Overview
Revopoint’s MetroX scanner represents a shift within the firm’s portfolio into the realm {of professional}, metrology-capable 3D scanning.
Not like earlier scanners within the POP sequence, MetroX makes use of a number of blue laser traces to seize high-fidelity level cloud knowledge, even on problematic surfaces like shiny black plastic or uncoated metallic (though some spray is likely to be wanted often).
The addition of full-field scanning mode additionally brings a degree of flexibility sometimes seen in dearer programs, letting customers seize geometry throughout bigger objects in a single go.
The scanner boasts a single-frame accuracy of 0.03 mm, and a volumetric accuracy of 0.03 mm + 0.1 mm × L (m), placing it within the ballpark of what’s thought of metrology-grade by many industrial customers. It does this at a fraction of the value sometimes related to high-accuracy scanning programs.
It’s powered completely by way of USB (no battery), and whereas that makes it much less versatile in subject use in comparison with the POP 3 Plus, the tradeoff is a way more steady energy and knowledge hyperlink. These are important for capturing correct and repeatable scan knowledge.
The desk beneath reveals which modes are finest suited to scanning several types of surfaces. We examined all of them, with various levels of success.
MetroX Choices
The MetroX is obtainable in two kits, the primary being the “Normal Version” containing the scanner, tripod, dual-axis turntable, energy provide, and all of the cables, all inside a candy aluminium case.
The second possibility (which we reviewed) is the “Superior Version” which is principally every little thing within the Normal Version, plus a Marker Block equipment. The Marker Block equipment accommodates quite a lot of plastic shapes with markers on and magnets on the base. As well as it accommodates for threaded pillars (known as “bar markers”, which may be screwed into the turntable high to supply some fixing factors for the blocks (or extra stickers) within the z-axis.
You possibly can see these pillars fastened to the turntable within the picture beneath.
Revopoint Software program
If in case you have any of the opposite Revopoint scanners, you’ll seemingly have a replica of their scanning software program (RevoScan) put in in your pc.
To make use of the MetroX, you’ll need to obtain the precise model which was developed for the MetroX. It’s known as RevoScan MetroX, it’s free, and you will discover it on the Revopoint software program web page.
Functionally, it’s nearly similar to the unique RevoScan software program, solely the MetroX model permits the completely different scanning modes within the new scanner. So if in case you have gotten used to the pointcloud technology, mesh creation and enhancing within the earlier software program, you then received’t have any issues switching to this new model.
One minor gripe that I do have concerning the new model, is that it doesn’t have any options for taking measurements from the purpose cloud knowledge. Provided that this new scanner is touted as “metrology-grade”, you’d assume that “measuring stuff” can be an essential function to incorporate. However nope. It ain’t there. If you wish to measure something out of your level cloud or mesh, you’ll have to export it into one thing else.
One other piece of software program of curiosity is the Revo Assistant. Revo Assistant is a smartphone app for IOS and Android, that permits management of the automated turntable. That is fairly helpful to have, as a result of relying on how your turntable is positioned, it may very well be a little bit difficult to entry the bodily buttons to tilt or change course of the turntable.
Now, with the app put in, it makes life a little bit simpler, offering you don’t thoughts having to disconnect the turntable out of your pc’s BluTooth each time you wish to use it.
Anyhoo, with all of the software program put in and the scanner setup, on with the testing!
We’ve divided the testing opinions into two essential sections, one for structured mild modes, and one for laser line scanning.
Structured Mild Scanning Modes
Each Full Area and Auto Turntable scanning modes within the Revopoint MetroX make the most of blue structured mild projection expertise. Structured mild ought to be your mode of selection with the MetroX, when velocity and texture matter greater than hardcore accuracy on tough surfaces.
Coloration scanning may also be achieved due to the devoted RGB digital camera, though this may solely be utilized in auto turntable mode. It ought to be famous that the function scan mode can be solely accessible in auto turntable and full subject modes solely. Marker mode may also be used with these modes.
