Processing 3D scan data can be complex and time-intensive. The Workflows feature automates routine post-processing steps, delivering faster, consistent results across applications such as CGI, reverse engineering, and manufacturing.

Once raw data is captured using an Artec 3D scanner, it must be processed through a series of algorithms to transform it into a usable 3D model. The output can then be exported from Artec Studio for applications such as 3D visualization, reverse engineering, or inspection. The Workflows feature allows you to build a customizable and automated processing pipeline, linking together steps like registration, fusion, mesh optimization, and export into a streamlined, one-click process. After creating a workflow, you can save it for repeated use whenever needed.

How 3D Scanning Works

Data Capture (Hardware)

Using an Artec 3D scanner to acquire information about the physical object. For AI Photogrammetry (introduced in Artec Studio version 19), you can also use photos or videos captured from your own camera-equipped device (like a smartphone, Digital SLR, or drone).

Scan Data Processing (Software)

The data is then imported into Artec Studio for further processing. What’s special about Artec Studio is that it uses AI algorithms to process the raw scans, clean them up, and then stitch each scan into a complete 3D model.

The Workflows feature automates this step so you don’t have to do it manually once it’s set up.

Export for Use

Once processing is complete, you can export the 3D models for use in other third-party software (e.g. CAD, reverse engineering, or inspection), or use them for 3D visualization applications.

Who is this feature built for?

The Workflows feature is a major time-saver for users who regularly scan similar objects with Artec 3D scanners or AI Photogrammetry. It allows you to create, save, share, and reuse predefined sequences of processing steps as Workflow presets. Once you’ve found the ideal settings for a particular object, you can save them as a Workflow and apply the entire sequence effortlessly whenever needed—eliminating the need to reconfigure everything from scratch. Setup is straightforward.

Step 1: Add the processing tools step by step.

In Workflows, go to the Add tool button and add all the necessary steps you want to process the scan data. The tools are divided into sections for easy viewing and selection.

You can configure your preferred settings for each step as shown below. You can define the workflow first and then go back to adjust the settings for each step. This ability to fine-tune each step gives you greater control over how the scan data is processed.

Step 2: Run the Sequence

After configuring the workflow, select Run to initiate automated, step-by-step processing of the scan data in Artec Studio.

Exporting Workflow

Once a workflow is saved, it can be selected and used again for future projects without reconfiguring the steps by exporting it. You can also share the file with other users so they can run the same workflow you created.

How to Import Existing Workflows

You can import existing workflows simply by going to the gear icon and selecting Import Workflows. Select a file with the file extension .aswf

Tutorial Video

For a detailed tutorial on using Workflows, Artec has created a step-by-step video that walks you through this feature.

Below is a full list of all the tools included in the Artec Studio 20 Workflows feature at the time Artec Studio 20 was released.

Automation + Scripting

If you’re on the Artec Studio yearly subscription, you get an extra perk! You can run workflows via command line—ideal for autonomous file-to-model workflows.

In Artec Studio 20, automated scripting lets you fully automate scan data processing tasks—from importing raw scans to creating finished 3D models and exporting them—without manual intervention. Command-line scripts enable batch processing, repeatable results, and integration with third-party tools like Geomagic Control X to generate inspection reports, reducing repetitive work and freeing you from being tied to your workstation.

Not familiar with scripting? No problem! Our team can help you create a script to automate your scan data processing. With an automated workflow in place, you can focus on the work that really matters. Contact us to learn more.

Reason #1: Automating data processing with Workflows yields faster results

There are three ways to process the same data into a 3D model in Artec Studio 20: Workflows, Autopilot, and manually. Creating 3D models with Workflows is faster than launching individual tools. Workflow automation in Artec Studio 20 is 70% faster compared to the other two methods. Let Artec Studio do the work, empowering you to focus on other tasks without interruptions. Once a workflow is set up, it becomes a one-click process.

Reason #2: Get repeatable results—even when working in a team environment

Once a workflow is saved, you can easily share it with colleagues or team members—even those with minimal experience using Artec Studio 20. This ensures that everyone working on the same project can follow the exact same processing steps, delivering consistent results every time.

Reason #3: Customizable to suit different use cases

If your projects have varying scanning needs, you can tailor a workflow to:

• a specific object type
• an Artec 3D scanner (if you use different models), or
• other criteria such as accuracy, resolution, or polygon count

In addition to the Workflows feature, Artec Studio 20 has many improvements, including Artec Micro II HD Mode, Spider II Autopilot, improvements to the AI Photogrammetry feature, RCP file type integration, and a revamped user interface.

