Frequently Asked Questions

General

1)Q. What is included with the scanner?

The Optix Interchangeable Head system comes with a choice of 2 heads in any configuration. Depending on what the user is planning to scan, they may choose a larger scanning head for more scan area and a smaller head for more detailed objects. The software that comes with the scanner will provide everything necessary for reverse engineering. Users will be able to align, merge, and process separate scans to get a final 3D model exportable to various file types. The necessary power and USB cables are included as well as a 1 year limited warranty.

2)Q. What are the advantages of multiple heads?

Our interchangeable head system adds scanning versatility with no extra cost. It is practically two scanners in one. Users can now acquire fine details as well as large areas by simply interchanging the scanner head. Each head comes pre-calibrated so there is minimal setup time, other than physically sliding the head off of the main body. Within a few minutes users begin scanning again.

3)Q. Where is the Optix Scanner used?

The Optix has a wide range of applications in many different industries. Advantages of an Optix scanner can be found in Inspection, Reverse Engineering, and Rapid Prototyping. Many of our scanners are being used by defense contractors, engineering firms, educational institutions, as well as medical doctors.

4)Q. How portable is the Optix?

The Optix weighs about 7 lbs and is plug-and-play operable with the Windows platform. It can be used at any angle and in any typical environment whether that is outdoors or indoors. It is tripod mountable and easy to relocate and move.

5)Q. Who purchases the Optix?

The Optix is purchased by those who need a high performance non-contact scanner. It has the capability of capturing the detail on a single tooth, or scanning large areas of an automotive body panel with accuracy of higher cost scanners. It serves those who are looking for an accurate tool for inspection or reverse engineering.

6)Q. How does it capture 3D data?

The scanner uses a laser line that is swept across the object using a rotating mirror. The laser light is acquired through the CCD lens. Knowing both the angle of the laser line and the distance between CCD lens and laser through triangulation it can recreate the precise 3D point cloud.

7)Q. Do I need training?

No, even beginners can handle our system. Our system is set up so that after you have installed the software and set up the scanner, you can begin scanning. We do however provide very detailed manuals and videos to help the user learn and become familiar with the scanning process quickly. However, if support is needed the highly trained engineering staff is available and happy to answer any questions or concerns. If a customer wishes to be trained using the scanner they can come to our facility in Connecticut, and receive training at no additional cost. This training can be done any time after the purchase of the scanner.

8)Q. What is the learning curve for the Optix?

As suggested in the last question there is a very short learning curve. The software is easy to understand. Our customer reviews have told us that in short period of time they were able to produce professional quality scans.

9)Q. What is you warranty policy and what does that include?

We offer a one year warranty. This includes re-calibration and repair. We do offer extended warranty options. For more information on our warranty policy please contact us at sara@3ddigitalcorp.com

10)Q. Do you have special pricing for educational institutions?

Yes. Please contact sara@3ddigitalcorp.com for more information.

11)Q. Do you have special bulk pricing?

Yes. Please contact sara@3ddigitalcorp.com for more information.

Specifications

12)Q. How large is the scan area?

The scan area varies per scanning head. The short range 400S has an approximate scan area of 100mm x 90mm (4x 3.5) at 200mm (8), while the long range 400L is approximately 500mm x 450mm (20x 18) at 900mm (36). It is possible to place the scanner farther from the object to increase the scan area, however this can affect the resolution of the scan. Please see the detailed specifications for more information.

13)Q. What is the accuracy?

The accuracy also varies between the different head models. Standard deviations on an ideal surface are within 15 microns (0.0006) for the 400S head. Please see the detailed specifications for more information.

14)Q. What is the resolution?

The closer the distance between the object and the Optix scanner, the lower the point to point spacing. We offer 4 different head models which have a wide range of operating distances, so the user has a choice for tighter or more relaxed resolutions. It is possible to achieve sub 60 micron resolution with the 400S head. Please see the detailed specifications for more information.

15)Q. What is operating range?

The operating range varies from each head model. The short range 400S operates from 100-200mm (4-8), while the 400L operates from 300-900mm (12-36). Please see the detailed specifications for more information.

16)Q. What is the scan density?

The Optix scanner can capture up to 1000 x 1000 points per scan.

Performance

17)Q. What file formats does it produce?

Native point cloud format PMJX. Standard point clouds such as ASCII, and triangulated point clouds such as OBJ, STL.

18)Q. What can you do with the 3D data?

The data can be used by any CAD and CAM programs for direct milling, editing, and other functions typically performed by these types of software. It can be readily imported into any scanning software for further mesh functions as well as for inspection against CAD data.

19)Q. How long does it take to scan?

Scan time is determined by the resolution of each scan, or the desired density per scan. Higher density scans require a longer capture time but objects can be captured in a little as 7 seconds per scan.

20)Q. How do you scan objects larger than scan area?

The merging and aligning software that comes with the scanner uses common feature recognition to align and merge scans. This means that as long as there is overlap and common features amongst two scans the software has the capability of automatic aligning. If there is not enough overlap or common features between the scans then markers are used in software to align and merge scans.

21)Q. Can the scanner scan shinny, or dark objects?

Yes. However, to get a more detailed scan we recommend that you coat the object in a chalk powder, or anything to reduce the reflectivity or translucency of the object.

22)Q. Is there a color texture option?

Yes. We offer a color texture option which captures true 7MP color images and overlays the information over the point cloud. With this option rich color information can be added to the scan data for more appeal in animation applications.

Computer System

23)Q. What operating systems does the scanner require?

The scanner can work on MS Windows NT 4, 2000, XP Professional, and VISTA.

24)Q. How does the scanner connect to computer system?

The scanner connects using a USB cable

25)Q. What are the computer system requirements?

Operating System: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista 32 bit
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or comparable (ie. AMD Athlon)
Processor Frequency: 2.0 GHz or higher
Memory: 1 GB (2GB recommended)
Hard Drive: 20 Gb
3D Graphics Accelerator:
API: OpenGL 1.1 or higher
Memory: 128 MB or higher
Configuration: AGP or PCI

26)Q. Does it work with both 110 and 220 voltages without the need for a converter?

Yes. The power pack can work with both 110 volts and 220 volts without a problem.