3D scanning has changed the industry since it arrived on the scene. The technology makes 3D modeling easier, faster, and more efficient –– and therefore, more accessible.
Industries from healthcare to manufacturing are taking advantage of the game-changing tool, and the technology is improving rapidly. So where does Loft3Di fit in? Scanning tech has certainly come a long way, but it still needs an artists touch to make it usable for our clients creative needs. In sum, it’s a handy jumping off point and we can help you take it across the finish line.
At Loft3Di, our team of modelers trained in the latest file types and techniques are well-equipped to help take your 3D scans to the next level.
The pros and cons of 3D scanning
While it’s presented as a panacea, once you’ve created a 3D scan, the work is far from over. It’s important to understand what the tool is capable of and what it can’t yet deliver.
Where 3D scanning shines is in the initial capture stage. If you have the physical product but an elaborate photoshoot is not in your budget, a 3D scan is capable of capturing the object. Yet, the final product will be far from perfect.
Taking a good scan will be difficult if you don’t have a state-of-the-art (a.k.a. very expensive!) scanning machine. Even if your scanner is elite, touch-ups will be necessary. When an object is scanned, the finished product is usually very dense in polygons, which means the model is hard to work with.
Retopology is the process of reorganizing the 3D model’s polygonal structure for optimal application. When we retopologize a model, we create a cleaner, more efficient topology that can support animations, keep the model’s original shape, and ensure optimal performance. Retopology is best practice for achieving high-quality 3D models that give you the optionality you need.
Understanding 3D files: the difference between mesh and UV textures
There are two important components in a 3D file that become even more important with 3D scanning – meshes and UV textures.
- Meshes are the three-dimensional skeletons that define the shape and structure of the 3D object.
- UV textures, in contrast, are a 2D image that is mapped onto the 3D model’s surface to make details like colors, patterns and textures come to life. The UV texture must be “mapped” onto the surface of the polygonal mesh to bring all the data together.
When humans design 3D models from start to finish, their UV maps look a lot different than a 3D scanner’s output. Often, 3D scanning software generates nonsensical, completely random texture maps.
This messiness makes them very hard to edit after the fact — and that’s where our team at Loft3Di can help.
5 reasons why Loft3Di is your number one partner for scan touch-ups
Our in-house production teams operate with state-of-the-art production technology, and build 3D models to consistently accommodate our clients’ evolving content needs. When it comes to 3D scanning, we can raise the bar.
When we begin our work with clients, we complete an in-depth analysis of their render specifications. For clients who have utilized 3D scanning technology, we have several specializations that make us a cut above the rest in tackling scan touch-ups.
- Pixel-Perfect Precision: Turn imperfect scans into flawless 3D models with experienced detail reconstruction for industrial-level accuracy.
- No Scan Left Behind: Fix cracks, holds and scan “noise” within hours.
- From Mess to Masterpiece: Seamlessly restore texture, geometry and color integrity for photorealistic 3D assets.
- Any File, Any Industry: Sculptures, machinery, or heritage artifacts – we optimize scans for 3D printing, AR/VR, CGI workflows, etc. You name it, we fix it.
- Beyond Repair, Beyond Reality: Our touch-ups don’t just fix scans – they elevate them to cinematic-quality 3D masterpieces.
Our unmatched scalability is driven by our unique ability to pair our bespoke, AI-driven production technology with the largest workforce of expert modeling and rendering artists. We are dedicated to making sure you can execute successfully no matter the size of your modeling or rendering needs –– if you’ve got scans that need touching up, let us know.
Reach out today to partner with us and get your 3D scanned content working for you.