Room: HT010
Contact person: Klára Košinová
The laboratory of 3D imaging technologies mainly focuses on craniometry, odontology, and animal anatomy. The species we are most interested in are roe deer and wild boar, but we also deal with many others. The most common goal of craniometry is the identification of an animal species, learning about it, and the identification of its ethological or ecological links by measuring the distances and dimensions between determined points on the skull of vertebrates. The basic technology used in craniometry is the measurement of dimensions using callipers. Craniometric methods also include measuring antlers. The basic variables include not only length or area, but for some species, especially deer (Cervidae), we also measure the volume of antlers. The volume of antlers is determined based on methods recognized by the CIC (International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation).
The laboratory of 3D imaging technologies consists of several devices. The main device is an ATOS (Advanced Topometric Sensor) Compact Scan 12M Essential Line 3D scanner. It is a mobile non-contact device consisting of stereo CCD cameras with a resolution of 12 Mpx and a fringe projector. This 3D scanner can scan an object with an accuracy of up to 0.01 mm and the Atos measuring system is certified for metrology. The device is placed on an adjustable stand and has two measuring volumes – 300 and 600 mm. The device is equipped with a blue light which makes it possible to scan regardless of the lighting conditions. The scanner uses the Fringe Projection method, where precise edges are projected onto the surface using a laser, which change based on the shape of the object. The ATOS system uses triangulation procedure. In order to achieve overall digitization, the object needs to be photographed from different angles. The ATOS system is able to convert these shots into a common coordinate system. The main advantage of the 3D scanner is high resolution when scanning the surface of an object. To increase the ergonomics of using the device, the 3D scanner is supplemented with an automatic rotating pad, which ensures that the object is scanned in precisely measured sections.
In the laboratory we also have a Stratasys F370 3D printer. This printer makes it possible to create very precise prototypes from several types of thermoplastics. It is fully compatible with our 3D scanner, so we can scan the object, modify it, and then print it according to our requirements. When printing an object, basic building material is used as well as supporting material. In the case of more complicated models, this material needs to be “washed”. For these purposes, we use another device in this laboratory – a SCA 3600 support cleaning system, which can dissolve and wash out the support material using a chemical solution.
