How 2D scanning differs from 3D scanning The difference comes from the size of data and type of uses they serve. The 2d scanner captures the images in a flat image along height and width while the 3d scanner records depth as well to create an object able to be seen from any dimension.
2D scanning, which is often used for documents, photographs and barcodes. For example, the maximum resolution of a flatbed scanner can reach 1200 DPI (dots per inch), good for copying small text and high-quality pictures. From scanning paper documents to archiving artwork digitally. While 2D scanning may be able to digitize surfaces, it falls short of acquiring any volumetric aspects — you cannot scan the shape, texture or volume of objects with a simple photograph.
3D scanning, on the other, measures depth with technologies such as laser triangulation, structured light or photogrammetry. If structured light scanner projects patterns on an object and measures the periodic deformations in these patterns, then we get a 3D model. Scanners of this kind can attain accuracies less than 0.01 mm and generate millions of points per second. From manufacturing and healthcare to even gaming, 3D scanning is used to model physical objects so that they can easily be manipulated, prototyped or animated digitally.
One of the best examples of innovation using 3D scanning is very much in the healthcare industry. Traditional impression takes nearly about 60 minutes to fit, using 3D intra oral scanners for crowns and aligners can cut the process time by half. On the other hand, 2D X-ray imaging is still needed for diagnosis of bone fractures or dental cavities as it is a simple, rapid and low-cost method but lacks depth information.
The context of implementation makes a stark difference between 2D and 3D scanning applications, in terms of both the scale as well as the complexity of application. As an example, 2D barcode scanners help retail stock quickly and in the field of engineering, 3D scanners form a pertinent part for accurate measurement. 3D Scanning has proven to be essential for designing aircraft components where a Boeing study in 2022 showed that it reduced the design cycle by as much as 30% [R5].
Clearly, in innovation, speed with precision is what Elon Musk calls for and the right technology for scanning needs to be determined. 2D scanning continues to be an irreplaceable technology for basic needs; however, 3D scanning opens doors in terms of requiring real-life objects – intact or damaged – scanned and copied precisely.
Explore devices that redefine how objects are digitized at 3d scanner — innovation in scanning needs for various applications.