Re: Next Engine 3D laser scanner

Sat, 12 Apr 2014 02:45:07 -0700


----- Forwarded message from morphmet_modera...@morphometrics.org -----

Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 20:34:35 -0700
From: morphmet_modera...@morphometrics.org
Reply-To: morphmet_modera...@morphometrics.org
Subject: Re: Next Engine 3D laser scanner
To: morphmet@morphometrics.org


----- Forwarded message from "Greiner, Thomas" <tgrei...@uwlax.edu> -----

Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:15:08 -0400
From: "Greiner, Thomas" <tgrei...@uwlax.edu>
Reply-To: "Greiner, Thomas" <tgrei...@uwlax.edu>
Subject: Re: Next Engine 3D laser scanner
To: Morphmet <morphmet@morphometrics.org>

I can answer some of your questions based upon my experience with the Next Engine.

1. How small can they go?
The smallest item I have successfully scanned is a hallucal proximal phalanx. The problem here is that to get a successful scan you need to crank the point density up to the maximum. That means that scanning the whole bone takes about 20 minutes.

2. How big can they go?
The scan images can be made to overlap and then stitched together. So, the maximum size is really limited by the memory of your computer and your patience for the amount of time it will take. That said, the scanner scans can scan a surface that is about 30x30 cm. You might be able to scan a larger area, but you will probably waste a lot of time with some poor scans if you do.

3. Which set of software do you find most useful?
I use the "HDpro" software that comes with the scanner for about $1000 more (Scan Studio is the standard out of the box software). I do not know the value of other commercial options, but the investment in the software upgrade is essential if you want to do small items (macro mode is only available in with the upgrade).

4. What is the learning curve like?
The learning curve is fairly smooth, but it has a few very steep points. Basically, you can run the device without reading the manual, but when you do get stuck you will find that the manual was written by engineers and therefore is not very user friendly. Two items that should learn about: (1) make sure the subject is within the distance window established for the digitizing mode -- it helps to have a ruler with you to check this before you start the scan; and (2) one point alignment -- difficult to explain here, but it somehow magically corrects poor alignment problems when using the rotating table.

6. A different set of options you like?
Get extra part grippers. Have at least two, maybe three. If you are handy with metal work, or know someone who is, you can buy just one and build the others.
Get the HD pro software.
DO NOT get the multidrive. If you get this, you have to get the HD pro software (so this $1000 upgrade requires the $1000 softward upgradet) because the multidrive only works in the macro mode. The description of the multidrive sounds useful, but it does not live up to its potential for most biological specimens. The main problem is that this device only works in macro mode, which means that it can only scan relatively small items. It also takes a long time -- one to two hours depending upon the settings. Maybe it would be good if you were making a reference scan of a fossil, where detail is more important than time. But, it is not at all useful when time is critical and when you are making scans for morphometric analysis, where you will be discarding over 90% of the digitized points for the analysis.

5. Any other beta you can provide?
Do not be misled by how much time it takes to scan an object. The web page states something like "30 seconds per scan." That is technically true. However, that is scanning on the lowest density level -- levels which are generally useless if you will be stitching together multiple scans. AND, you almost always have to do multiple scans -- 10 to 12 per object, more if you want to include top and bottom. These scans take about 70 seconds each. So, if you are going to a museum to collect data, budget about 3 objects per hour -- at best. Your first day at the museum for your very first real data collection, budget 1 object per hour. Sometimes you can combine objects into a single scan, but doing this takes practice.

The Next Engine is by far the best 3d surface scanner for the money. BUT, you still get what you pay for.






Thomas M. Greiner, Ph.D.
Anatomist & Physical Anthropologist
Associate Professor
Dept. of Health Professions
Health Science Center 4065
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

tgrei...@uwlax.edu
Phone: +1 608 785 8476
Fax: +1 608 785 8460


On Sun, Mar 30, 2014 at 11:59 PM, <morphmet_modera...@morphometrics.org> wrote:


----- Forwarded message from Heidi Schutz <heidihabi...@gmail.com> -----

Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 11:49:46 -0400
From: Heidi Schutz <heidihabi...@gmail.com>
Reply-To: Heidi Schutz <heidihabi...@gmail.com>
Subject: Next Engine 3D laser scanner
To: morphmet@morphometrics.org

Hello all,

I am in the market for a 3D scanner.

I have been looking at the Next Engine set of scanners and software and I am curious to find out if any of you have used them.

Questions:
1. How small can they go?
2. How big can they go?
3. Which set of software do you find most useful?
4. What is the learning curve like?
6. A different set of options you like?
5. Any other beta you can provide?

Thanks in advance!

Heidi Schutz
Assistant Professor
Biology Department
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447
SPRING 2014 OFFICE HRS (RCTR 152): Mon: 2-3, Wed: 1-3, Fri: 12-2 and by appointment



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