Shining 3D FreeScan UE User manual

FreeScan UE_ User Manual _V1.2.0.0 1
FreeScan UE
User Manual
V1.2.0.0

FreeScan UE_ User Manual _V1.2.0.0 I
Foreword
General
The Manual introduces the information concerning the installation and use of FreeScan UE (hereinafter
referred to as the “Scanner”).
Safety Instructions
Signal
Meaning
Additional information for particular situation.
Improper actions or conditions that may damage the product or injury, and
consequently void your warranty or service contract or lose the customer data or
system data.
The safety instructions that you must precisely follow to avoid injury. Failure to
observe can cause damages to your product, or result in personal injuries.
Revision History
No.
Version
Revision Content
Release Date
1
V1.2.0.0
Revised calibration and scanning content.
September, 2021
2
V1.1.0.0
First release.
June, 2021
About the Manual
The User Manual is related to your safety, lawful rights and responsibilities. Read it carefully before
installing and using the product.
⚫Shining 3D Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) owns complete intellectual
property rights for the contents of this User Manual and, without the written consent of the Company, it
is not allowed to copy, transmit, publish, reedit, compile or translate any contents of this Manual for any
purpose or in any form.
⚫The Manual is a guidance for installing, operating, and maintaining the product, including the Device,
software, or other products provided by the Company, to which the Manual is applicable. The Manual
does not serve as the quality guaranty for the product. While the Company makes all efforts to ensure
the applicability of the content of the Manual, it reserves the right to interpret and modify the content of
the Manual and possible errors and omissions therein. The contents of the Manual are subject to changes
without further notice.
⚫Images and diagrams in the Manual are presented to provide convenience to readers. In the event that
any images or diagrams are inconsistent with the physical product, the latter shall prevail.
⚫It is recommended that professionals or technicians shall operate and/or use relevant Products. The

FreeScan UE_ User Manual _V1.2.0.0 II
Company shall not be held responsible for any damages and/or losses caused by negligence,
environmental factors, or improper maintenance and use, or any other factors other than due to the
quality of the Product.
⚫Disputes arising from the Manual and related Products thereof shall be governed by the laws of the
People’s Republic of China.
⚫In the event of any ambiguity and/or any advice on the contents of the Manual, contact us by the contact
information provided herein.

FreeScan UE_ User Manual _V1.2.0.0 III
Contents
FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................... I
1. HARDWARE........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 APPEARANCE ...................................................................................................................................................1
1.3 CONNECT CABLES .............................................................................................................................................2
2. SOFTWARE .........................................................................................................................................4
2.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................................4
2.3 INSTALL SOFTWARE...........................................................................................................................................4
2.4 UPGRADE........................................................................................................................................................5
2.4.1 Upgrade Firmware...............................................................................................................................5
2.4.2 Upgrade Software ...............................................................................................................................6
3. OPERATION............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 WORKFLOW ....................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................................................................8
3.2.1 Notes ...................................................................................................................................................8
3.2.2 Introduction to the Calibration Interface............................................................................................9
3.2.3 Quick Calibration.............................................................................................................................. 10
3.3 CREATE A PROJECT......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 SCAN........................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.4.1 Preparation....................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4.2 Pre-scan............................................................................................................................................ 14
3.4.3 Parameter Setting ............................................................................................................................ 15
3.4.4 Point Cloud Scanning........................................................................................................................ 16
3.4.5 Scanning Global Markers.................................................................................................................. 17
3.4.6 Project Management........................................................................................................................ 18
3.4.7 Edit Data........................................................................................................................................... 19
3.4.8 Align.................................................................................................................................................. 24
3.4.9 Mesh................................................................................................................................................. 27
3.5 POST-PROCESSING ......................................................................................................................................... 29
3.5.1 Simplification.................................................................................................................................... 29
3.5.2 Mesh Optimization........................................................................................................................... 30
3.5.3 Smooth............................................................................................................................................. 31
3.5.4 Remove Small Floating Parts............................................................................................................ 32
3.5.5 Fill Holes ........................................................................................................................................... 33
3.6 MEASUREMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 34
3.6.1 Create Feature.................................................................................................................................. 35
3.6.2 Align.................................................................................................................................................. 36
3.6.3 Measure ........................................................................................................................................... 38

FreeScan UE_ User Manual _V1.2.0.0 IV
3.7 SAVE ........................................................................................................................................................... 40
3.7.1 Save Data.......................................................................................................................................... 40
3.7.2 Share Data........................................................................................................................................ 42
3.7.3 Third-party Software........................................................................................................................ 42
3.7.4 Preview Model ................................................................................................................................. 44
3.8 OTHER OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 44
CONTACT US............................................................................................................................................46

