Palms-On Overview: Revopoint Trackit 3D Scanner

Why is it Completely different?

Trying on the picture above, you possibly can inform right away that this isn’t your common consumer-grade 3D scanner. It options this lengthy system that resembles the face of a Hammerhead Shark, and a spaceage-looking, orb-like contraption.

The sharky bit is definitely the tracker, and the orb-thing, is the scanner itself. The orb is manufactured from carbon fiber, and is roofed in markers.

This dual-component setup is designed for environment friendly 3D scanning. The tracker module with stereo infrared cameras displays the marker-covered scanner’s place, permitting for real-time spatial monitoring.

This eliminates the necessity to place markers straight on the item. The scanner captures geometry utilizing structured blue-laser mild, whereas the tracker ensures exact alignment and decreased drift. Advantages embrace sooner setup, simplified workflow, and dependable scanning of complicated or reflective surfaces. As a result of the tracker solely must see the scanner (not the item) the Trackit permits correct, markerless scanning even in confined or partially occluded environments.

Now, this idea will not be a brand new one. A lot of these “outdoors in” 3D scanners with their exterior monitoring sensors have been round for some time in industrial functions.

They typically retail for over $50,000 USD.

So for the primary time, one of these scanner tech is now obtainable to shoppers who don’t want to promote a kidney to purchase one.

That’s the essential purpose why the Revopoint Trackit is completely different. As a result of it’s inexpensive.

Specs

So now you recognize why it’s completely different (and the way it works), let’s check out the specs earlier than we crack the field open and have a look at what’s included.

Beginning with the highest of the desk we are able to see it has two blue laser modes, being 30 cross strains (for quick scanning of bigger areas) and a single line mode, for scanning deep holes and different awkward options. You’ll be able to see each modes at work within the video beneath.

When it comes to accuracy and scanning space, the Trackit delivers a single-frame accuracy of 0.02 mm with level spacing right down to 0.05 mm, capturing as much as 1.5 million factors per second. Its working distance ranges from 200 to 400 mm, with a area of view increasing from 160 × 70 mm at shut vary to 320 × 215 mm at full attain.

The TrackitTrackit system can deal with elements starting from just a few centimetres as much as round six metres in dimension. Its exterior tracker defines the working quantity, capturing a body of about 1.3 × 1.1 metres at 1.5 metres distance, and increasing to roughly 3.3 × 2.8 metres when moved again to 4 metres, giving an general monitoring quantity of 11 cubic metres.

In plain phrases, the farther you pull the tracker again, the bigger the item you possibly can scan, though the volumetric accuracy follows the formulation 0.02 mm + 0.04 mm per metre, that means larger scans lose a contact of precision over distance.

This makes it perfect for inspection duties, reverse engineering, or the seize of bigger objects for varied digitization wants. It’s perfect for detailed automotive duties of all sizes, starting from engine elements, proper as much as the complete automobile itself. Though relying on the scale of the automobile and the space of the tracker, you may want to maneuver the automobile a bit, scan it in elements, and merge the elements within the software program.

PC Necessities

In case you have learn our earlier evaluate for the Revopoint MetroX, you’ll know that the MetroX had some fairly excessive PC necessities for a “client” grade metrology scanner.

Effectively, the PC necessities for the Trackit are even larger.

And whereas there was some flexibility for the MetroX (we all know as a result of we examined it), the necessities for the Trackit are pretty inflexible. For instance, the MetroX requires the minimal of a Corei7 processor and non-obligatory GPU. We used a more moderen era i5 with no GPU, and it nonetheless labored OK.

You gained’t get away with such modifications with the Trackit nonetheless. We bought a brand new laptop computer simply to run the Trackit someplace in between the minimal and advisable necessities.

The official necessities for the Trackit are beneath.

We used a 2024 Asus TUF Gaming laptop computer, with thirteenth gen Core i7, RTX 4060 (8gb) and we upgraded it with 64gb of RAM, simply to make sure.

