6 Ways to Utilise the ScanTech iReal 2E Colour 3D Scanner

Previously, 3D scanners were more commonly used for large-scale operations in industries such as aeronautics, engineering and expansive construction applications, where capital investment is slightly less limited.

The Scantech iReal 2E Colour 3D scanner is an entry-level but professional-grade handheld device that allows you to capture accurate and precise data for a multitude of applications. Not only is it highly accessible in terms of price ($7,990+gst), but the simple ease of use means that the technology is more approachable for more common and emerging applications.

Keep reading to find out more about the technical aspects, as well as 6 interesting and creative implementations of the iReal 2E scanner.

Specifications and Technical Aspects of the iReal 2E

The iReal 2E captures highly accurate data in real-time using infrared VCSEL structured light technology which uses invisible light, achieving a large field of view (FOV) and a basic accuracy of up to 0.1mm. This structured light technology makes for a safer and more comfortable scanning experience, but also has stronger material adaptability, allowing you to scan more black material items.

Thanks to the clever software, the technology is optimised to scan both white and black items simultaneously and uses a unique algorithm to automatically adjust the overall exposure to be as precise as possible. The software also supports colour restoration in high quality, alongside the strong light adaptability, enabling you to move between dark rooms and outdoors in direct sunlight.

The scanner is suitable for medium to large-sized objects with an effective working range between 280mm - 1000mm, making it the perfect choice for the following applications, and more.

1. Healthtech and Medical Rehabilitation

In health tech and medical rehabilitation, the iReal 2E scanner could be employed in a number of areas. In these cases, not only does the data need to be highly accurate, but the method of scanning also needs to be safe to use on the human body.

The iReal 2E ticks both of these boxes by providing precise geometrical features for ultimately reliable data, and also causes no harm to the human body thanks to the non-contact infrared structured light. Additionally, the implementation of stabilisation algorithms means that the software automatically removes displacements caused by small movements of the person being scanned to avoid any duplication of layered data. Because of these features, the scanner can be used to create custom prosthetics and orthopaedics, resulting in more effective treatment of individual patients.

2. Art and Design

When it comes to art and design, 3D scanning technology is becoming more and more popular thanks to its capabilities in gathering 3D geometric features and finer details. An increasing amount of sculptures and forms are being captured by 3D scanners in order to replicate historical pieces and put them on display without the risk of damage to the originals. The same can be said for replicas in film and television, where an exact model of an object is needed.

3. Digital Humans

Scanning people and the human body isn’t just for healthcare applications - it can also be used to create detailed digital models and virtual adaptations of real people. These virtual beings can then be used for artistic portraits, digital doubles in film or television, CG characters in console games, as well as virtual and augmented reality - with the emergence of the Metaverse, the iReal 2E would be the ideal device to capture digital humans.

Thanks to the enhanced scanning mode, the device is able to more accurately capture hair and black material, giving a more realistic representation of a person. Check out the video below to see how the iReal 2E was used to 3D scan a man to create an animated digitised version of him in a dance simulation.

4. Cultural Relics and Archaeology

3D scanning is currently recognised as one of the most effective methods of heritage restoration and museum digitisation, and the iReal 2E works perfectly to capture historical data. In order to preserve this information for the purpose of further research by future generations, the data captured needs to be precise without compromising the structural integrity of the object.

The non-contact scanning ability of the iReal 2E means that fragile cultural relics are at no risk of being damaged, even without the use of markers. This allows you to not only gather important information for research, but also for the potential restoration of damaged antiques and artefacts.

5. 3D Scanning Plants for Botanical Research

Another useful application of the iReal 2E is for the use of botanical and phenotypic research, which relates to the observation of plant characteristics in a certain environment. This area usually runs into challenges around the accuracy of data, but the iReal 2E works effortlessly to capture highly detailed information.

It can be used to represent changes in colours, shapes, and growth changes over time, to reliably record progress for reporting. Take a look at the details of the scanned plant below.

6. Reverse Engineering

In order to reproduce highly-accurate versions of an item, the 3D model needs to be meticulously captured within the given tolerance. The iReal 2E allows you to analyse an object, and supports up to 0.02mm of accuracy, for the purpose of redesigning a product or part using CAD or CAM programs.

The process uses feature identification and surface alignment in order for the layout drawings to be obtained for future mass production. This could be used for things like car parts and other industrial applications where a detailed model needs to be measured and created.

Utilising the iReal 2E colour 3D scanner by Scantech will allow you to carry out a number of different applications with ease, at a price that’s within reach for more users and industries.

Contact the team for more information about how you can get your hands on this intelligent and highly accurate 3D scanner, whether you’d like to purchase or hire a unit.