Scan Dimension

Scan-to-model

Creating an accurate 3D model of a complex object does not have to be difficult. The SOL and SOL PRO 3D scanners help jump-start your modeling by giving you accurately sized replicas. These can then be incorporate into your project, or used as a reference object in your 3D modeling software.

 

Simple Steps Using SOL or SOL PRO

scan-to-model

 

  1. Scan the object using the SOL or SOL PRO 3D scanner with included Creator software.

  2. Review your scan in the Viewer software.

  3. Export in one of the supported formats: OBJ, STL, XYZ, DAE, and PLY files.

  4. Import your scan into your modeling software.  

  5. Incorporate your scan into your model or project, or use it as a reference as you build something new.


    Modeling file types

    Depending on your modeling software, you may need to export your scan in a specific file type. The most common file type for modeling software is OBJ, but the SOL and SOL PRO software support many more.  

    File format
    Background and usage
    STL
    STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes. The STL format specifies both ASCII and binary representations. Binary files are more common, since they are more compact.  (Learn More)
    OBJ
    An OBJ file is a standard 3D image format that can be exported and opened by various 3D image editing programs. It contains a three-dimensional object including 3D coordinates, texture maps, polygonal faces, and other object information.  The OBJ format is widely considered to be a universal format for 3D image editing applications. The OBJ file commonly contains references to one or more .MTL files, which contains surface shading material.  (Learn More)
    PLY
    PLY is a computer file format known as the Polygon File Format or the Stanford Triangle Format. It was principally designed to store three-dimensional data from 3D scanners. The data storage format supports a relatively simple description of a single object as a list of nominally flat polygons. A variety of properties can be stored, including: color and transparency, surface normals, texture coordinates and data confidence values. The format permits one to have different properties for the front and back of a polygon. (Learn More)
    DAE
    3D interchange file format used for exchanging digital assets between multiple graphics programs; based on the COLLADA (COLLAborative Design Activity) XMLschema, which is now owned and developed by Autodesk.
    XYZ
    The XYZ file format is a chemical file format. There is no formal standard and several variations exist.  The file format is used in computational chemistry programs for importing and exporting geometries.

    The STP file format is not currently supported by SOL and SOL PRO.

     

    Software

    Which 3D modeling software to chose highly depends on your needs, knowledge, budget and other factors.  

    Here are some of the frequently used software.

    Software
    Description
    Blender
    www.blender.org
    Blender is a free and open source 3D creation suite.
    It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline.
    Tinkercad
    www.tinkercad.com
    Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding.
    It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything!
    Autodesk Fusion 360
    www.autodesk.com
    Autodesk Fusion 360 is a 3D CAD/CAM software tool with professional capabilities but is far more user-friendly than other professional solid-body 3D modeling software.
    The program encompasses the whole process of planning, testing and executing a 3D design. It has powerful parametric tools and analytic mesh tools that are well-suited to most challenges in industrial design.
    Rhino3D
    www.rhino3d.com
    Rhino3D modeling software is used in processes of computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and reverse engineering in industries including architecture, industrial design (e.g.automotive design, watercraft design), product design (e.g. jewelry design), as well as for multimedia and graphic design.

    Reviews of modeling software by All3DP:
    Best 3D Modeling Software

     

    Explore workflows​

    Scan-to-Print  Scan-to-Model Scan-to-Inspect Scan-to-Share