We will safely say that this setup is greater than ample for the Trackit, and scanning was as clean as butter. Extra on that later.

Three Methods to Scan

The Revopoint Trackit permits for 3 ways of scanning objects throughout the Revo Observe software program.

Observe Scan

The primary mode is Observe Scan, and makes use of the massive monitoring module. This makes use of the blue laser mild modes, and is for precision scanning of each massive and small objects.

In Observe Scan mode, the half to be scanned is positioned between the tracker and the scanner. On this mode, the tracker have to be stored stationary, and there have to be a line of sight between each of the tracker’s “eyes” and the shifting scanner.

Multi Place Scan

Multiposition Scan Mode allows you to scan the big objects from completely different angles or orientations by repositioning the tracker, then robotically align and merge the partial scans right into a single full 3D mannequin.

Marker Scan

The third and closing scanning methodology is the extra conventional approach of scanning, and is mainly the standalone mode, utilizing the scanner with out the separate tracker.

That is perfect for smaller objects, and as you possibly can guess from the title, requires using markers.

Testing The Trackit

Earlier than scanning with the Trackit, each the scanner and tracker must be calibrated, by use of the tripods, gimbals and calibration plate. It’s a reasonably laborious job, and we don’t have the area to enter particulars on the way it all works right here. However you possibly can see this video from the corporate for an concept of how calibration works.

After calibrating the Trackit (not simple because of the excessive temperatures on this a part of the world), it was time to place the Trackit via its paces.

I arrange the tracker, and put a raised plywood platform in entrance of it, the place I’d place the objects to be scanned.

Check 1 – Impromptu Cat Scan (Monitoring Scan / Cross Lasers)

Earlier than getting right into a correctly correct scanning session, I made a decision to simply scan some random objects to see how effectively the monitoring system labored.

In earlier opinions, I’ve talked about how tough it’s to scan reside animals, because of their lack of cooperation, and because of the issue of carrying {hardware} to a sleeping animal with out waking it.

I had no such points this time, as my cat randomly flopped onto my scanning platform and refused to maneuver, whereas I used to be in search of one thing to scan.

I assumed this was her approach of volunteering, so I quietly grabbed the Trackit and launched a scan in Observe Scan mode (with blue crossed lasers).

OK so it wasn’t a correct check, and I solely scanned half my cat (I didn’t need blue laser mild entering into her face). However one factor that was instantly noticeable was how clean the scanning course of was.

Preserving one eye on my laptop computer to see how rapidly the info was being captured, I might see the purpose cloud turning inexperienced in a short time, indicating that the scan was good high quality. It took simply ten seconds to scan half of the cat.

After my first fast impromptu check, I eliminated the undesirable visitor from the scanning desk, and located one thing extra acceptable to scan.

Check 2 – Giant Fan (Monitoring Scan / Cross Lasers)

With the cat eliminated, I put a 16 inch flooring fan on the platform. I figured this may be check, as it’s matte black plastic, and has some attention-grabbing geometry (a lot of gaps within the fan housing). It’s additionally fairly a big merchandise.

I started the scan, and was fairly shocked at how briskly it was to seize massive areas in a rough first cross. I managed to get a major a part of the primary geometry in underneath a few minutes.

I paused the scan utilizing the play/pause button on the scanner unit, and went to take a look at the scan on the laptop computer. It was clear that there was rather a lot lacking from the scan, regardless of the fast first cross, so I unpaused the scanner, and resumed, making an attempt to get the entire surfaces and angles that I had beforehand missed.

This was train in the way to preserve the monitoring, because the tracker flashes two massive crimson lights every time the monitoring drops. Normally in Revoscan software program, you must stare on the pc display screen and anticipate the “monitoring misplaced” message to look.

This message nonetheless seems on this model of Revo Observe, however the massive lights on the tracker actually assist so much, particularly in case your eyesight isn’t pleased with squinting at a laptop computer display screen. If the tracker lights are inexperienced, then the tracker can “see” the scanner”. If it’s crimson, you simply have to maneuver it again into the road of sight.

