First Look at the Artec Spider II + Artec Point Handheld 3D Scanner
Published on November 20, 2024. Written by: Paul Motley
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At GoMeasure3D, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what 3D scanning can achieve with the equipment we use every day. What we love about Artec is that their team is dedicated to making the 3D scanning experience user-friendly while delivering high-quality 3D measurement data with their professional 3D scanners. Artec has recently launched two new handheld scanners, and if your project requires both high accuracy and high resolution, these systems are definitely worth checking out.
The Artec Point is Artec’s first target-based 3D laser scanner, developed specifically for industrial metrology. With outstanding accuracy, reliable tracking, a compact design, and specialized modes for complex geometries, the Artec Point is the ultimate metrology tool that fits in the palm of your hand.
The Artec Spider II is the next generation of the Artec Space Spider, capturing objects in fine detail and resolution. This new Spider features significant improvements compared to its predecessor.
Here’s a quick look at the technical specifications of the two new handheld 3D scanners for a side-by-side comparison.
Spider II
Point
What’s special about this 3D scanner?
Highest resolution and accuracy out of all Artec’s target-free, handheld 3D scanners
Let’s take a closer look, and we’ll share our first impressions.
Artec Spider II
Chris from GoMeasure3D received a tour of the new Artec Spider II from Evgeny, the VP of Software Development at Artec 3D, in July at the Luxembourg Embassy in Washington, DC. This event was an exclusive preview of the Artec Spider II before its launch this fall.
The Artec Spider II offers the highest resolution and accuracy of all Artec’s handheld 3D scanners that don’t require targets or calibration for 3D scanning. This means you spend less time setting up and can get started right away. It uses hybrid geometry and color tracking methods for fast data capture and processing. It’s as simple as using a video camera, allowing you to begin and complete your job quickly.
Artec Spider II’s Major Differences Compared to Its Predecessor
The Artec Spider II replaces the Space Spider for scanning small objects, ensuring that all fine details are captured. With the Spider II, you can now capture intricate details from medium-sized items like coins, as well as larger components such as engines, machinery, or medical equipment.
You can now scan small to medium-sized objects in great detail with the increased resolution of the Artec Spider II. Previously, the Artec Space Spider (1st generation) could only capture fine details of small objects.
Compared to its predecessor, the Artec Spider II offers significant improvements. It scans larger objects, has twice the resolution, and four times the scan speed. The new 3D scanner captures massive amounts of data quickly, at 8 million points per second. The Artec Spider II comes with a Thunderbolt interface and new algorithms to ensure fast and optimal transfer and processing speeds.
Spider II
(New Model)
Space Spider
(1st generation)
Accuracy, up to
0.05 mm
0.05 mm
Resolution
0.05 mm
0.1 mm
Object Size
Small to Medium
~ 5–50 cm
Small
~ 5–20 cm
3D reconstruction rate for real-time fusion, up to
30 FPS
7.5 FPS
Interface
Thunderbolt 3, compatible with Thunderbolt 4 hosts
USB 2.0, USB 3.0 compatible
Industry Uses for the Artec Spider II
The Artec Spider II is suitable for a wide range of industry applications that require high resolution and accuracy, all while offering convenience.
Sample applications include:
Application
Industries
Reverse engineering for product development and prototyping
Automotive, medical
Quality inspection
Manufacturing
Deviation analysis, comparison over time
Forensics, medical
3D visualization for creating the most realistic digital twin
Research, CGI, video games, visual effects, movies and gaming
The Artec Spider II is also ideal for applications where a realistic digital twin is needed for CGI and visual effects. It creates lifelike 3D models, thanks to its 5MP texture resolution at 24 bits per pixel (bpp).
Shoe Scan
This orange sneaker was scanned and processed with the Artec Spider II, showcasing realistic color and detail in record time. Scanning time: 3 minutes | Processing time: 5 minutes.
Capture Amazing Scan Data Quality, Fast
The results of the Artec Spider II speak for themselves. It captures every curve, sharp edge, and fine line of the inner workings of a game controller, transforming a physical object into digital form. In just 3 minutes of 3D scanning time and 5 minutes of processing time, this level of detail is achieved.
Video Game Controller Scan
Now that we’ve taken a look at the Spider II, let’s explore Artec’s newest metrology-grade laser 3D scanner: the Artec Point.
Artec Point
The Artec Point debuted at the International Manufacturing Technology Show this fall. Art, GoMeasure3D’s Application Engineer, shared his first impressions and gave a quick demo of Artec’s first target-based 3D laser scanner at the tradeshow.
The Artec Point is an affordable, multi-mode industrial laser-triangulation 3D scanner compared to other systems in this category. The Artec Point’s high accuracy and repeatability are ISO and VDI/VDE certified. You can use it for advanced metrology applications and be confident that you’ll get reliable results every time.
Advanced 3D Scanning Technology Doesn’t Have to be Complicated
“We think we’re well-positioned to compete in that market because of the opportunity to bring our ecosystem—our algorithms and software, in addition to all our previous hardware releases—to industrial metrology applications. We’ve been preparing for a few years now to get here, by creating a metrology lab, integrating the scanner into our software, and finding the best available hardware manufacturers to execute our vision.”
