Focus Stacking in 3D Scanning

In the world of 3D scanning, detail is everything—especially when it comes to intricate objects like circuit boards, where every connection, component, and marking holds significant information. While our 3D scanners do an excellent job of capturing texture and geometry, the addition of high-quality cameras and focus stacking can take your scans to an entirely new level. Imagine zooming in to see the texture of individual components, or inspecting the clarity of printed text on tiny chips.

Here we present a model that highlights what is possible when you pair our scanning technology with high-resolution cameras and advanced image processing. This article will walk you through how we achieved this level of detail and what it could mean for customers looking to elevate their 3D scanning projects or industries looking to improve their quality control systems through 3D scanning or 360° photo documentation.

In the case of the model above, only one side was of interest to us. Naturally all sides of an object can be scanned and incorporated into the 3D model.

The Key to the Detail

To capture every component on a circuit board with lifelike accuracy, our scanner can be paired with a high-definition camera. In this case, we used the Canon R5 with a 45-megapixel resolution, high dynamic range, and excellent color reproduction. Here are the benefits of using a higher grade camera for scanning intricate objects:

• Unmatched Resolution: High-resolution cameras capture tiny and possibly crucial details that lower-resolution cameras might miss.
• Dynamic Range: A dynamic range captures the nuances of textured surfaces beautifully, preserving the material differences in the final 3D model.
• Color Fidelity: With precise color capture, the camera ensures the colors of each component are as accurate and true-to-life as possible.

Focus Stacking

Focus stacking is a technique that allows us to combine multiple images, each taken at different focus points, to create one single image with maximum clarity from front to back. This is especially important for small, complex objects where details are distributed across different depths.

Circuit boards are a perfect example of where focus stacking shines. A circuit board has multiple layers of components at varying heights, and a single photograph would only capture one layer in sharp focus, leaving others slightly blurry. With focus stacking, we capture each layer of components sharply, resulting in a composite image where every single part of the model is in perfect focus.

This technique means that our final 3D model of the circuit board has outstanding clarity, allowing viewers to zoom in and explore each tiny component as if they were examining the real object. For industrial applications, having access to a digital model with this level of detail can be invaluable for tasks like troubleshooting or quality control.

What Customers Can Achieve with Upgraded Technology

Using our 3D scanners with high-quality cameras doesn’t just make a good model—it makes an exceptional model that can meet the most stringent industry standards. Here’s what this combination offers:

• Precision and Realism: High-resolution images capture all visible details, creating lifelike 3D models that replicate the look of real objects. For industries where every detail counts, like the aerospace industry or electronics manufacturing, this level of precision is essential.
• Expanded Possibilities: With ultra-detailed scans, customers can achieve things like virtual product displays, realistic AR/VR simulations, and digital archives for sensitive or unique objects.
• Customization: Our scanners allow customers to adapt to different projects by upgrading to advanced cameras and lighting setups that meet their specific needs, enabling them to capture everything from jewelry to industrial equipment with precision.

Conclusion: Elevate Your 3D Scanning Potential

When combined with high-end equipment and advanced image processing, our 3D scanners achieve exceptional detail and realism. This powerful combination expands the possibilities for customers aiming for top-quality 3D model creation or even 360° photo documentation for quality control.

For industries like aerospace, engineering, or product design, where accuracy is paramount, this technique provides a competitive edge. The ability to create highly detailed and accurate 3D models means that your scan objects will be faithfully captured, to be documented and analyzed.

For those ready to push the boundaries of 3D scanning, our technology opens up new possibilities. Contact us to have a chat with our team and take the step towards unparalleled precision in your 3D scanning projects.