- Preference for Ground or Overnight shipment

- Details of any other concerns you are having with your scanner

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For detailed shipping instructions, click here.

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While many of the 3D scanners we offer are versatile, there is no single scanner that does it all. Depending on your application, you may be more suited for a long-range hemispherical scanner to scan very large objects or structures, a handheld scanner for parts from 5cm to 4 m, or a stationary, fixed-volume scanner for tiny parts under 5cm. Each technology works differently so they can each be used in different scenarios.

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Positioning targets are used in order for the 3D scanners to understand where they are located in 3D space. The scanner triangles its position based on its cameras and pattern of the target dots. The benefits of targets include added traceability and accuracy standards, as well as the scan data quality being resistant to shop-floor vibrations since the reference is linked to the part itself

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Some scanners do not require as many or any positioning targets. Contact us today for more information and whether it is suitable for your application.

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All AESUB products are designed specifically to be used for 3D scanning applications. Each spray is a white, matte powder meant for coating shiny, transparent, and dark surfaces that are normally difficult to 3D scan. 

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AESUB White: this is a permanent spray until you wash or wipe it off. 

AESUB Blue: this is a disappearing spray, lasting between 30 mins and 4 hours. 

AESUB Orange: this is a disappearing spray, lasting up to 24 hours

AESUB Green: this is a liquid spray meant to be used with a spray gun, lasting up to 12 hours.

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Accuracy and resolution are two different things even though they are often incorrectly used interchangeably.

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Accuracy is the deviation between the measurements taken by the 3D scanner to the actual part. It is the range of error that is inherent to the measurement. The accuracy range remains constant for a particular 3D scanner. 

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Resolution refers to the quantity and spacing of measurements points. It allows the 3D scanner to capture fewer or more details depending on the spacing of the measurements.

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