Here is an overview video that features the highlights of Artec Studio 20.

For more information about this latest version, visit our Artec Studio page.

Artec Studio Brochure

The brochure highlights the new improvements in Artec Studio 20 and includes a comparison chart showing how it differs from previous version of the 3D scanning and data processing software.

Release Notes

For a bullet list of new features and upgrades, check out Artec Studio 20’s release notes.

Artec Online Courses

As a bonus, Artec created a free online course, What’s New in Artec Studio 20, that gives in-depth video tutorials. They take you through the new features and upgrades to Artec Studio 20, including Workflows, 3D scanner upgrades, AI Photogrammetry feature upgrades, and more!

Artec has also released a step-by-step tutorial video on manually processing 3D scan data in Artec Studio 20.

The Artec Spider II offers the highest resolution and accuracy of all Artec’s handheld 3D scanners that don’t require targets or calibration for 3D scanning. This means you spend less time setting up and can get started right away. It uses hybrid geometry and color tracking methods for fast data capture and processing. It’s as simple as using a video camera, allowing you to begin and complete your job quickly.

Artec Spider II’s Major Differences Compared to Its Predecessor

The Artec Spider II replaces the Space Spider for scanning small objects, ensuring that all fine details are captured. With the Spider II, you can now capture intricate details from medium-sized items like coins, as well as larger components such as engines, machinery, or medical equipment.

Compared to its predecessor, the Artec Spider II offers significant improvements. It scans larger objects, has twice the resolution, and four times the scan speed. The new 3D scanner captures massive amounts of data quickly, at 8 million points per second. The Artec Spider II comes with a Thunderbolt interface and new algorithms to ensure fast and optimal transfer and processing speeds.

	Spider II (New Model)	Space Spider (1st generation)
Accuracy, up to	0.05 mm	0.05 mm
Resolution	0.05 mm	0.1 mm
Object Size	Small to Medium ~ 5–50 cm	Small ~ 5–20 cm
3D reconstruction rate for real-time fusion, up to	30 FPS	7.5 FPS
Interface	Thunderbolt 3, compatible with Thunderbolt 4 hosts	USB 2.0, USB 3.0 compatible

Industry Uses for the Artec Spider II

The Artec Spider II is suitable for a wide range of industry applications that require high resolution and accuracy, all while offering convenience.

Sample applications include:

Application	Industries
Reverse engineering for product development and prototyping	Automotive, medical
Quality inspection	Manufacturing
Deviation analysis, comparison over time	Forensics, medical
3D visualization for creating the most realistic digital twin	Research, CGI, video games, visual effects, movies and gaming

The Artec Spider II is also ideal for applications where a realistic digital twin is needed for CGI and visual effects. It creates lifelike 3D models, thanks to its 5MP texture resolution at 24 bits per pixel (bpp).

Shoe Scan

Capture Amazing Scan Data Quality, Fast

The results of the Artec Spider II speak for themselves. It captures every curve, sharp edge, and fine line of the inner workings of a game controller, transforming a physical object into digital form. In just 3 minutes of 3D scanning time and 5 minutes of processing time, this level of detail is achieved.

Video Game Controller Scan

Now that we’ve taken a look at the Spider II, let’s explore Artec’s newest metrology-grade laser 3D scanner: the Artec Point.

The Artec Point is an affordable, multi-mode industrial laser-triangulation 3D scanner compared to other systems in this category. The Artec Point’s high accuracy and repeatability are ISO and VDI/VDE certified. You can use it for advanced metrology applications and be confident that you’ll get reliable results every time.

Advanced 3D Scanning Technology Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

“We think we’re well-positioned to compete in that market because of the opportunity to bring our ecosystem—our algorithms and software, in addition to all our previous hardware releases—to industrial metrology applications. We’ve been preparing for a few years now to get here, by creating a metrology lab, integrating the scanner into our software, and finding the best available hardware manufacturers to execute our vision.”

Artyom Yukhin CEO From 3DPrint.com article, Scanners for All Occasions:
Artec 3D CEO Artyom Yukhin Explains How the Company Stays at the Head of its Market

Advanced technology should streamline tasks for users, boosting efficiency rather than complicating them. Artec is recognized for creating one of the most intuitive and user-friendly 3D scanning software solutions, Artec Studio. Like all Artec 3D scanners, the Artec Point is powered by Artec Studio. This is one of the major benefits of using the Artec Point: it does the hard work for you, making your job much easier while delivering outstanding results. It’s easy to operate and provides the highest-quality scan data you can trust.

