The range of a 3-D scanner depends on the kind of scanner and the technology used. Normally, 3-D scanners are able to capture objects or areas at distances that range from a few centimeters to several meters. For example, handheld 3-D scanners, which are normally used for smaller objects or detailed scans, may have a range of around 0.1 meters to 2 meters. These scanners are also very good at high-precision detailing of small objects at very high resolution, usually up to 0.1 mm.
On the other side, industrial 3-D scanners used for larger scales, like scanning entire buildings or landscapes, may use up to 10 meters or more. The Leica BLK360 is a laser-based 3-D scanner widely applied in AEC that can capture data within a range of up to 60 meters, thus enabling it to scan entire rooms, structures, or even outdoor environments in just one pass.
Besides the scanning range, the ability of a 3d scanner to detect fine details diminishes with distance. For example, a scanner that works very well at a close range may lose its accuracy or resolution as it goes further away from the object. The resolution of a 3d scanner can be as high as 0.1 mm in high-precision applications, like jewelry design, to as low as 1 mm or more for larger-scale industrial scans.
The range can also vary depending on the conditions of light, texture, and reflectivity for 3d scanners using structured light or laser scanning technology. For instance, laser scanners are good for scanning objects that have smooth or reflective surfaces at greater distances, as they can realize high accuracy with less interference from environmental factors. For instance, the laser scanner like the Revopoint POP 2 allows a scanning area up to 2 meters in a very efficient way while maintaining resolution up to 0.1 mm when scanning medium-sized objects.
The scanning range would actually vary in practical application and will always depend on what the project specifically needs. For instance, 3D scanners used in archaeology for scanning large excavation sites should cover a broader range to scan a whole site at once, whereas those for product design may focus on much smaller objects with high accuracy. Applications of 3D scanning technology have expanded in fields such as robotics, forensics, heritage preservation, and entertainment. Each one requires different scanning ranges.
This is an important consideration for professionals regarding the accuracy and precision of a 3d scanner at different ranges. While short-range scanners give very fine detail, long-range scanners are excellent for capturing large areas or objects in one go. This trade-off between range and precision is something that users must balance depending on their specific needs.
So, the range of a 3d scanner will greatly depend on the type of scanner and technology used, and also on its application. Be it scanning a small prototype of a product or an entire building, 3d scanning technology offers flexibility that makes it essential in many industries.