Top Vendors for Dimensional and Profile Scanners

A Guide to Dimensional and Profile Scanners

Scanners are a device that scans an image, text, or other object and creates a digital copy. There are available with two different functions: two dimensional and three dimensional scanning. The following two examples utilize a particular type of scanning, and are each used in a number of functions.

What are Profile Scanners?

A profile scanner is a type of two dimensional scanner that takes an object and produces a digital copy. Typically, scans are made by placing an image on the flat, scanning surface and allowing the device to copy the image. There are a variety of profile scanners available, ranging from flatbed, drum, to handheld scanners.

The most common application of scanners is to recreate a copy of an image or object. However, many different industries and settings have found use for the profile scanner. One example is of the typical office: oftentimes, employees have large amounts of documents and forms to handle. By scanning the document and creating copies, they are able to redistribute them to others or create an organized catalog of past documents. In addition, if they lose the original version, they are able to rely on the copies reproduced by profile scanners.

What are Dimensional Scanners?

A dimensional scanner is a device that is able to analyze objects and environmental settings and collect data on its shape and size. Using this image, the device is able to create a three-dimensional recreation of the image. Dimensional scanners used in a wide variety of settings; the data provided by three dimensional scanners have been used for design, prosthetics, and prototyping functions.

The information provided by dimensional scanners are used for a number of applications. For example, the construction industry has greatly benefited from the collection of data enabled by dimensional scanners. Engineers and construction professionals are able to use dimensional scanners for site modeling, quality control, and recreating sites for research purposes. In addition, dimensional scanners are critical in helping architects create buildings with quality and safety in mind.

Another way in which dimensional scanners have been utilized is in the entertainment industry.  Recently, 3D movies have been on the rise, with many top movies available in 3D viewing format. However, in order to enable this viewing experience, artists use dimensional scanners to recreate a digital model and determine how it would fit in a real world environment.