Advanced technology should streamline tasks for users, boosting efficiency rather than complicating them. Artec is recognized for creating one of the most intuitive and user-friendly 3D scanning software solutions, Artec Studio. Like all Artec 3D scanners, the Artec Point is powered by Artec Studio. This is one of the major benefits of using the Artec Point: it does the hard work for you, making your job much easier while delivering outstanding results. It’s easy to operate and provides the highest-quality scan data you can trust.
3D scanning this cam gear using the Artec Point’s hyper-fine mode.Artec Studio 3D scanning software has all the essential tools for reverse engineering and inspection. Divide scans into sections, uncover defects with Artec Studio’s 3D Compare Map, and ensure products meet standards with intuitive Tolerance Checking. For more advanced use cases, the 3D scan data can be sent to ZEISS INSPECT or Geomagic Control X with just one click.
Cam Gear Scan
Scanning symmetrical objects in 3D presents its own unique challenges. After a quick 5-minute setup, which included spraying the object and placing targets on each side, the scanning process itself took just 5 minutes with the Artec Point. No details were missed—the crisp edges of the gear, as well as the engraved logo and model numbers, were all captured perfectly by this laser 3D scanner.
Using a Target-Based 3D Scanner When Accuracy Matters
Using targets improves accuracy. You can place them on the object or on the surrounding surface.
Why would you use the Artec Point, a target-based system, when you need to apply targets before 3D scanning? Applying targets directly on the object or surrounding the object provides the best accuracy for several reasons:
Enhanced Alignment: Targets provide clear reference points that help the 3D scanner align individual scans more precisely. This minimizes any errors that might occur when relying solely on geometry or color.
Improved Data Registration: With targets, the 3D scanner can quickly and reliably register overlapping scans, leading to a more cohesive final model. This is especially useful in complex geometries where features may not be distinct enough for the software to align scans effectively.
Minimized Errors from Surface Variations: Target markers can help mitigate challenges posed by shiny, reflective, or textured surfaces, which can confuse non-target-based 3D scanners.
Increased Scan Efficiency: By using targets, the 3D scanner can process data faster, as the software can more easily recognize and align scans, reducing the time spent on post-processing.
Consistency Across Scans: Targets ensure that the same reference points are used across multiple scans, contributing to overall consistency and accuracy in the final 3D model.
Overall, target-based systems provide better tracking compared to systems that rely on geometry, color texture, or hybrid tracking. 3D scanners like the Artec Point are particularly beneficial in scenarios where accuracy is critical, such as in metrology, engineering, and demanding industrial applications.
With its ability to handle demanding metrology applications, the Artec Point is designed to scan a variety of surfaces. It even includes modes for challenging surfaces. Switch between three modes to achieve the best results: a high-speed grid, parallel lasers for capturing complex geometries, and a single laser for hidden features like deep holes.
Three Scan Modes
Mode 1: Ultra-Fast Scanning
17 x 17 crossed-laser grid to accurately capture large objects quickly.
Mode 2: Hyperfine Scanning
7 parallel lasers to digitize complex surfaces in high resolution, detects more intricate details like engraving.
Mode 3: Deep Hole Scanning
A single laser to scan hard-to-reach areas digitizing deep holes.
Transmission Scan
In just 25 minutes, the Artec Point captured all the fine details of the intricate assembly of this transmission in this high-resolution 3D replica—every component, every gear set, every mechanism. The transmission’s shiny, reflective metallic finish is no challenge for Artec Point’s advanced 3D scanning technology. The resulting point cloud was optimized for precision, achieving a resolution of 0.2 mm. This model is ideal for reverse engineering, quality inspection, industrial design, rapid prototyping, and beyond.
Now that we’ve reviewed both scanners, you might be wondering in what situations would you use them?
They serve different purposes based on your project requirements.
Uses reference points for tracking
Use Artec Point when:
Need the highest accuracy and resolution: Artec Point offers the best accuracy and resolution out of the two scanners.
Industrial Metrology Applications: Artec Point is certified for metrology-grade 3D scanning.
Scanning Symmetrical or Featureless Objects at High Accuracy: Using positioning targets (dots or markers) will provide you with the best accuracy for tracking.
Scanning complex, large objects: Using reference dots for tracking will help track large objects more effectively than geometry or texture tracking, providing higher reliability and precision. It is also better suited for scanning over long distances.
The Verdict: Getting the highest resolution and accuracy requires more work. For some projects, you need to get that extra level of quality.
Uses the object’s geometry and texture for tracking
Use Artec Spider II when:
You need fast data capture and processing: The Artec Spider II doesn’t require targets for scanning while still capturing complex objects, sharp edges, and fine lines, with an impressive level of detail.
The Verdict: Artec Spider II provide the convenience while getting high-quality resolution and accuracy.
Since both scanners belong to Artec’s ecosystem, data collected with any Artec 3D scanners can be combined to create highly detailed models that harness the strengths of each device.
Artec’s Ecosystem: Combine 3D Scan Data from Any of These 3D Scanners
In summary, the Artec Spider II is an excellent portable 3D scanner for capturing the details of small to medium-sized objects with high resolution and accuracy. For industrial metrology applications where the highest level of resolution and accuracy is required, the Artec Point is the better solution. The Artec Spider II is known for its convenience, while the Artec Point requires more effort to achieve the highest levels of accuracy and resolution.
Got Questions?
If you’re unsure which 3D scanning solution is right for you, we can help. Book a free, personalized web demo with us!