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1. Hardware
1.1 Introduction
FreeScan UE scanner is a handheld laser 3D scanner independently developed by Shining 3D, featured in the
fast scanning speed, complete data acquisition, light weight, and convenient handholding operation. Besides,
the device supports repeatable high-precision operations, without discrimination on the material and color of
the objects to be scanned. Therefore, black or reflective surfaces are still scannable. This device is mainly used
in industries such as automobile industry, transportation, aerospace, mold inspection and machinery
manufacturing.
1.2 Appearance
Before using the Product, carefully read the content on the yellow sticker, including Device serial number,
laser precautions, etc.
Description of buttons on the Scanner
No.
Description
No.
Description
1
Menu
2
Camera brightness adjustment

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3
Adjustment of the size of display in
the software window
4
Point cloud indicator: Only after the indicator
of the Device lights up can the user enable
the software for operations. When the light
is on, the point cloud indicator lights up
around the menu button.
Standby
Pre-scan
Scanning
Scanning paused
5
Scanning button
⚫Single click: Prescan/scan/pause
⚫Press and hold: Generate point
cloud
6
Scanning distance indicator:
1.3 Connect Cables
Step 1 Connect aviation cable (4) to power port (2) and USB port (1) on the Scanner.
Step 2 Connect power cord (6) and the power adapter (5).
Step 3 Connect power adapter (5) into aviation cable (4).
Step 4 Connect USB port (3) on the aviation cable to the PC USB 3.0 port.
Step 5 Insert the Dongle (7) into the PC USB port.

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Attention:
Ensure that cables are not loose during the above operations. You are suggested to use fastening tools to
prevent the device from being offline.

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2. Software
2.1 Introduction
FreeScan software supports UE scanners. With user-friendly software interface, full process scanning guidance,
simplified software settings, you can operate the Scanner easily.
2.2 Operating Environment
Recommended operating environment of the software:
⚫Operating system: Windows 10 Pro. and above (64-bit only)
⚫CPU: Intel Core™ i7 and above
⚫Graphics card: NVIDIA standalone graphics card, RTX3060 (with 6G graphics card memory, RTX series
recommended) and above
⚫Memory: 32G and above
Notes:
The device is only compatible with Windows 10 and above. Mac OS not available for now.
2.3 Install Software
Notes:
Before installing the software, plug the provided dongle into the USB port of the computer for
authentication of the encrypted software.
Step 1 Open the USB flash drive and copy the installation package onto the computer.
Step 2 Double-click to run the installation package. The “Installer Language”window pops up.
Step 3 Select the desired language and click “OK”.
Step 4 After “FreeScan UE XXXX”Installation Wizard pops up, click “Next”.
Step 5 On the License interface, click “I accept”.
Step 6 On the Privacy Policy interface, check “I have read and agree to the privacy policy”, and click “Next”.
Step 7 After selecting the path for the installation, click “Install”. To change installation path, click “Browse”.
Attention:
Do not install the software under the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folders in the partition where

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the windows system is. The software may work abnormally due to conflicts in authorizations.
Step 8 Click “Finish” to complete the installation.
Notes:
Check “Run FreeScan UE 1.2.X.X”, then click on “Finish”. The software will run automatically after
installation is completed.
2.4 Upgrade
2.4.1 Upgrade Firmware
The basic working software of the Device is firmware. When the firmware version is too low and
incompatibility becomes an issue, it is necessary to upgrade the firmware, to get access to more updated
features.
Preparation before firmware upgrade:
⚫Make sure that the device is powered on during the upgrade; avoid interrupted upgrade due to power
failure.
⚫Back up the original firmware so as to retrieve it in case of upgrade failure or in case that the user finds
the new version unsatisfactory.
⚫Download the new firmware files to the local computer where the software has been installed.
Upgrading process:
Each time when the software is run, the firmware status is automatically detected. If incompatible firmware is
detected, the system prompts the necessity for firmware upgrade, as shown in the figure below. Click
“Upgrade” to start the firmware upgrade.

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Notes:
⚫After upgrade is confirmed, the software will be shut off automatically.
⚫The upgrade takes about 5 minutes.
2.4.2 Upgrade Software
Software upgrading is conducted to better satisfy the users by providing patches they can download to their
system to optimize its performance and/or append new features.
Always make sure that the software in use is of the latest version. If it is not, there will a reminder popping up
immediately after opening the software, prompting updates.
Click “Download Now”. The software will automatically download the installation package in the background.
Do not close the software during the download. When the download is completed, a window automatically
pops up for users to decide whether the new version shall be installed immediately. Click “Yes”to start
installing the new updates.