I spent one other 10 minutes scanning the fan, simply to hold on getting a really feel for it and seeing what it might do. The primary uncooked scan was not good, however this was because of the place of the platform which didn’t give me a lot area to maneuver round behind with the scanner. There are additionally some bits on the decrease rear that had been obscuring the road of sight between the tracker and scanner, so that they weren’t captured.

After watching some movies from Revopoint, I’ve realized that it’s higher to face the thinnest aspect of an object in the direction of the tracker first, so it causes much less of an obstruction when scanning the rearmost areas furthest from the tracker.

Total, for a second try at scanning with the Trackit, I used to be more than happy with the outcomes (particularly the fan grille), and had realized just a few tips to make sure future scans can be higher.

Check 3 – Cat Feeder (Monitoring Scan / Cross Lasers)

Having bought a feed for the scanner and level cloud era, it was time to aim a scan and switch it right into a mesh. For this check, I used an automated cat feeder. It had good geometry and didn’t want any spray because it has a largely matte black end.

Throughout this check, I began experimenting with the Goal Level Distance. By default it’s set to 0.2mm At this worth, the scan can typically require a number of passes so as to get the purpose cloud to show inexperienced (indicating scan). Nevertheless, cranking that distance to between 0.8mm and 1.2mm actually speeds issues up. At this setting, I discovered that I might seize bigger areas with one or two passes. For an object this dimension and this stage of element, it was completely wonderful.

Check 4 – Glasses Case (Coloration Scan / Monitoring Scan / Cross Lasers)

When the Trackit was first launched, coloration scanning mode had not but been enabled. The colour scanning replace was made obtainable by way of a firmware replace in September.

As soon as the replace was full, I examined just a few completely different objects to see how effectively it really works in comparison with the MetroX.

First up was a small glasses case. I wished to check a smaller object first simply to get a cling of it earlier than shifting onto one thing larger.

Coloration scanning works like this:

First, you scan the item in common scanning mode to acquire the purpose cloud.

When you find yourself pleased with the purpose cloud, then you definitely activate coloration (texture) scanning within the software program, and you utilize the scanner to take “pictures” from varied angles across the object.

It’s important to not transfer the item between taking the purpose cloud and capturing the textures. Each the purpose cloud and textures are positioned almost about the tracker info, so each datasets need to match when it comes to coordinates. Shifting the item after you scan it and earlier than you are taking the textures will end in a blurred, messy texture.

As soon as the purpose cloud and texture knowledge is captured, merely course of the purpose cloud (fusion and mesh) after which click on the feel button within the software program. It’s going to then apply your texture to the cleaned mesh.

Check 5 – Foam Glider (Coloration scan / Monitoring Scan / Cross Lasers + Single Laser)

Reviewing scanners as I do, I typically run out of appropriate issues to scan.

For this check, I bought a colourful foam glider with a wingspan of round 60cm. I figured that the froth can be simple to scan, and it might be coloration check of a bigger object. The glider additionally has a cockpit cover manufactured from black plastic, which is someplace between shiny and matte. So the addition of this black mildly reflective part can be check to see if a twig was wanted.

The primary scan was carried out with the cross lasers, with the froth glider impaled on a wire coat hanger (for straightforward scanning entry from all angles).

Typically, the bigger surfaces scanned with no subject, however as you possibly can see within the image beneath, there have been some gaps on the wings’ forefront. I attempted rotating the scanner so the middle of each of the sensors had been collinear with the forefront, however to no avail.

This appeared like alternative to check single line laser mode. Single laser mode is finest for scanning deep holes, or options that the cross laser mode may wrestle with. It takes so much longer to scan with the one laser mode (naturally) however it appears to provide so much much less noise within the scan. After some minutes going backwards and forwards over the wing forefront, it appeared to do the trick.

The great factor concerning the two completely different laser modes is that you would be able to pause the scan, change mode mid-scan, then resume within the different mode, so you possibly can mix modes in a single scan.

The picture beneath exhibits a earlier try at including textures to the glider.

