When it comes to the precision of a 3D scan, many people first think of the scanner itself: resolution, optics, software, calibration, and the measurement technology used. However, even a high-precision 3D scanner can only capture the surface that is visually accessible to it.

That is why precision begins right at the surface.

Shiny, highly reflective, transparent, very dark, or optically complex surfaces can make reliable scanning difficult. Reflections, varying degrees of gloss, and changing material properties can affect the quality and reproducibility of a 3D scan.

This is exactly where a professional 3D scanning spray comes in.

What does a 3D scanning spray do?

A scanning spray creates a thin, as uniform as possible coating on the part to be scanned. This temporarily alters the optical properties of the original surface. The goal is to provide the 3D scanner with a homogeneous, low-reflection surface.

ATTBLIME scanning sprays were developed specifically for this purpose:

  • ATTBLIME creates a uniform, low-reflection surface—the foundation for precise, reproducible, and metrologically reliable 3D scans
  • This allows for the visual harmonization of different materials and gloss levels and reduces distracting reflections
  • The scanner is provided with more precise conditions for capturing the component geometry
  • Why Reflective Surfaces Can Be Problematic in 3D Scanning
  • Polished metal, glossy plastics, carbon fiber, glass, or other highly reflective materials can pose a challenge for optical 3D measurement systems.

The problem here isn’t necessarily the scanner’s performance. The surface itself can make optical scanning more difficult.

Light is reflected, scattered, or—in the case of transparent materials, for example—partially transmitted through the component. This can result in areas that are more difficult for the scanning system to capture reliably. A scanning spray for 3D scanners temporarily alters these optical properties and creates a more uniform measurement surface.

Why Reproducibility Is Just as Important as Precision

In industrial metrology, a precise measurement alone is often not enough. The result must also be reproducible.

This applies in particular to:

  • Industrial 3D Measurement Technology and Quality Assurance
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Target-Actual Comparisons
  • Component Testing and Dimensional Inspection
  • Automated scanning and inspection processes
  • Research and Development
  • Tool and Mold Making

When different surface properties affect the scanning process, an additional variable is introduced into the measurement chain. Controlled surface preparation using a suitable 3D scanning spray can help reduce this influence and create comparable starting conditions.

A scanning spray isn’t just supposed to “make things white”

This difference is particularly important. The purpose of a high-quality scanning spray is not simply to color a surface white. In geometric measurement, the applied coating itself becomes part of the measurement process. That is why uniform application and a coating that is as thin and homogeneous as possible are particularly important. The higher the measurement requirements and the tighter the tolerances to be tested, the more important the quality of the resulting surface becomes.

The goal, therefore, is to apply as much coating as necessary—and as little as possible. The aim is to create a visually acceptable surface without unnecessarily altering the original component geometry.

Sublimating Scanning Spray: Scan without time-consuming cleaning

Sublimating scanning sprays represent a unique solution in the field of 3D measurement technology. With conventional coatings, the component may need to be cleaned after the scanning process is complete. A sublimating scanning spray takes a different approach. The applied layer disappears on its own after a certain period of time through sublimation. During this process, the solid coating material transitions into the gas phase. As a result, the need for subsequent manual cleaning—depending on the product, part, and application—can be significantly reduced or completely eliminated. This is particularly beneficial for complex geometries, sensitive components, hard-to-reach areas, or a large number of parts to be scanned.

Why Different Sublimation Times Are Important

Not every scanning process has the same requirements. For small components or fast scanning operations, a short sublimation time may be appropriate. Complex components or extensive measurements, on the other hand, may require a coating that remains available for a longer period. The choice of the appropriate sublimating scanning spray should therefore not depend solely on the maximum possible whiteness or the shortest possible sublimation time.

The key is the interplay between:

  • Surface Quality
  • Coating thickness
  • Sublimation behavior
  • Scan time and measurement request.

This makes the scanning spray itself an integral part of the entire measurement process.

The surface is part of the measurement chain

A precise 3D scan is not the result of a single component. Scanner technology, optics, calibration, software, environmental conditions, operator input, and surface preparation together form a measurement chain. Anyone seeking to achieve reproducible measurement results should therefore also consider the surface as part of this measurement chain. A controlled surface creates more controlled scanning conditions. And controlled conditions form the basis for reproducible results.

Precision starts with the surface

ATTBLIME creates a uniform, low-reflection surface—the foundation for precise, reproducible, and metrologically reliable 3D scans. After all, before a 3D scanner can measure precisely, the surface must be ready to be captured accurately.