Frequently Asked Questions
Issues not covered in detail in the product information (to be continued)
Questions
How does Skiron compare to other laser or optical scanners?
Effective Skiron accuracy and resolution is in the range of many other 3D scanning devices or even better. Due to the small size of the sensor a considerably higher percentage of a complicated object’s surface can be captured as with other scanners. Regarding price-to-performance, both Skiron and MicroScribe are leading products on the market. .
How can Skiron results be used with other applications?
Scantools exports 3D point cloud and polygon (wireframe) models. Since 3D technologies have meanwhile entered many application areas and almost every 3D software can import at least either of these data types, MicroScribe/Skiron fits perfectly into the workflow of all these applications. For technical background information see separate document “From CAD Reconstruction to Reverse Engineering”.
I already own a MicroScribe G2 desktop digitizer. Can I add Skiron Laser Sensor to my MicroScribe?
Because Skiron sensor needs to be permanently reoriented relative to the object surface in order to capture all details from an optimum perspective, an additional rotation axis for the stylus is required. This axis is provided by the 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) MicroScribe version. So only if your MicroScribe is a 6DOF version it can easily be upgraded with Skiron, the standard 5DOF version can not be used. Upgrading from 5DOF to 6DOF is possible but costly.
Can I also use Skiron with my MicroScribe 3D I already bought a few years ago?
No, this is not possible. Even if you bought a 6DOF MicroScribe, which is a basic requirement, only a serial port was provided with the older 3D generation. Skiron, however, connects to the MicroScribe USB port which is only available with the G2 and MX generations of devices. Adding a USB port to a 3D type of MicroScribe is possible but costly.
Is Skiron also compatible with the MicroScribe MX series of digitizers?
Except for the older MicroScribe 3D generation MicroScan can without any problems or limitations be used with every Microscribe 6DOF MicroScribe desktop digitizer, including the portable MX CMMs (coordinate measurement machines).
Is there additional hardware or software required to operate MicroScribe/Skiron?
No. Skiron connects to the MicroScribe’s accessory port and the computer’s firewire interface, cables are included in the delivery. Laser scanning, data processing, and export are controlled by the Scantools Software.
How about calibrating the Skiron?
Same as the MicroScribe, Skiron laser sensor comes factory-calibrated. Before operating the sensor for the first time, Skiron must be calibrated relative to the MicroScribe after mounting the sensor to the MicroScribe stylus. using a precision calibration sphere which is part of the delivery. The procedure takes a few minutes only and is described in detail in the documentation. To maintain high(est) accuracy, recalibration each time Skiron has been detached/reattached is not necessary but recommended.
What is the Maximum size of the object that can be captured?
The maximum reach of the combined MicroScribe/Skiron system is up to 30 cm in excess of the MicroScribe’s. However, Scantools software enables scanning objects from arbitrary perspectives independently. Some overlap between neighboured perspectives can be used to accurately and seamlessly register (align and merge) them. Therefore also objects the size of which considerably exceeds the system’s working space can be completely digitized. This method corresponds to walking the MicroScribe around an object and each time using triples of reference points for proper realignment in a predefined coordinate system, a procedure also known as “daisy chaining” or “leap frogging”.
Can MicroScribe and Skiron be taken to different locations and applications?
Skiron was designed for maximum performance and ease of use, contained in minimum volume. This is why the combination is a leading product in versatility and portability. Set up in minutes, MicroScribe/Skiron is ready for digitizing whenever and wherever needed.
If I have a Skiron attached to my Microscribe, can I still use it as a touch probe digitizer?
Skiron is a powerful external add-on device for the MicroScribe and does not require modifications. MicroScribe’s capabilities as a stand-alone device are neither influenced nor prevented.
Which objects are difflcult or even impossible to scan with Skiron?
As every other scanner, Skiron has its limits, but they relate to the object surface properties and are not critical for the vast majority of possible applications: Transparent and shiny or highly reflective surfaces like mirrors cannot be captured. The same holds for extremely dark surfaces which re-emit only a very low percentage of the incident laser intensity. However, Scantools software allows to individually adjust and optimize the sensitivity of the laser sensor, thus considerably broadening the range of digitizable objects. A camera lens filter tailored to the wave length of the laser light minimizes the effects of ambient light.
What is the Scantools Software needed for?
Scantools enables the user to optimize and calibrate the sensor, control data acquisition, process point cloud and polygon models, register multiple scans, and export results to subsequent software applications. Even the MicroScribe’s ability to support custom tips for single point acquisition has been implemented.