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FreeScan UE_ User Manual _V1.2.0.0 8
3. Operation
This Chapter mainly explains how to perform scanning, cutting, and setting to the models through the
software.
Double-click to enter the operational interface of FreeScan UE.
3.1 Workflow
If it is the first time you operate the system, refer to the following process.
Figure 3-1 Operation flowchart
3.2 Calibration
Calibration is performed to the whole Device. Through the calibration, the device parameters are recalculated,
which not only ensures the accuracy of the Device, but also improve the quality of its scanning.
3.2.1 Notes
⚫The accuracy of calibration directly affects the scanning accuracy of the System. Re-calibration is required
in the following circumstances:
－When the scanner is used for the first time, or when it is reused after being laid idle for a long period
of time.

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－The scanner was severely shaken or shocked during transportation.
－Severe accuracy reduction, such as frequent errors in alignment, is observed during the scanning.
－Incomplete data is acquired during the scanning or serious deterioration of the quality of scanned
data.
⚫Always make sure that the working side of the calibration board is clean and free of scratches.
⚫Do not place heavy objects or sundries on the calibration board to avoid damage to the working side of
the calibration board.
⚫Keep the calibration board away from corrosives, metals and sharp objects to avoid corrosion or
damages.
⚫It is not recommended to wipe the calibration board. When cleaning the board becomes very necessary,
gently wipe it with a piece of clean moisture cloth. Do not wipe the calibration board with chemicals or
alcohols.
⚫After using the calibration board, put it in a flannel bag.
3.2.2 Introduction to the Calibration Interface
Calibration shall be performed before using the Device for the first time and you will directly enter the
calibration interface.
When calibrating, 3 dimensions shall be taken into consideration, namely tilt leftward and rightward, tilt
upward and downward, and height. When the height requirement is met, the blue bordered box becomes
green; when tilting leftward/rightward or upward and downward all meet the requirements, the sliders in the
bar box overlap and become green.
Item
Description
Tilt leftward/rightward
Tilt leftward or rightward along Axis Y.
Tilt upward/downward
Tilt upward or downward along Axis Z.
Height
Move upward along the upper Axis of Axis Y.
You can refer to the steps and diagram shown on the right to perform the calibration.

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3.2.3 Quick Calibration
The system directly enters the calibration interface when it is used for the first time. Alternatively, users can
select “Calibration”located on the navigation bar to switch to the calibration interface.
Follow the steps provided by the calibration wizard on the right side of the interface.
Step 1 Place the calibration board horizontally.
Step 2 According to the height indicating box, adjust the distance between the scanner and the calibration
board.
Step 3 Align the center point of the Device’s handle with the center point of the gray circle on the calibration
board.
Step 4 Place the scanner in the same direction as shown in the figure.
Step 5 Press the scan button on the scanner to start data collecting.
Step 6 Move the Device slowly upwards from lower point alongside the central axis.
Step 7 Keep moving until the height box turns green.
3.3 Create a Project
Create a project (or import multi-projects) before scanning any objects. A newly created project provides a
path to save the scanned model data, which facilitates the users to process the acquired data.
Step 1 In the project management window, click “Creating Multi-Projects”, and the window of creating new
projects will pop up.
Step 2 Create a new folder or select an existing folder as the path for the storage of the project data. The
folder name is generally named after the project name.
Step 3 Enter the resolution setting window, where “High Detail”, “Medium Detail”or “Low Detail”can be
selected for default resolution options; alternatively, the slider can be dragged to set the resolution.
⚫Resolution: The higher the resolution is set to be, the finer the scanning effect will be. Models
scanned at lower resolution can be easily distorted. In contrast, models scanned at high resolution
occupy larger amount of storage space and take longer time to scan. Therefore, when scanning small

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models that require high precision, such as stamps, it is recommended to select high resolution. On
the other hand, larger models without high requirements on precision, such as doors of automobiles,
are recommended to be scanned under lower resolutions.
⚫Point distance: Refers to the distance between points in the point cloud. Drag the slider on the right
to adjust the point distance. The higher the resolution is, the smaller the point distance shall set to
be.
Step 4 Click “Apply”.
3.4 Scan
Laser scanners can quickly and accurately obtain 3-dimensional data of objects scanned. Laser scanners are
featured in non-contact measurement, high data sampling rate, active emission of scanning light source, low
requirements for use, and strong environmental adaptability. These devices can be used in the complex
environments and spaces for scanning operations, and directly and completely acquire the 3D data of physical
objects with various sizes and complicity and store them into computers, and then quickly reconstruct the 3D
model of the target as well as various geometric data concerning the points, lines, surfaces, and solids. 3D
data of the objects’ surfaces are obtained in form of point clouds, which is convenient for multiple subsequent
processes.
For the first scan, operate by following the procedures below.

