3D Scanning
Using our structured light 3D scanning equipment we are able to create highly detailed digital scans of sculptures and even people. We use structured light scanners because of their higher detail and accuracy than photogrammetry or LiDAR scanners. We also use structured light because it is safe for scanning people and animals since it does not involve any laser exposure.
The Digital Difference
When doing a digital enlargement or 3D print, the quality of the scan makes a difference.
3D Scan resizing
Digital scans can be resized from 2 foot maquette size to life size or larger. The enlarged file size can be used to create solid foam armatures. A full size finished sculpture can also be scanned and digitally resized from life size or monumental size to a smaller desktop size preserving the finished detail. The desktop resized file can be used to create a highly detailed 3D print. This provides an opportunity to sell highly detailed editions of monumental works or provide higher level donors with a keepsake.
Digital Editing
3D scans also allow for digital editing of a sculpture. As a result, imperfections can be edited away. Also digital editing allows details to be added to a sculpture. A good example of this is adding text to the base of a sculpture.
Often when a sculptor wanted raised text to be included on their sculpture, it would require the use of flexographic lettering that would be hand applied to the sculptor's clay prior to molding. If the sculptor wanted to change the text in later editions this would mean the flexographic print would need to be reprinted, applied to a new base section and remolded.
Now a digital 3D scan can be edited in software to create and raise the text to the necessary height digitally. The placement, font, and angles can be planned out on the scan. Once the text is formed digitally a 3D print can be made of the base in either wax infused 3D prints that can be directly cast or in an acrylic that can be traditionally molded.
Architectural Visualization
Modern site planning requires permits, architectural designs, and many more steps. With a scaled up 3D scan of a maquette, architects can use the 3D file to plan the landscaping, the architectural environment of the sculpture, and even the placement of lighting to showcase a sculpture for public enjoyment. Also 3D models help with committee approval processes. We used a 3D scan of a proposed fabricated kinetic sculpture to give a committee an animated video of the proposed sculpture on a 3D created landscape. The video showed how the sculpture would move and look at the proposed installation site. As a result the committee loved the concept.