3D Scanning Sculpture & Original Works of Art
Superscan 3D provides 3D scanning services for a good number of leading British contemporary Artists and Sculptors. We are able to 3D scan various types of material such as: stone, wood, clay, bronze etc. We use the very latest none contact 3D scanning equipment to achieve highly accurate 3D scans.
We are typically able to 3D scan objects upwards of 30cm (minimum size). Once 3D scanned, an object can be digitally re-scaled to the desired physical output scale. They can then either be 3D printed (smaller objects) or CNC milled (for larger physical objects) to create mould masters.
The re-sized mould master then enables the Sculptor to generate a wax master, which can then be carefully hand finished ready for the final bronze casting stage, or whatever output medium the client requires.
Post Scan Digital Cleanup – How does it work?
Once an object has been carefully 3D scanned, the RAW 3D scan data needs to go through a digital hand cleanup process using specialist 3D mastering software, before it can be used for 3D printing or CNC milling. This is what we refer to as ‘Post Scan 3D Digital Cleanup’. We import the RAW 3D scan data into various 3D modelling applications, in order to remove any anomalies or errors in the RAW 3D scan data, ironing out any slight imperfections in the digital 3D polygon mesh.
Consider that 3D scanning technologies typically capture surface information, and are ‘Line of Sight Technology Devices’. This means they digitally acquire physical objects using optical capture, for which there are various technologies used (white light, photogrammetry, laser and other variants).
Of course, light travels in a straight line, hence certain physical objects can prove difficult to scan where the line of sight is restricted (cavities, holes, restricted areas). In these situations it is usually necessary to carry out additional alterations to the digital 3D mesh using specialist post scan 3D software.
3D scanning systems tend to work best on matt finishes where there is a reasonable level of surface information to read. Common surface challenges tend to be shiny or highly polished surfaces, as well as dark or black surfaces.