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Introduction to the scanning interface:
Introduction to the scanning interface
No.
Item
Description
1
Camera window
It is used to preview the actual scene during scanning. Parameters can be
adjusted accurately through the camera window.
2
Scan Setting
Through scanning settings, the scanning mode and parameters can be set.
⚫Scan mode

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Default is scan point cloud. You can choose scan point cloud, scan markers
or open global markers file.
◆Scan point cloud: Acquire the data as point cloud. It could be
switched to scan point cloud mode after scanning markers. It is
also feasible to import the generated global marker file and then
scan the point cloud.
◆Add global markers: When scanning markers in the specific area,
you might also scan markers around the specific area (simply to
say, surrounding global markers). To add surrounding global
markers into the original global markers, import global markers,
switch to point cloud scanning and select Add Global Markers.
◆Scan markers: Only scan markers. Acquire marker data fast.
There is no laser line in the scanning process. Markers can be
scanned to supplement in the global marker file generated
before.
⚫Object
Select the object surface material accordingly: Reflective, Normal, Black.
⚫Brightness
Adjust the camera brightness: View the camera window and adjust the
brightness until you can see clear data and markers.
⚫Data setting:
Scanning some black glossy object, when brightness is already set to its
limits, but still very less data is captured. Please turn the data setting
cursor from left to right. It will help scanning, but with noise.
3
Remaining memory, CPU
occupancy rate and video
memory occupancy rate
⚫Remaining memory: the remaining space of the memory is displayed.
⚫CPU occupancy rate: this is the display of the computer’s memory
occupied by the active programs. If running programs occupy a large
proportion of the computer’s memory, it is recommended to close
other non-scanning related programs and wait patiently.
⚫Video memory occupancy rate: the is the rate of utilization of the
graphics card.
4
Preview window
Window for viewing the pre-scan and scanning model.
5
Data editing
Editing and perspective adjustments to the model can be performed. For
related operations, please refer to 3.4.9 Data Editing.
6
Shortcut keys
Quickly move the model or adjust its angles through shortcut keys.
7
Scan and generate point
clouds
Click to start scanning; click to pause scanning.
Click to generate a point cloud data file.
8
Functions
Importing projects, manual alignment, deleting and data saving can be
performed. For related content, please refer to 3.4.8 Project Management
and 3.4.10 Alignment.
9
Mesh
For related operations, refer to 3.4.11 Mesh.

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3.4.1 Preparation
In order to obtain ideal scanning effects, please pay attention to the following details when scanning:
⚫Markers shall be attached to models to be scanned. If the Device fails to scan markers, it will not emit
laser rays.
－Attach the markers as homogeneously as possible, and avoid attaching markers that follow a
pattern.
－Four markers are required for the alignment at communal areas.
－Ensure that the Device’s camera is able to scan at least 4 markers within the normal scanning range.
－Please attach markers smaller than 3mm on the edges and/or at small facets of the model.
－Do not attach the markers on the surface with high curvature.
－Do not use damaged or incomplete markers.
－Do not use greasy, dusty, or dirty markers.
⚫The sizes of the models to be scanned range from 30mm to 4m.
⚫When scanning a model prone to being deformed, make sure deformation does not occur.
3.4.2 Pre-scan
Pre-scan allows users to adjust the parameters according to the effect previewed to achieve the best scanning
effects.
Click located on the right side of the interface or press the Scan button on the Device to enter the
pre-scan mode.
Notes:
⚫Under the pre-scan mode, model data are not collected.

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⚫The pre-scan mode can be switched on after operations such as creating a new project, importing a
project, pausing scanning, and finishing scanning.
Click or press the Scan button on the Device again to exit the pre-scan mode and start scanning.
3.4.3 Parameter Setting
Scanning parameters can be set during pre-scan or scanning, including setting of scanning distance, light
source modes, scanning objects, brightness and data settings.
⚫Adjustment of the scanning distance: There is a bar on the left side of the pre-scan interface, displaying
the scanning distance. If the bar is green, that means the scanning distance is the best; if it is red, then
the distance is too close; blue means the distance is too far. Do adjustments according to these color
messages until the best scanning distance is achieved. Lights indicating the scanning distance are also
available on the handle of the Device. When the indicator is green, the distance is the best; if it is blue,
the distance is too far; if red, too close.
Table 3
Too close
Suitable distance
Too far
⚫Scanning objects: Roughly select different brightness levels according to the materials of different objects,
and then make fine-tunes. Select “Reflective”when scanning reflective objects and select “Black”when
scanning dark or black objects.
⚫Brightness: By sliding the slider on , the scanning brightness can be adjusted.
While viewing the camera window, adjust the brightness until data and mark points are clearly visible.
Attention:
If the brightness is too high, a large amount of noise can occur to the scanned data.