Palms-On Evaluate: Revopoint Trackit 3D Scanner

Why is it Completely different?

Trying on the picture above, you’ll be able to inform immediately 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 product of 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 instantly on the item. The scanner captures geometry utilizing structured blue-laser gentle, whereas the tracker ensures exact alignment and decreased drift. Advantages embrace sooner setup, simplified workflow, and dependable scanning of advanced or reflective surfaces. As a result of the tracker solely must see the scanner (not the item) the Trackit allows correct, markerless scanning even in confined or partially occluded environments.

Now, this idea will not be a brand new one. All these “exterior 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 customers who don’t want to promote a kidney to purchase one.

That’s the fundamental purpose why the Revopoint Trackit is completely different. As a result of it’s reasonably priced.

Specs

So now 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 will 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 under.

When it comes to accuracy and scanning space, the Trackit delivers a single-frame accuracy of 0.02 mm with level spacing all the way 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 a couple of 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 total monitoring quantity of 11 cubic metres.

In plain phrases, the farther you pull the tracker again, the bigger the item you’ll be able to scan, though the volumetric accuracy follows the method 0.02 mm + 0.04 mm per metre, which means larger scans lose a contact of precision over distance.

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

PC Necessities

When 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 increased.

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-compulsory GPU. We used a more moderen era i5 with no GPU, and it nonetheless labored OK.

You received’t get away with such adjustments with the Trackit nonetheless. We bought a brand new laptop computer simply to run the Trackit someplace in between the minimal and really useful necessities.

The official necessities for the Trackit are under.

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 certain.

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 inside the Revo Monitor software program.

Monitor Scan

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

In Monitor 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 massive objects from completely different angles or orientations by repositioning the tracker, then routinely align and merge the partial scans right into a single full 3D mannequin.

Marker Scan

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

That is excellent for smaller objects, and as you’ll be able to guess from the identify, requires the usage of 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 activity, and we don’t have the area to enter particulars on the way it all works right here. However you’ll be able to see this video from the corporate for an thought of how calibration works.

After calibrating the Trackit (not straightforward as a result of excessive temperatures on this a part of the world), it was time to place the Trackit by 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 only scan some random objects to see how effectively the monitoring system labored.

In earlier evaluations, I’ve talked about how tough it’s to scan stay animals, as a consequence of their lack of cooperation, and as a result of 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 searching for one thing to scan.

I assumed this was her means of volunteering, so I quietly grabbed the Trackit and launched a scan in Monitor 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 gentle getting in her face). However one factor that was instantly noticeable was how clean the scanning course of was.

Retaining one eye on my laptop computer to see how rapidly the information 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 – Massive Fan (Monitoring Scan / Cross Lasers)

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

I started the scan, and was fairly stunned at how briskly it was to seize massive areas in a rough first cross. I managed to get a big a part of the primary geometry in below 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 quite a bit lacking from the scan, regardless of the fast first cross, so I unpaused the scanner, and resumed, trying to get the entire surfaces and angles that I had beforehand missed.

This was an excellent train in preserve the monitoring, because the tracker flashes two huge crimson lights each time the monitoring drops. Normally in Revoscan software program, you must stare on the pc display screen and look forward to the “monitoring misplaced” message to look.

This message nonetheless seems on this model of Revo Monitor, however the huge lights on the tracker actually assist rather a lot, 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 as a result of 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 have 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 facet 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 very happy with the outcomes (particularly the fan grille), and had realized a couple of methods to make sure future scans could be higher.

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

Having received 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 computerized cat feeder. It had good geometry and didn’t want any spray because it has a principally 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 with a purpose to get the purpose cloud to show inexperienced (indicating an excellent scan). Nonetheless, 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 positive.

Check 4 – Glasses Case (Shade 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 through a firmware replace in September.

As soon as the replace was full, I examined a couple of 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 dangle of it earlier than shifting onto one thing larger.

Shade scanning works like this:

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

If you find yourself pleased with the purpose cloud, then you definately activate coloration (texture) scanning within the software program, and you employ the scanner to take “images” from numerous angles across the object.

It will be 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 data, so each datasets should match by way of 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 is going to then apply your texture to the cleaned mesh.