Marker Scan (Auto Turntable mode – shade)
The primary take a look at we did was on a drone propeller. It has some good curved geometry and a few sharp options on the main and trailing edge, so what higher technique to begin testing a metrology-grade scanner?
Not desirous to cowl the propeller in markers, we opted for marker scan (in shade) utilizing the prevailing markers on the turntable. It scanned tremendous, though merging the 2 sides collectively was difficult, because the merging function requires 30% overlap between scans to work – and on condition that the propeller is so skinny, it was not ultimate. However this isn’t the fault of the scanner or software program, merely of the geometry.
As we are going to see later, the merging function works tremendous, so long as you have got a scanning merchandise that isn’t so skinny it could’t stand on its sides.
Marker Scan (Auto Turntable mode – shade) Bearing Housing
For the subsequent scanning take a look at, we needed to attempt one thing metallic, so opted for a bearing housing that I’m utilizing to make a treadmill for my cat.
I’ve been ready for this half to reach for some time, therefore why our evaluation was a little bit delayed. I truly needed to scan it for correct engineering causes, so I figured I might kill two birds with one stone, and scan it for the evaluation so I may use the scan knowledge in my CAD work later.
The floor end is matte aluminium, so didn’t require use of a sprig.
Marker Scan (Auto Turntable mode – shade) – A Dried Fig
Subsequent for the colour scans, I scanned a dried fig. It’s not a really technical topic, however I had a field of figs mendacity round and I used to be curious what it will appear like. Once more, I used the markers on the turntable, and the piece of dried fruit scanned tremendous.
Marker Scan (Auto Turntable mode – shade) – Plane Mannequin
For the ultimate shade mode take a look at, I scanned a mannequin of an plane. This was an fascinating mannequin to scan and I realized a couple of methods from the method which may not be obvious from merely studying the guide. This required a number of scans from completely different heights earlier than merging the scans within the software program. As you may see within the picture beneath, the merging course of consisted of 6 completely different scans, and it turned out tremendous. Keep in mind, you want a 30% overlap for merging to work.
The picture beneath reveals the merged, meshed and textured remaining consequence. There may be some variation in shade and shading of the assorted scans, largely as a result of me altering peak between scans, affecting the shadows on the mannequin. For a very good shade scan, it’s simpler to seize the article in a single scan from the turntable (with out shifting the scanner). Having constant lighting is essential right here.
Characteristic Scan (Auto Turntable mode – shade) – Battery Charger
For the subsequent take a look at, I needed to attempt the Characteristic Scan mode, which permits scanning of feature-rich topics with out using markers. For this, I used a drone battery charger. The charger had quite a lot of metallic, plastic and glass surfaces, in addition to a variety of darkish/mild colours and different options.
Characteristic Scan (auto turntable mode – shade) – 3D Printed “Ea-Nasir” Statue
For my remaining function scan take a look at, I used my 3D printed statue of infamous Sumnerian copper service provider “Ea-Nasir”. The scanning of this determine was loads simpler than the battery charger, because it has a number of distinct, not planar, non-repetitive geometry.
Laser Line Scanning Modes
With the 2 laser scanning modes, blue lasers emit extremely centered beams with minimal dispersion, permitting for extra correct floor profiling on sharp edges, tremendous options, and small elements. Not like structured mild, which initiatives a complete sample directly, laser scanning captures a number of traces, making it much less delicate to ambient lighting and higher suited to use on darkish, shiny, or extremely textured surfaces.
It additionally tends to penetrate deeper into floor recesses and sophisticated geometries. Whereas blue structured mild scanning is quicker for full-field seize and extra compact in {hardware} design, blue laser programs sometimes ship superior decision, decrease noise, and better repeatability, making them the popular selection for industrial inspection and metrology-grade functions.
So with the structured mild modes nicely and actually put by way of their paces, it was time to check the laser line scanning modes (parallel traces and cross traces).
