Artec Leo 3D scanner

Artec Leo is the only wireless and fully standalone professional 3D scanner designed to make scanning as easy and effortless as possible. Dr Nicola York has used the technology in their plastic packaging research.

Nicola was inspired to explore 3D scanning as a method of capturing the plastic packaging’s complex changing 3D form when washed for reuse, to analyse dimensional changes as deformation occurred through the heat of the washing process. 

Due to the plastic packaging being transparent, it was thinly coated with a chalk-like powder (developer spray) to make the surface matte and opaque, so that the Artec Leo 3D scanner could detect the surface.

Artec Leo 3D scanner and plastic food tray
Artec Leo 3D scanner and plastic food tray

The 3D scan data captured includes the 3D form (mesh) and photos of the object, this results in a realistic rendered 3D model. Any excess geometry and surrounding objects can then be removed.

A plain, contrasting background in combination with physical markers (such as sticky note pads in this case), both help the scanners tracking to capture the object, and the user as orientation reference points for when understanding the 3D scan data in CAD software.

Four profiles of a plastic tray within Rhino 3D software environment
The scanned plastic packaging viewed in the Rhino software platform

On the project, multiple 3D scan meshes were aligned and overlapped in 3D CAD software to compare packaging that had undergone different numbers of wash cycles.

This was to analyse the deformation that occurred, using both a quick, colour coded method of analysis through point set deviation, and an in-depth, more accurate approach through measuring the distance between individual point markers projected onto the meshes, and through capturing and comparison of cross-sectional data.

A point set deviation analysis of the plastic tray surfaces
Point set deviation analysis of the plastic tray surfaces

This provided valuable insights into the amount of deformation occurring on different parts of the packaging, and how it could be improved for a return for reuse system. 

To ensure 3D technology is ready for the classroom, a key aspect is to ensure an appropriate 3D computer aided design (CAD) software is taught beforehand and during the sessions when working with 3D scan data.

Teaching surface-based 3D CAD software that contains tools to repair 3D scan meshes is ideal, to equip students with the knowledge of how to work with 3D scan data. 

3D scanning would be beneficial to the student experience as it allows students to capture objects with complex 3D forms from in the real world and analyse them in detail in the digital world. 3D scan data can also be used to help to inform the further development of designs, and can also be translated back into the real world as a physical object through technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing, etc.

DigiLabs is an exciting project as it allows students to have access to a wide range of technologies, that can help them to visualise and analyse their designs and the world around them in new ways. This encourages further exploration in their work and can lead to new insights and inspiration to create informed designs.

Dr Nicola York has a background in Product Design and emerging technologies; and utilised 3D scanning technology when working as a Research Associate in Design on the Perpetual Plastic for Food To Go (PPFTG) research project. This work was supported by the Natural Environment Research Council [grant number NE/V01076X/1].