Calibry - 3D scanner

Calibry is a professional handheld 3D scanner developed by the renowned Thor3D, a Russian company based in Moscow specialising in the production of professional 3D scanners.

It has a dynamic and highly qualified team of engineers and mathematicians in charge of developing the complex reconstruction algorithms responsible for the high quality of the models obtained with its equipment. Some of its algorithms and developments are so innovative that many of them are protected by several international patents.

Calibry is based on structured light 3D scanning technology, one of the most widely used at present due to its excellent resolution/cost ratio, as well as its high precision. Using a proprietary Thor3D camera with calibrated lenses, it captures the deformations of patterns projected on the surface of the part, reconstructing the geometry using complex algorithms.

Video 1: Calibry promotional video. Source: Thor3D.

Highest quality and speed

Calibry can scan objects ranging in length from 30cm to 10m. This, combined with the ability to capture point clouds with a point resolution of as little as 0.6 mm, a texture resolution of 2.3 MP, and a maximum accuracy of 0.1 mm, makes it capable of capturing even the smallest details of large objects.

Image 1: Scanning of medium and large parts. Source: Thor3D.

It also has a custom-developed camera capable of capturing up to 30 images per second, which together with its multi-core processor allows it to acquire up to 3 million points per second. This makes it possible to obtain high-density point clouds quickly and accurately.

Complete and advanced features

Calibry has a 4-inch touch screen that allows all parameters to be configured and files to be managed. This streamlines the workflow as there is no need to access the computer at any time during the scanning process.

Image 2: Calibry touch screen. Source: Thor3D.

To ensure maximum accuracy and alignment of the point clouds, three different tracking modes can be used: geometry, texture or marker tracking.

Texture tracking is recommended for objects with little geometry but ample contrasting textures, especially antiques or museum artefacts, too fragile and precious for the use of markers. The geometry tracking mode can be used for scanning body parts or objects, and the marker tracking mode for capturing anything with a smooth, shiny or transparent surface, such as a car.

Image 3. The texture, geometry and marker tracking modes (left to right) of the Calibry 3D scanner. Source: Thor3D.

Calibry also incorporates a second texture camera that not only allows texture tracking during the scanning process, but also captures textures and colours for later incorporation into the model.

Advanced algorithms

To obtain quality point clouds and meshes, in addition to advanced hardware, it is necessary to implement quality reconstruction and processing algorithms. Thor3D has developed and implemented in Calibry some of the most advanced algorithms on the market, both for point cloud capture and mesh processing.

Image 4: Reconstruction of a defect in the point cloud by interpolation. Source: Thor3D.

These algorithms allow complex elements such as sharp edges, shiny or black surfaces, or hair and fur to be captured with high quality. In addition, efficient interpolation algorithms are available to repair defects or holes in the mesh, making it possible to recover areas that could not be scanned.

A software to match

Calibry incorporates the Calibry Nest software solution, a combination of two software packages that work together, one embedded in the 3D scanner itself and the other in the computer, to automate the workflow and cover all the necessary steps to obtain a quality final mesh.

The embedded software allows all functions required during the 3D scanning process to be performed from the scanner's own touch screen. These functions include managing files, setting sensitivities, selecting the 3D scanning mode and starting and stopping the capture.

The software installed on the computer, in addition to having the same tools as the one embedded in Calibry, has an advanced module for point cloud processing with tools for alignment, interpolation, simplification and mesh processing and repair.

Image 5: Calibry Nest software. Source: Thor3D.

The Calibry Nest software is regularly updated and does not require a licence. This means that the scanner can be used at facilities such as research centers or schools, with the software installed on multiple computers for one scanner only.

Calibry is the most affordable professional scanner with advanced features on the market for 3D scanning of medium to large objects. Its friendly and powerful software included with the product allows for straightforward and quick scanning in various sectors such as engineering (reverse engineering, quality control), medicine (prosthetics), automotive, biometrics (identification), education, art and design, heritage conservation or computer graphics and animation. Its built-in screen, light weight and 3 tracking modes make it a versatile and comfortable to use tool.