Artec 3D
Artec 3D's Artec Studio 19
Earlier today, Artec 3D unveiled the latest edition of its Artec Studio software, Artec Studio 19 (AS19). The new software update brings improvements in scanner integration, enhanced software performance, and new AI photogrammetry capabilities. AS19 is on show at Formnext in Frankfurt, Germany, alongside a variety of Artec 3D’s 3D scanning solutions, like the new Artec Spider II and Artec Point.
At the event, Manufacturing Quality was able to talk to Igor Detz, Trainer and 3D scanning specialist at Artec 3D. Detz provided us with insights into the software solution’s metrology capabilities, particularly with the Artec Spider II and Artec Point, and how the new photogrammetry feature enhances the Artec Studio product. Additionally, we also received a live demonstration of AS19.
MQ: Does the Artec Studio 19 help with any metrology capabilities regarding the new Artec Point system?
ID: Oh, I would say that of course. It's now much easier and also, we can maybe say faster because you can use this laser-based scanner in our Artec Studio. Even before you could, for example, use targets with our Artec Leo scanner, but this creates an additional stage, and you would probably spend more time with it. But here you have everything integrated and also the best part I would say [is] that you can combine knowledge with other scanners and if you need special accuracy on some point or some part of a room, for example, if you were scanning a room with Ray, of course, it's a great scanner, but still that level of detail is not achievable with Ray [compared to the] Artec Point. Also, you can combine it not only between licence partners but also with our optimal scanners as well.
So, I would say that's the nice thing and, of course, that's a bit [of] a different workflow, but it's quite easy to get, easy to calibrate. I prefer, I mean personally, maybe still try [the system] just because we all like to see more details faster. I still think that [the] Spider II for me personally is just maybe not easier to use, but you see the result faster, like in seconds. But, of course, when we understand we need accuracy more, or we have time to spend with [the] one-line lesser option from Artec Point, that's also possible to get your results. Especially this comparison when you are spending more time with Artec Point, it's more like you're kind of painting, carving, or doing something physical because you spend more time with it [and] get in more detail.
So, for many people, it's maybe even, fine in some way to do this. [But] for others who still [have] the passion and ambition and they want to see the result faster, maybe it's not an easier thing to wait longer. But just because also with Artec Point it is possible to make this [other] option to scan with more lines and of course, it's not a lot, but higher accuracy would be achievable only with one line setting.
MQ: In the press release for Artec Studio 19, it said that it could be used with a wide range of industries, sectors, and applications. Is there any specific sector that you think would benefit more from AS19?
ID: As a trainer, [I] haven't counted many uses, [or] even resellers, I can just guess. Now, I cannot say that only one industry is like this. There are always people who want to be sure that they have accurate results. Not only good-looking, not only sharp enough or something, but they want to be sure. So, for all these people, I think it's a nice opportunity to have this feeling, even if they are not working for quality control, maybe they still want to be sure, “Ok, with [the] target I get as much accuracy as I can take with this handheld scanner and together with Arctic Studio.”
So, maybe for more industries, it's better to work with our marketing team. They do know a lot about the industry, where they plan to use or maybe to position [the solution]. You never know sometimes, people just start to use it. I cannot say unexpectedly, but maybe we were not thinking that they would find [the solution] so great in their cases.
MQ: About the new photogrammetry feature, what kind of hole in the Arctic Studio offering does the new feature fill?
I would say that we understand that not everyone can have a scanner on hand all the time. For example, you're right here in this place and you want [to] just [start] a short scanning session with an overview or preview, that would be nice to make a photogrammetry test if you have a scanner. And then if you say like “Ok, that's [an] object that we want to scan. Really. We love it. For our reasons, we need to scan it.” Then you can come back.
Before, you may [have] tested 10 places, 10 objects, or 10 artefacts already. Maybe your colleagues were not satisfied with it. So, you don't have to have 10 scanners just to go [in] all directions and you don't have to go to all these places. You can just come back if you need it.
Also, it could be the same for example [in] forensics. Not all policemen could have the scanner, maybe they have just one for the department. But still, you can [have] a short session with your phone. Of course, you will not have so many details, but an overview which would be enough already can be done there. Also, people who just want to try, maybe they don't even know if they need this. You know, high numbers, they're not impressed enough even to buy a scanner after they could see these interesting numbers about accuracy or resolution, but they want to try, and they want to [find out] "what is it?"
It could also be a nice option for educational packages, as I said with the police example, like at the University Auditorium you could probably have one to I don't know several scanners. But then other students also could work simultaneously and try to do their project.
Personally, for me, it's interesting just to try, you know, every time you feel like, "Ok, this is a scanner, I know how it works, and I know what I have to do." Here, it's a bit more unpredictable, especially when you're trying the first time [and] you don't know how your smartphone or maybe your camera will work with it.
But then it's interesting to do it on the go. Sometimes people collect something from [their] travels like souvenirs. Maybe they want to 3D print it later or just to have [in] their image gallery or 3D sculptures. So, in this situation, it's even easier to try to imagine if we can use it. So, I hope people will try and of course maybe some of them, they will understand, [like], "Ok, now I see what's the idea of 3D scanning, even though it was not scanning before with the camera still, maybe now I want to have more details. Now I understand that it's necessary, [or] maybe not. Maybe it's fine."