When searching for an impactful 3D Solution for your products or services, you will have to choose the right way of creation of 3D Models. Just 10 years ago, the automated way of 3D Models creation simply didn’t exist. Nowadays, in contrast, there are two options available – Custom 3D Modeling and Laser Scanning.
Custom 3D Modeling and Laser Scanning are often perceived as competitors. Both technologies seem to have the same goals and therefore look interchangeable. As a result, one often wonders what to choose when looking for CGI services.
It is certainly true that the spheres of influence of Custom 3D Modeling and 3D Scanning overlap. However, are they exactly the same? To answer the question, let’s have a closer look at both.
Laser Scanning
Laser scanning is a process of 3D data collection by passing of a laser line over the surface of a certain object or environment. The process is performed with a laser scanner, equipped with a special sensor capturing the information on the exact shape and size. Particularly advanced laser scanners can even perceive the information about color. Most noteworthy, it works by registering 3D points in space, so the information is highly accurate and comes in form of “data cloud”. Afterwards, the data received is processed on computer to receive the final result.
Types of Technologies used for 3D Scanning
3D scanning can be based on different technologies:
- Laser triangulation
- Structured light
- Photogrammetry
- Contact
- Laser pulse
As for the diversity of tools, 3D scanners come in 3 main types:
- laser line
- patch
- spherical
3D scanning is a good way to create three-dimensional representations of environments and objects with complex geometry. It allows to create a CAD model with which one can easily work afterwards. For instance, the 3D model received can be altered and, after computer processing, 3D printed.
It is therefore well-suited for detecting the weak and strong sides of the existing product design. As well as that, 3D scanning is used to recreate the existing designs, improve them, test the quality of the objects, manufacture fashion and health care products, and even to create 3D models of the buildings.
Moreover, 3D scanning is predicted to change the future of tailor clothing creation. It will enable tailors to create virtual dressing rooms equipped with 3D scanners. The clients enter the rooms to be 3D scanned there and give the most accurate measurements of their bodies. Owing to this, the tailor will create bespoke suits and dresses that will make customers look like a million dollars.
The Spheres of Use
Laser scanning is widely used in Aeronautics, Reverse Engineering, Dental, Jewelry, Video Games, Animation and Special Effects.
Advantages of 3D Scanning
- less time for collecting data
- easy procedure of gathering the information
- precision of result
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Custom 3D Modeling
As for the general Technology of 3D Modeling, you can learn about it in detail from another of our articles.
Custom 3D modeling is the process of computerized creation of a 3D form of an object, existent or non-existent. It is performed by a 3D artist using 3D Modeling software. This way, the result depends on the manual skill of your CG artist. Let’s focus on each of those cases separately.
Custom 3D Modeling for Real Objects
The main advantage is that one does not need any contact with the object to create the replica. All necessary calculations are performed by computer. Imagine you are a major interior designer with a strong international reputation. You are working on a project located in Europe, while your office is in the USA. How do you get rendering for real estate services then? You have two choices. You can either take a plane and go there, or gather all the data from the clients and have a custom 3D model of the location made. The second option is clearly faster and easier.
Some believe that laser scanning is faster than custom 3D modeling. However, this is arguable. The problem with that idea is that laser scanning is not limited to data collection. It must still be done at the modeling stage. And if you add the time needed for logistics, you will realize that the opposite is true.
Custom 3D Modeling for Virtual Objects
Another special feature of the 3D modeling lies in the fact that it gives the possibility to create the things that have not been created yet. For instance, the building that exists only in form of the project. Owing to 3D modeling, the developer can show it in all its complexity and beauty to the potential investors. Moreover, it is used for Product Prototyping to test the product design without actually manufacturing it. This way, producer alleviates the risks of losing his investment on unpopular products and designs.
The Spheres of Use
Custom 3D Modeling is widely used in Entertainment, Video Games, Advertising, Web Design, Marketing, Architecture, Interior Design, Real Estate, Science and many others.
Advantages of Custom 3D Modeling
- Possibility of creating 3D models of objects at the design stage
- No need to travel anywhere to collect the data
- Possibility to test the demand before the product is released
- Incredible design opportunities. Manufacturers can test the future product viability
- Creative advertising options. With 3D modeling and office rendering, you can create promo pictures for future desks or chairs
- Products can be integrated into design projects. Interior designers can use the 3D models in a 3D virtual tour rendering of the future space
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As a conclusion, the main difference between 3D modeling and Laser Scanning is that they are good at different things. 3D scanning, for instance, is excellent at gathering large amounts of data on complex objects for different purposes. If the object or environment is not available or doesn’t exist yet, Custom 3D Modeling is the best choice. As for the time spent, it varies according to the project. If Laser Scanning gathers data really fast, Custom 3D Modeling saves you time you’d normally spend on journeys.
If you are looking for high quality 3D models, contact ArchiCGI. We provide 3D modeling and 3D rendering services to cover all your marketing needs. Our managers will advise you on the best 3D solution for your project and will take care of it. You can also book a video call and get answers to all your questions.
Catherine Paul
Content Writer, Editor at ArchiCGI
Catherine is a content writer and editor. In her articles, she explains how CGI is transforming the world of architecture and design. Outside of office, she enjoys yoga, travelling, and watching horrors.
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