Marker Scan (laser traces) – Air Duct
The primary merchandise to scan with the laser modes was a little bit bit bizarre, as it’s a automotive consumption duct with two floor finishes. It’s designed to resemble carbon fiber, but it surely’s truly molded that method, with alternating shiny and matte black elements zig-zagging alongside one another.
First I attempted the auto-turntable mode for a shade scan, and as predicted, solely the matte zig zags had been captured within the scan. Non-color full subject scanning yielded the identical outcomes.
So I arrange a cross line laser scan, utilizing the turntable, and the outcomes had been a lot better. The cross traces had some issue reaching contained in the duct, so I paused the scan, and switched to a parallel line laser scan. I unpaused the scan and resumed, and the parallel traces reached a couple of of the areas that might not be reached earlier than.
Whereas I used to be not in a position to seize the complete inside surfaces of the duct (because of the geometry of it), I do just like the function of pausing, and switching scan varieties mid-scan. This does (in some circumstances) enable for reaching tough to scan elements.
After I took a couple of scans, I merged them right into a single level cloud, as you may see beneath.
Marker Scan- Hand Scan (laser traces) – Fireplace Extinguisher
Every part typically works OK when utilizing the turntable (when you get used to it), so for our remaining take a look at, we needed to see how the MetroX carried out on a bigger object, particularly a fireplace extinguisher.
I dutifully lined the hearth extinguisher with sticky markers, and some of the 3D plastic marker blocks, and began a cross line scan.
It labored tremendous for probably the most half, and was in a position to seize the entire number of surfaces and supplies, starting from the pink paint to the black plastic mesh on the nozzle.
The software program demanded that I wanted “extra markers” rather a lot, which was a bit annoying, as a result of as you may see within the picture above, there have been numerous markers on it already. To be honest, the hearth extinguisher has a curved floor, and the sticky markers work higher on flatter surfaces. So even though it was lined in markers, the scanner had some points with detecting the sticky markers from extra shallow angles because the floor curved round.
The ball-shaped strong markers are higher for one of these software, nevertheless, there are solely 10 of the ball-shaped magnetic markers in our equipment, so this could not be sufficient to scan the extinguisher with out getting the “extra markers” error often. So I distributed a couple of of the opposite strong markers on the ground across the hearth extinguisher as nicely.
When you’re going to be scanning one thing massive and curved, you’re going to wish extra magnetic markers and possibly a number of sticky markers too. However general, as quickly because the “extra markers” error had vanished, the scan was fairly easy for this topic.
Within the software program, the graphical illustration of the article turns inexperienced in areas the place the scan has been profitable, and orange the place it wants extra scanning, as you may see within the picture beneath.
General, the laser scanning modes work fairly nicely, though an extended USB cable would make life a little bit simpler for hand-scanning, particularly when you’re tethered to a desktop PC and never a laptop computer.
Abstract
As we now have seen within the take a look at sections, the Revopoint MetroX provides two core scanning applied sciences: blue structured mild and blue laser line scanning, every with its personal strengths.
Structured mild is utilized in Full Area and Auto Turntable modes, and when paired with the built-in RGB digital camera, permits correct shade scans (although solely in Auto Turntable mode).
Laser line scanning (with parallel or cross-line patterns) excels on tough surfaces like shiny plastics or curved metallic elements, and even enables you to change laser modes mid-scan to succeed in difficult areas.
All in all, each programs work nicely as soon as dialed in, however they take a little bit of observe to grasp, particularly in relation to scan merging, marker placement, and navigating geometry-specific challenges.
Ideas for Utilizing the MetroX
The MetroX may be fairly difficult to work with, however like with most scanners, the outcomes get higher the extra you get used to utilizing it.
We’ve observed a couple of issues not talked about within the guide that may assist make scanning a little bit bit simpler.
- 1) Completely cowl the pillars with markers.
The 4 threaded pillars that should be screwed onto the highest face of the turntable are supposed as a floor for attaching the magnetic 3D formed markers. You would possibly discover that even with the pillars lined with the magnetic shapes, you continue to get the “Wants extra markers” error whereas scanning. The answer? Completely cowl the pillars with sticky markers, on each face. As soon as we did this, the prevalence of the “Wants extra markers” error was lowered considerably.
