November 13, 2023
This article contains useful information about various accessories for the Artec Ray scanner: tripods, batteries, reference spheres, and targets.
Tripods
Starting from October 2023 Artec 3D introduced a new line of tripods
- Tripod Dolly to roll the scanner with no need for dismounting or adjustments.
Purpose:
- Stabilize the scanner, avoid vibrations and ensure a successful 3D scan
- Raise the scanner up to a certain height to get a better scanning angle from above
Requirements:
- The Artec Ray scanner must always be used in combination with a tripod. Placing the scanner on the floor, table, or any other object is not recommended under any circumstances.
- The tripod must be stable enough to hold the 5kg (11lbs) heavy 3D scanner without shaking or wobbling, and should suppress vibrations
- The scanner mounting base requires a 5/8" mounting screw. A 5/8" to 3/8" adapter is included with the scanner
Other Recommendations:
- Manfrotto Triaut tripod (EU US)
- NEDO tripods (EU US)
- Schweres Kurbelstativ G3H, which can raise the scanner up to 5 meters high
- Manfrotto 529B Hi-Hat tripod (requires adapter 1 and adapter 2): an ultra-compact, ultra-portable tripod for travel, and customer demonstrations.
- NEDO Schachtstativ, a specially designed tripod for upside-down scanning and lowering the scanner into manholes, silos etc. Please note that a custom calibration file is required for upside-down scanning.
- Manfrotto 035, a "clamp" adapter that supports up to 15kg and can be attached to a bar or a tripod column. Please note that you will also need to purchase Manfrotto's "5/8 platform adapter" in order to use this clamp with the Artec Ray.
Batteries
Purpose:
- Portability, wireless scanning
Details:
- Two rechargeable batteries are included with the Artec Ray scanner. Additional batteries can be purchased separately
- Specifications: 14.4 V, 49 Wh, Li-Ion
- Each battery can power the Artec Ray for about 1.5 - 2 hours of 3D-scanning
- When charging, 2 hours are required for a full charge. Both batteries can be charged simultaneously using the supplied two-bay charger
- Additional information about batteries is available in this article.
Reference spheres
Purpose:
- Faster and more accurate registration
- Successfully scan and register objects that have insufficient geometrical features
Details:
- Quick and easy positioning
- Depending on the sphere type, can be used on a stand, magnetic base, or tripod
- Available in different diameters (14.5 cm, 20 cm, etc) for different scanning distances
Note: At least 5 spheres should be visible per scan / per each scanning angle. The same five spheres must be visible in the next scan, in order to be used as matching reference points for successful registration and alignment.
Recommendations:
- Hubbs professional scanning spheres
- Laser Scanner Reference Sphere Set (Flexi) Item number: 030-10112
- XXL FLEXI Laser Scanner Reference Sphere Set with 3 spheres Item number: 030-11771
- FLEXI XXL Laser Scanner Reference Sphere Set with individual accessories Item number: 030-11779
Reference targets
Purpose:
- Fast and extremely accurate registration (note that the accuracy depends on the type of targets used)
- Successfully scan and register objects that have insufficient geometrical features
Details:
- Targets exist in many variations: professional targets with a drift nest mount (highly accurate), magnetic, adhesive, etc. It is even possible to print out targets on a home/office laser printer
- Depending on the target type, they can be used on a stand, magnetized or glued to the surface, or attached to a tripod
- Available in different sizes for different scanning distances
Note: At least 5 targets should be visible per scan / per each scanning angle. The same five targets must be visible in the next scan, in order to be used as matching reference points for successful registration and alignment.
Recommendations:
- https://shop.laserscanning-europe.com/Target-plates
- Basis professional contrast targets (link coming soon)
- Printing template for home/office laser printers
Note: Targets printed out on a laser printer will not be as accurate as professional-grade targets.
Additional information:
Please note that all third-party accessories listed in this article are for reference only.
The list is no way exhaustive and other accessories may also be compatible with the Artec Ray.
Disclaimer:
By purchasing any third-party accessories and using them with the Ray, you agree to do so at your own risk. Artec does not assume responsibility for any accessories that it does not manufacture, nor can Artec be held liable if any damage were to occur to the scanner as a result of being used with a third-party accessory.
Our team is here to help! If you have any questions or issues, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing support@artec3d.com or by clicking the "Submit a request" button at the bottom right of the screen. We will always be happy to assist you and will get back to you as soon as we can.