Check 6 – Air Compressor Velocity Run (Monitoring Scan / Cross Lasers)

The air compressor was the ultimate check, constructing on all the pieces realized from the prior exams.

I selected this object, as a result of I’ve used it in scanner exams earlier than, so it might function benchmark when it comes to scanning time. That is the velocity run!

With earlier client grade scanners, this merchandise took round 20 to 25 minutes to get scan utilizing characteristic mode (with out markers). It is because the earlier scanners would typically lose monitoring.

So how lengthy did it take with the Trackit? A ridiculously brief time, that’s how lengthy.

I used to be capable of produce an inexpensive high quality level cloud in simply 5 minutes. You’ll be able to see the uncooked scan within the picture beneath. There was a little bit of noise floating round as a result of it was a velocity run and I used to be shifting rapidly. However this was simply fastened with the modifying instruments within the software program.

You’ll be able to see how rapidly the Trackit was capable of scan the compressor within the video beneath.

You’ll discover just a few gaps within the scan. These gaps had been unavoidable as among the compressor {hardware} obstructed different elements of the compressor and I couldn’t entry these elements with the laser. However nonetheless, 5 minutes to get this scan with none markers is pretty spectacular.

With the ultimate check full, let’s check out what the general expertise of the Trackit was like, and attain some sort of conclusion.

Issues That We Love About The Revopoint Trackit

Throughout our evaluate of the Revopoint MetroX scanner, there have been a few recommendations that we mentioned may enhance the general expertise.

It appears for no matter purpose, Revopoint has truly applied a few them.

Lengthy Cables

The information cable on the MetroX was pretty tiny, which could possibly be problematic if you happen to had been utilizing a desktop PC. This isn’t the case with the Trackit – the cables listed below are HUGE. Like a number of meters lengthy (examine how lengthy later). They’re now so lengthy, I didn’t even want to fret about shopping for a brand new extension wire, as I might plug the facility into the kitchen outlet, setup the scanner in the lounge, and have loads of room to maneuver about. So yay! That’s a win!

Revo Measure

One other minor gripe we made within the MetroX evaluate was relating to the shortage of measurement software program included with the MetroX. Certain, you would scan issues properly, however if you happen to truly wished to know the space between two factors, you would need to spend probably quite a lot of money on some inspection software program, or find yourself utilizing some freeware that appears prefer it was designed in MS DOS.

Effectively, Revopoint fastened this too, and now you may get the Revo Measure software program, Help level cloud and mesh to CAD comparisons, and supply measurement, parameter extraction,
quantity measurement, GD&T evaluation, and many others.

Issues That May very well be Improved on the Revopoint Trackit

We prefer to be honest and balanced right here. Whereas the Trackit in all fairness priced for a tool of this type, it’s nonetheless a good previous chunk of change to drop on a chunk of kit.

So for you (the patron) to get either side of the story and make an knowledgeable selection about your buy, we are going to share each the tough and the graceful.

To that finish, right here are some things we predict could possibly be improved.

Coloration Mode

For sure elements, there isn’t any solution to create a texture that absolutely wraps round all sides of the half in Observe Scan mode. For instance, with the cat feeder check, I used to be capable of make a coloration texture of the highest, entrance, again, left and proper sides, but when I wished to scan and texture the underside face (requiring a merge of scans) then this appears to be unimaginable for now.

If you wish to scan an merchandise from all sides, then for the second, the one approach appears to be to put the merchandise to be scanned on a skinny pole (just like the glider scan). This lets you create a texture from all sides while not having to merge a multi half scan.

USB-C Laptop Cable

The cables connecting the scanner to the tracker and calibration pole are all chunky and sturdy connectors, with screws to lock them securely to the respective items of {hardware}.

The cable from the tracker to the laptop computer, nonetheless, is anchored in place to the tracker with the aforementioned screws, however terminates on the laptop computer aspect with a flimsy USB-C connector.