- 2) Be Cautious When Utilizing the 3D Formed Markers Immediately on the Turntable.
The 3D markers have magnets within the backside of them. The turntable has a motor, which generates slight fields which might create a power within the markers when they’re positioned on the rotating turntable. Because of this, the 3D markers can transfer relative to the rotating turntable. You actually don’t need this. So when utilizing the 3D markers on the turntable, both affix them to the 4 pillars, or attempt to discover a candy spot on the turntable the place they won’t be affected by the fields generated within the turntable.
- 3) Use The Pause Button for Textured Scans
As talked about, there’s a “merge” function that can be utilized to hitch separate scans of an object from completely different angles right into a coherent single mannequin. This works very well for the blue laser modes and full subject, however when merging separate shade scans, the outcomes generally is a little unpredictable. As a result of the mannequin might have been moved or rotated, the shadows can change between scans. This may end up in a patchy / bizarre texture when merged.
To keep away from this, when making shade scans, as a substitute of creating separate scans, make use of the “pause” button. Enhance the variety of rotations on the auto turntable settings, and after every rotation, merely pause the scan, and regulate the angle / peak of the scanner. On the finish of the scan you should have a extra constant texture.
Options We Would Wish to See in Future
Having tried the MetroX for these previous couple of months, we now have bought used to its quirks. However we predict that including these different options (probably by way of software program replace) would enhance the person expertise fairly a bit.
- 1) Extra accessible turntable controls.
When utilizing the turntable, you both must navigate into turntable settings, or bodily push the buttons on the turntable to tilt. And you can not simply change course of the turntable mid-scan.
This might simply be resolved by including fundamental turntable controls for tilt angle, velocity, and course on the primary display in Revoscan.
- 2) Depth Digicam Setting Reminiscence
When doing a turntable or full subject scan, the depth digital camera settings are reset to the default setting after every scan. That is extremely annoying, and contributes to the patchy textures talked about within the earlier part. The RGB digital camera settings keep fastened on the user-defined values between scans, so why does the depth digital camera setting return to default when beginning a brand new scan?
- 3) Inspection Options
This can be a large one. The MetroX is marketed as knowledgeable metrology-grade scanner. It will be actually nice if we may do precise metrology-stuff (like measuring the gap between factors or on the mesh) inside Revoscan.
The present resolution, if you wish to measure something, is to make use of third get together software program, like Zeiss Examine (previously Gom Examine), or Geomagic Management. This shouldn’t be too tough to implement, and would actually make life loads simpler.
- 40 Coloration Scanning Exterior of Auto-Turntable Mode
Presently, you may solely do shade scans in auto-turntable mode. It will be good to have the ability to do shade scans with out the turntable. We will do it with the Revopoint Miraco, so it’s a little bit odd that we can’t do it with the MetroX.
Minimal PC Necessities for MetroX
We must always take a second to deal with one thing that has been a priority of potential prospects on-line – the PC {hardware} necessities for utilizing the MetroX. You possibly can see the minimal and advisable system necessities within the desk beneath.
As you may see, the minimal necessities name for an Intel Core i7 tenth technology or higher, with 32GB of RAM and an non-obligatory GPU, minimal RTX3050.
The advisable necessities are an Intel Core i9 (tenth gen onwards) with 64GB RAM and an RTX 4060 or higher.
Some commenters on-line have been involved that they could must rush out and improve their CPU, RAM, GPU, and even their energy provide unit simply to run the MetroX.
This won’t be essential when it comes to the minimal necessities.
For our take a look at, we had 64GB of RAM, no devoted GPU, and we used an Intel Core i5 thirteenth technology (13400), which has 10 cores (6P + 4E) and 16 threads, versus 8 cores and 16 threads for the tenth gen i7.
