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Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 1:21 pm Post subject: I like my Next Engine scanner
I use my scanner for fun, scanning objects for artists and for renderings...
I have converted scans into parametric CAD models, but only to try and for fun... never used for any real projects
So far, just CGI renderings, 3-axis toolpaths for milling, and for LOM
I don't know how other scanners compare, but I bought this based on it's price point. Maybe it's a 'toy' as another user pointed out... but for someone who uses it occasionally, I think it's great...
Joined: Mar 01, 2010 Posts: 3 Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:42 pm Post subject: Next Engine Scanner vs other Industry Scanners
I see that everyone here is debating weather or not the quality of data coming from a Next Engine scanner is good enough. Yes, for some scanning projects the scanner is good enough. But for a majority of projects the scanner does not give a accurate enough point cloud to create a accurate enough STL model. Which intern will effect the accuracy of the solid model that will be created. Sure the completed scans look good from the Next Engine scanner. I have seen up to (+/-0.0100" or +/-0.254mm) error, when I have compared the point clouds or STL models from other scanners. The reason I say this, I own a GOM Atos II scanner and a Next Engine scanner and I rarely use the Next Engine scanner because of the quality of scans that it produced. The GOM Atos II scanner produces a much more accurate STL model than the Next Engine scanner. I have done accuracy studies with my Brown & Sharpe Global Avantage Coordinate Measuring Machine compared to the Next Engine scanner and the deviations is up to (0.0150" or 0.381mm) error. I have also done the accuracy studies compared to the Atos II scanner. The scanner was setup with the 135 x 108 x 108 mm volume lens set and the deviations or error were never greater than (0.0010" or 0.025mm).
I use a GOM Atos II scanner to give me the quality scan that is needed to produce the end product that I give to my customers. I also use Rapid Form XOR, Rhino Cad and Solid Works to create the solid models from the scans.
Also my Lab is an A2LA accredited lab with the scanning capability listed on the scope of accreditation.
Contact me at the email address below, if anyone out there needs quality scans completed.
Joined: Jun 23, 2009 Posts: 18 Location: Santa Monica
Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 9:50 am Post subject:
The ATOS II is a great laser scanner.
I have to point out though: the the NextEngine scanner costs 1/133rd as much as the ATOS II.
So even if the NextEngine scanner was 133 times less accurate, the value proposition would be about the same.
However, the accuracy of the ATOS II is only about 5X better than the NextEngine, which means that the NextEngine's price-to-accuracy ratio is 27X better than the ATOS.
XOR is a great tool for reverse-engineering scans. It's the same technology used in RapidWorks, which is only $2500 from NextEngine (XOR is in the tens of thousands).
People's needs vary. The choice of buying a scanner vs. using a service bureau will depend on the types of projects you're doing. Many people are doing useful stuff with the NextEngine scanner, to be sure. Here's another update from Dr. Tocheri:
Looks good at first, but notice:
- To get the quoted accuracy, you need to use the "Field Calibration System"
- The accuracy provided is only for "TELE mode".
- The input range specs are only for "Extended mode".
It's not possible to achieve all of the best specs simultaneously. Also, the field size of the Vivid9i (based on the native resolution of the imager) is 640x480, or 0.3 million points per scan.
The imager in the NextEngine scanner captures up to 3 million points per scan (10X more than the Minolta), and never requires calibration.
The Minolta is 10X the cost of the NextEngine scanner, and that's not including the rotating stage (standard with the NextEngine).
This is a good debate. I would like to ask the experts if the NextEngine scanner, or another, would be the best to accurately scan a classic car grille. The grille is rather complex and large , about 70" wide X 10" H X 12" D. Is the item set on a stand and the scanner is then positioned to do a scan on each 90 degree axis point, in which the scans are "put together"?
I want to start to reproduce these grilles as they currently aren't. I need a 3D drawing to proceed with pricing for injection molding costs.
First, I just wanted to clarify a comment someone had posted about the GOM ATOS systems... it starts at 70K and NOT 400K. It is an optical non-contact white (now also blue LED) light 3D digitizer, thus it measures an entire volume at a time vs. a single point/laser line. ATOS can scan intricate small objects (e.g. detailed button/coin) to a full size aircraft (e.g. full size C130).
Of course there are going to be technological differences between a 2.5K vs. a 70K system, but you never know which will work for you unless you test them out. There is not a single system that is perfect for every application/part. It's important to prioritize your requirements - accuracy, application fit, speed, flexibility, mobility, reliability, budget, etc... Invite the scanning company and watch the results and workflow in real time. Give them your part, watch the scan and the post-processing to have peace of mind there are no smoke and mirrors. Have them leave the final results with you, so you can review it with your team and compare the technologies. It's nice to gather information through networking, but it's even better to watch it live. At least in the end you will feel confident you have made a sound decision, instead of spending your limited capital dollars on a piece of equipment that has less job functions than a paper weight.
P.S @roadrunninMark- We would have to see the part. ATOS automatically merges the scans after each shot through its intelligent algorithm and software, thus you do not have the "leap frog" effect. ATOS measures in areas, so when you need even higher detailed resolution with closer point spacing, simply change to a smaller volume.
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:08 pm Post subject: Next Engine 2020i
Here's the deal...the unit comes with intentionally crippled software...for another grand it will work "better"...and for another grand you get more functionality...and for another grand...well...you get the idea. This is their "business plan."
The Leno video and other info on the site amounts to false advertising. Period.
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