Provided that the cables have a possible to be dragged throughout the ground, you’d assume that one thing a bit of safer would have been chosen because the connector. With a delicate drive brought on by shifting the heavy cables round, it is vitally simple to drag the USB-C connector out of the laptop computer.

It’s such a wierd design selection to make use of a tiny USB-C connector, on condition that the connection between the scanner and pc is so vital to working the system. Even a USB-A would have supplied some extra grip.

I hope they launch another answer additional down the road. For now, if you happen to don’t need your scanner cable coming out of the pc whereas scanning, I’d advocate utilizing a USB-C 3.0 hub with an extended cable, and probably fastening the scanner cable to that hub with tape, or another means.

Calibration

The scanner have to be calibrated, and the tracker itself have to be calibrated, at varied distances from the calibration pole. Additionally, the calibration takes place at a sure temperature too. Each the scanner and tracker have to be at a sure temperature. Fortunately, the tracker options inner heating, so it would slowly (very slowly) elevate its personal temperature to match that of the scanner.

In the event you’re in a temperature-regulated lab or workshop, or in part of the world that isn’t affected by extremes of climate, this isn’t a difficulty.

However if you happen to reside within the desert like I do, on the highest flooring of an house block the place all the warmth from the flooring rise as much as my very own unit, then this half could be tough.

Documentation

The documentation for the Trackit will not be particularly detailed. Specifically, there isn’t any reference to paint scanning, or the way to do it.

Is it doable to scan a bigger object in elements, then merge them with the textures intact?

What number of pictures are wanted and the way a lot overlap (if any) is required to make texture?

We don’t know. We needed to guess. Placing this info within the guide would make life so much simpler.

Conclusion

So, we’ve got reached the top, and you might be in all probability asking if you happen to ought to spend money on a Revopoint Trackit.
This is dependent upon your price range and wishes.

As talked about, programs like this sometimes value tens of 1000’s of {dollars}, so to have the ability to purchase one and get a few of these capabilities at this value level is fairly tempting.

And what it’s, is a really quick scanner that’s able to scanning objects massive and small, with out the headache of including markers everywhere. Significantly, including markers is a chore, particularly whenever you add all of the markers, set your scanner up, solely to be informed you must add much more markers when you begin scanning. That is widespread among the many cheaper scanners.

And if you’re operating a enterprise, and paying somebody a good hourly wage to faff round inserting and eradicating markers all day, then this wasted time goes to have an effect on your backside line.

And in comparison with cheaper scanners, when you think about the fast scanning and first rate scanning space of the Trackit, this all contributes to decreasing time and saving money.

Who’s the Trackit For?

So with these issues in thoughts, I’d advocate the Revopoint Trackit to these operating small companies who wish to enhance their backside line with environment friendly scanning. If the primary ingredient of your online business entails scanning issues 8 hours a day, the Trackit can pay for itself when it comes to recovered time after simply a few months. It’s enterprise funding, so long as you might be wonderful with the 0.02 mm single body accuracy. And for many massive scans, that is completely wonderful.

Would we advocate it for hobbyist use?

In the event you’re a hobbyist with disposable revenue to drop on such issues, then why not.

I can’t consider one other scanner on this value vary that may scan bigger objects as rapidly proper now, so if yow will discover a use for the Trackit, then go for it.

Certain, the Trackit has just a few idiosyncrasies and issues that could possibly be improved (as listed above) however these items aren’t the top of the world. And we count on just a few of those points might be fastened in firmware updates, or by including new options, and hopefully extra full documentation sooner or later.

Anecdotally, this scanner actually aggravated the heck out of me after I first began utilizing it. However as with most scanners, they’ve a little bit of a studying curve. And as soon as I had found out the knack of scanning issues, I used to be gained over by the Trackit. A lot so, I’m fairly enamoured with it now, and I’m not wanting ahead to going again to my previous scanners with their cumbersome markers and whatnot.

So yeah, give the Trackit a strive. In comparison with conventional kind scanners, that is fairly a beast, and provides quite a lot of bang for its (very affordable) buck.