The Core i5 additionally has a more recent structure (Raptor Lake) in comparison with the older i7, so it’s higher in effectivity, higher energy/efficiency ratio, and higher at multitasking. The common (non-Okay model) of the tenth gen i7 has a barely greater base clock velocity than the i5, however in all different regards, the i5 thirteenth gen is the superior CPU when in comparison with the tenth gen i7.
What does this imply?
It implies that if in case you have an i5 thirteenth gen or newer, you already meet (or exceed) the minimal necessities when it comes to CPU. So that you don’t have to rush out and purchase an older i7 if in case you have a more moderen i5.
Our setup labored tremendous for turntable scans in all modes. Our greatest concern was that it would have an effect on the scanning of bigger objects when doing hand scans, but it surely was largely tremendous. There was a little bit stuttering when doing the hearth extinguisher by hand, particularly when the full variety of frames elevated considerably.
So our suggestion is to purpose for a little bit greater than the minimal necessities. A thirteenth gen i5 with 64 GB of RAM and an RTX 3060 (or greater) ought to be OK.
Clearly if in case you have the advisable necessities of an i9 and every little thing else that Revopoint lists within the desk, then you should have a noticeably smoother expertise.
The purpose is, you won’t want to purchase a brand new CPU on your desktop machine.
Now, when you’re working a laptop computer setup, then it is a completely different story. It’s not straightforward to improve a laptop computer CPU / GPU.
When you personal a laptop computer and it doesn’t meet their minimal necessities (or our personal advisable minimal necessities), you then’re out of luck and also you’re gonna want a brand new laptop computer. So bear that in thoughts when making a purchase order.
Conclusion: Why MetroX Is a Stable Entry-Stage Metrology Choice
There’s a transparent area of interest that the MetroX fills, and that could be a sub-$1,000 scanner that flirts with the sting {of professional} metrology efficiency. When you’re in product growth, small-scale manufacturing, or want dimensional inspection on a funds, this scanner deserves severe consideration.
For context: metrology-grade scanners from manufacturers like Creaform, GOM, or Hexagon typically begin at $20,000 and go nicely past $100,000, relying on accuracy, software program suite, and certification. These programs provide traceable calibration, built-in inspection software program, and are nice for ISO-certified workflows, however the worth and studying curve are steep.
MetroX isn’t making an attempt to interchange these programs. What it does provide is one thing shut sufficient for a large swathe of customers who want exact, repeatable 3D knowledge (however who don’t want NIST traceability or enterprise-level overhead).
The power to scan sure shiny elements with out spray, handle multi-angle full scans by way of markers, and get a steady mesh output all for below $1K is big. The primary limitations are in software program. RevoScan MetroX lacks built-in inspection instruments (for now), that means dimensional checks should be carried out in third-party software program, as talked about beforehand.
However hardware-wise? MetroX punches nicely above its weight. If Revopoint provides even a fundamental measurement toolkit to the native software program, MetroX may grow to be a go-to scanner for small labs, universities, fabrication retailers, and even restore & reverse engineering groups that don’t have tens of hundreds to spend.
For extra data on the Revopoint MetroX, you may click on our affiliate hyperlink beneath, or head on over to their product web page right here. Don’t overlook to make use of the low cost code “RE3DPT” when buying for an additional saving.
Heads up: our content material might include affiliate hyperlinks. When you purchase one thing by way of a type of hyperlinks, you received’t pay a penny extra, however we’ll get a small fee. Learn extra right here.RevoPoint MetroX
The RevoPoint MetroX combines blue-laser traces and full-field scanning, enabling scanning of a large number of various surfaces by way of its completely different scanning modes.
- – Accuracy: As much as 0.03 mm
- – Body charge: As much as 60fps
- – Work distance: 200 ~ 400 mm
- – Single seize vary: 160 x 70 mm at 200 mm and
320 x 215 mm at 400 mm - – Dimensions: 209 x 88 x 44 mm
- – Seize objects with 7 high-powered parallel blue laser traces
- – No spray wanted to scan shiny or black surfaces
- – Marker blocks assist scan quicker
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