3D scanning technology has broad applications in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, gaming, architecture, and research, among others. Its success depends heavily on the software used to process the data captured by a 3D scanner. A variety of software programs are used in conjunction with 3D scanners, each for a different use case. One of the most popular software tools for 3D scanning is Geomagic Design X, which is an extremely powerful tool with robust reverse engineering capabilities. It can process point cloud data from a 3D scanner and create CAD models from this data, hence finding its application in product design, prototyping, and quality inspection. A survey conducted by Engineering.com found that more than 35% of design engineers rely on Geomagic to transform scanned data into usable designs, particularly in automotive and aerospace applications. Another commonly used software for editing and processing 3D triangular meshes is MeshLab, an open-source tool. Special features in MeshLab include various filters that allow detailed clean-up and refinement of the raw data collected from a 3D scanner. It can open multiple file formats, like PLY, STL, and OBJ. It is used, for instance, in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. It handles complex mesh processing tasks such as smoothing, remeshing, and mesh alignment with ease, making it a popular choice among both researchers and hobbyists.
For industrial applications, SolidWorks integrates seamlessly with 3D scanning devices to allow direct conversion of scanned data into 3D models that can be used in the design process. SolidWorks is the most-adopted CAD tool according to Dassault Systèmes, with over 3 million users worldwide. It allows engineers to manipulate scanned data, test simulations, and refine designs to meet specific tolerances-a critical factor in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing.
Cura by Ultimaker is one of the most prominent software solutions for the rapid prototyping and 3D printing industry that can work with 3D scanner data to prepare models for printing. It is compatible with a range of 3D printers, offering a number of options to customize print quality and material usage. According to 3DPrint.com, Cura has been downloaded over 12 million times, making it one of the most popular slicing software tools for 3D printing. Users can import scanned files, adjust settings, and generate the necessary G-code for 3D printing.
For those in the medical field, 3D Slicer provides specialized tools to process data captured from medical 3D scanners. This is an open-source software that helps in visualizing and analyzing medical data, like CT or MRI scans, and converting such data into 3D models for surgical planning, implant design, and educational purposes. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Digital Imaging, 3D Slicer is an extremely usable tool in both academic and clinical environments because it provides access free of charge and with comprehensive medical imaging and analysis capabilities.
Furthermore, Artec Studio is a program created to interact with the range of handheld 3D scanners manufactured by Artec 3D, among others. It contains intuitive interfaces and tools for the professional user from almost every sector. This software enables real-time data processing, automatic alignment, and has some advanced features for texturing. Its usage is extended in a wide number of fields such as automotive, consumer electronics, and heritage preservation.
Where it comes to 3D scanning, this will define effective data processing and therefore its end result. According to one prominent practitioner in industrial design, Mark Thompson: “The software makes and can even break a 3D scanning project. It does not stop at data acquisition alone, but in the use to which the data may then be subjected.”
Feel free to get details in much the same vein over at RevoPoint 3D about what makes their 3d scanner and Software function together.