Check 5 – Foam Glider (Shade 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 could be straightforward to scan, and it might be an excellent coloration check of a bigger object. The glider additionally has a cockpit cover product of black plastic, which is someplace between shiny and matte. So the addition of this black mildly reflective element could be an excellent check to see if a sprig was wanted.

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

Typically, the bigger surfaces scanned with no concern, however as you’ll be able to see within the image under, there have been some gaps on the wings’ forefront. I attempted rotating the scanner so the middle of each of the sensors have been collinear with the vanguard, however to no avail.

This appeared like an excellent alternative to check single line laser mode. Single laser mode is greatest for scanning deep holes, or options that the cross laser mode may battle with. It takes rather a lot longer to scan with the only laser mode (naturally) but it surely appears to supply rather a lot much less noise within the scan. After some minutes going forwards and backwards over the wing forefront, it appeared to do the trick.

The great factor in regards to the two completely different laser modes is you can pause the scan, swap mode mid-scan, then resume within the different mode, so you’ll be able to mix modes in a single scan.

The picture under reveals 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 assessments.

I selected this object, as a result of I’ve used it in scanner assessments earlier than, so it might function an excellent benchmark by way of scanning time. That is the velocity run!

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

So how lengthy did it take with the Trackit? A ridiculously quick 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 under. 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 enhancing instruments within the software program.

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

You’ll discover a couple of gaps within the scan. These gaps have 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 really carried out a few them.

Lengthy Cables

The info cable on the MetroX was pretty tiny, which could possibly be problematic in the event you have been utilizing a desktop PC. This isn’t the case with the Trackit – the cables listed here are HUGE. Like a number of meters lengthy (verify 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 ability 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 concerning the shortage of measurement software program included with the MetroX. Certain, you would scan issues properly, however in the event you really wished to know the space between two factors, you would need to spend doubtlessly plenty 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 will 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 so on.

Issues That May very well be Improved on the Revopoint Trackit

We wish to be honest and balanced right here. Whereas the Trackit within reason priced for a tool of this type, it’s nonetheless a good previous chunk of change to drop on a bit of apparatus.

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

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

Shade Mode

For sure elements, there isn’t a strategy to create a texture that absolutely wraps round all sides of the half in Monitor 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 either side, then for the second, the one means appears to be to position the merchandise to be scanned on a skinny pole (just like the glider scan). This lets you create a texture from all sides without 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 strong 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 facet 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 safer would have been chosen because the connector. With a delicate pressure attributable to shifting the heavy cables round, it is rather straightforward to tug the USB-C connector out of the laptop computer.

It’s such an odd 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 offered some extra grip.

I hope they launch another resolution additional down the road. For now, in the event you don’t need your scanner cable coming out of the pc whereas scanning, I’d suggest utilizing a USB-C 3.0 hub with an extended cable, and presumably 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 numerous 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 should slowly (very slowly) increase its personal temperature to match that of the scanner.

For those who’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 problem.

However in the event you stay within the desert like I do, on the highest flooring of an condo block the place all the warmth from the flooring rise as much as my very own unit, then this half may be tough.

Documentation

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

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

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

We don’t know. We needed to guess. Placing this data within the handbook would make life rather a lot simpler.

Conclusion

So, we now have reached the tip, and you’re in all probability asking in the event you ought to put money into a Revopoint Trackit.
This is determined by your finances and desires.

As talked about, techniques like this usually 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 all over. Significantly, including markers is a chore, particularly if 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 in case you are 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 speedy 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 suggest 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 enterprise includes scanning issues 8 hours a day, the Trackit pays for itself by way of recovered time after simply a few months. It’s an excellent enterprise funding, so long as you’re positive with the 0.02 mm single body accuracy. And for many massive scans, that is completely positive.

Would we suggest it for hobbyist use?

For those who’re a hobbyist with disposable earnings 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 you will discover a use for the Trackit, then go for it.

Certain, the Trackit has a couple of idiosyncrasies and issues that could possibly be improved (as listed above) however these items aren’t the tip of the world. And we count on a couple of of those points will probably 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 once 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 received over by the Trackit. A lot so, I’m fairly enamoured with it now, and I’m not trying 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 sort scanners, that is fairly a beast, and affords plenty of bang for its (very cheap) buck.