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On the Holocreators Blog, you will find posts about 3D-scanning and reverse engineering. Post topics range from explanations and tutorials to art projects. We illuminate topics from various angles, often with video.

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Last updated: 16.05.2025
Explanation

How to Reduce the Price of 3D CT Scans to 95 EUR per Part

3D CT scanning is one of the most accurate methods for capturing 3D data of the internal and external geometry of complex objects. It’s the best scanning method we’ve used in nearly a decade of 3D scanning experience.

Last updated: 12.11.2020
Explanation

How to 3D-scan people or animals?

With the help of specialized 3D scanners, you can 3D-scan people and animals. This allows you to create 3D models that can be 3D-printed or used for 3D animation. We'll show you three different devices that make such 3D scans possible.

Last updated: 11.11.2020
Explanation

What is Kitbashing?

Kitbashing is associated with model making. It is composed of the words "Kit" and "Bashing". “Kit” refers to "model kit". So, when a model maker is "kitbashing", he blends parts from different model kits. Similar to a collage. The model maker combines several individual models into an entirely new model.

Last updated: 06.08.2020
Explanation

What Types of 3D Model Databases Are Available?

We have compiled a selection of 3D model databases. You can download 3D models and then edit them in a 3D program or 3D print them. There are databases with free 3D models and those that sell them.

Last updated: 05.08.2020
Explanation

What is Reverse Engineering? (Converting a 3D-Scan to CAD)

Reverse engineering is required whenever a 3D scan (STL format) needs to be converted into a CAD model (STEP format). We will give you a brief overview of three different reverse engineering techniques.

Last updated: 02.08.2020
Explanation

What is the difference between NURBs model and a mesh?

A NURBS model consists of points connected by curves. A polygon mesh consists of thousands or millions of small triangles. CAD surface models are usually created using NURBS surfaces, while 3D scans are typically exported as a polygon mesh. The conversion from a polygon mesh to a NURBS model is called "reverse engineering".

Last updated: 01.08.2020
Explanation

Reverse engineering and error propagation

Reverse engineering enables us to create a copy of an object. For this purpose, the part is 3Dscanned, then the 3D scan data is converted into a CAD format, and finally, the part is manufactured. All these steps result in noticeable deviations. If an error adds up over multiple steps, then we call this error propagation.

Last updated: 01.08.2020
Explanation

Lecture on reverse engineering (3D scan and CAD)

Swann Rack from Holocreators gave a presentation on reverse engineering at the Rapid.tech 3D Congress 2018. Reverse engineering allows an object to be reproduced using 3D scanning and subsequent conversion into a CAD format. In his presentation, Swann Rack talked about the different 3D scanning techniques and how the reverse engineering process works.

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Estimated reading time: mins

Last updated: 12.06.2020
Explanation

What is a Point Cloud?

A 3D scanner generates a point cloud. Each point in the point cloud is a measurement point that the 3D scanner has detected on the object’s surface. Each point has an XYZ value that determines its position in the coordinate system. In addition to the XYZ coordinates, certain point clouds can also store the color and light intensity of the measurement point. A direction vector can also be assigned to each point—this indicates the direction in which the point is oriented.

Estimated reading time: mins

Last updated: 10.06.2020
Explanation

Combining 3D-CT scanner and photogrammetry

We combine the advantages of photogrammetry and 3D CT scanning (computed tomography) to create a highly accurate color 3D scan. Photogrammetry provides the best possible color information, while computed tomography allows us to 3D-scan the object with unparalleled accuracy. Subsequently, the 3D scan data from both techniques are merged.

Estimated reading time: mins

Last updated: 08.06.2020
Explanation

Metal 3D-printing with selective laser melting (SLM)

SLM is a 3D printing process in which metal powder is fused by laser, creating a new object layer by layer. SLM stands for (Selective Laser Melting), which means that the laser selectively melts the metal powder only where the solid material is needed. In the end, the finished object can be removed from the powder bed.

Estimated reading time: mins

Last updated: 15.06.2020
Product Review

Artec Space Spider 3D-Scanner Product Review

The Artec Space Spider is a handheld 3D scanner. The cameras on the front look like spider eyes— hence the name "Spider". The 3D scanner is very light and works with blue-structured light. It was developed primarily for 3D scanning smaller objects of between 5 and 30 cm. The manufacturer states the accuracy of the 3D scanner to be within 0.1mm-0.05 mm. Currently, the Artec Space Spider lists for about 20,000 Euro (23,626 USD).

Estimated reading time: mins

Last updated: 01.08.2020
Explanation

Lecture on reverse engineering (3D scan and CAD)

Estimated reading time: mins

Last updated: 05.08.2020
Explanation

What is Reverse Engineering? (Converting a 3D-Scan to CAD)

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We offer a professional 3D scanning service as well as a 3D scan to CAD conversion service.
Feel free to contact us for a personalized consultation for your individual project.”