3D Scanning

3D scanning, also known as 3D digitizing, is the process of capturing the physical geometry of an object using specialized equipment that collects thousands—even millions—of X, Y, and Z coordinates from its surface.

Each individual coordinate represents a precise point in 3D space, and together, these points form what’s known as a point cloud—a detailed digital representation of the object's shape.

From Points to Polygons

The raw output from a 3D scanner is typically:

A point cloud file (often in ASCII format), listing the X, Y, Z coordinates of each captured point.
A polygonal mesh—usually in STL format—which connects the points into a continuous surface, making it suitable for further processing like reverse engineering, inspection, or 3D printing.

Visual Insight

Using high-precision equipment like the ATOS 3D scanner, we generate both point cloud data and clean mesh models that faithfully replicate your component’s dimensions and geometry.

At Arun 3D Labs, we use photogrammetry, a powerful, non-contact measurement technique to capture accurate 3D data from 2D photographs. This method is ideal for inspecting complex geometries, especially where traditional tools fall short.

The Science Behind Photogrammetry: Triangulation

The core principle of photogrammetry is triangulation. By taking photographs from at least two different viewpoints, we create "lines of sight" from each camera to specific points on the object. These lines (or optical rays) are then mathematically intersected to determine the precise 3D coordinates of those points.

If you’re familiar with theodolites, the concept may seem familiar—both use triangulation to calculate accurate spatial data. In fact, the same principle powers human depth perception: your eyes view an object from slightly different angles, allowing your brain to calculate how far away it is.

A Two-Part Process: Photography and Metrology

We break down photogrammetry into two key components:

Photography – Focuses on capturing high-quality, geometrically accurate images. The choice of lens, lighting, and camera positioning all play a role in the final result.
Metrology – Involves processing these images using specialized software to generate reliable 3D measurements from 2D data.