Cam Gear Scan

Using a Target-Based 3D Scanner When Accuracy Matters

Why would you use the Artec Point, a target-based system, when you need to apply targets before 3D scanning? Applying targets directly on the object or surrounding the object provides the best accuracy for several reasons:

1. Enhanced Alignment: Targets provide clear reference points that help the 3D scanner align individual scans more precisely. This minimizes any errors that might occur when relying solely on geometry or color.
2. Improved Data Registration: With targets, the 3D scanner can quickly and reliably register overlapping scans, leading to a more cohesive final model. This is especially useful in complex geometries where features may not be distinct enough for the software to align scans effectively.
3. Minimized Errors from Surface Variations: Target markers can help mitigate challenges posed by shiny, reflective, or textured surfaces, which can confuse non-target-based 3D scanners.
4. Increased Scan Efficiency: By using targets, the 3D scanner can process data faster, as the software can more easily recognize and align scans, reducing the time spent on post-processing.
5. Consistency Across Scans: Targets ensure that the same reference points are used across multiple scans, contributing to overall consistency and accuracy in the final 3D model.

Overall, target-based systems provide better tracking compared to systems that rely on geometry, color texture, or hybrid tracking. 3D scanners like the Artec Point are particularly beneficial in scenarios where accuracy is critical, such as in metrology, engineering, and demanding industrial applications.

Adaptable to Scanning Various Surface Types

With its ability to handle demanding metrology applications, the Artec Point is designed to scan a variety of surfaces. It even includes modes for challenging surfaces. Switch between three modes to achieve the best results: a high-speed grid, parallel lasers for capturing complex geometries, and a single laser for hidden features like deep holes.

Three Scan Modes

Transmission Scan

Now that we’ve reviewed both scanners, you might be wondering in what situations would you use them?

They serve different purposes based on your project requirements.

Since both scanners belong to Artec’s ecosystem, data collected with any Artec 3D scanners can be combined to create highly detailed models that harness the strengths of each device.

In summary, the Artec Spider II is an excellent portable 3D scanner for capturing the details of small to medium-sized objects with high resolution and accuracy. For industrial metrology applications where the highest level of resolution and accuracy is required, the Artec Point is the better solution. The Artec Spider II is known for its convenience, while the Artec Point requires more effort to achieve the highest levels of accuracy and resolution.

Wearable technology (VR/AR/MR headsets) has been around for quite some time. In 2016, Oculus Rift was introduced as the first high-quality yet affordable VR system for consumers.

As many tech reviewers have already noted, whenever Apple enters an existing market, the company redefines it and significantly grows the segment. Interestingly, with the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro, Apple created its own category, labeling the headset a ‘revolutionary spatial computer.’ This device seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world, termed by Apple as ‘spatial experiences’ instead of using the term mixed reality (MR). It operates on Apple’s first spatial operating system, visionOS.

Apple consistently aims to create the best product in its market segment. Think back to 2007, when the iPhone disrupted the smartphone market dominated by players like Palm and BlackBerry (smartphones that no longer exist). As many can attest, using any Apple device is so inherently intuitive that it feels almost second nature. Apple’s vision for the Apple Vision Pro is no exception. With this new product, the company is set on elevating the VR/AR/MR headset market to a whole other level.

Intuitive Controls

Relive Your Memories in 3D

Apple spent more than a decade on the development of Apple Vision Pro. Their entrance into the VR/AR/MR market now signals significant changes moving forward. We are already witnessing a substantial investment by developers in this product, with hundreds of apps launching on day one. Content creators are likely to follow suit. From what we’ve seen, the future of content creation is heading towards 3D. The best part? Apple Vision Pro empowers anyone to become a 3D content creator.

Adding 3D Content to Apple Vision Pro

With the ability to upload and share 3D models in Apple Vision Pro, spatial computing completely changes the 3D visualization experience. You don’t just view 3D models in an immersive 3D space. You can interact with them with your hands, making it seem as natural as if the object is right in front of you.

@bengeskin

Playing with 3D models on Apple Vision Pro is incredible Resolution is so high, that digital objects look very close to the real thing. They also adapt very well to the actual lighting in the room, and you can see your room in the reflections #AppleVisionPro #VisionPro #visionOS #spatial #spatialcomputing #ar #augmentedreality #mr #mixedreality #vr #virtualreality #future #tech #gadget

♬ Chillest in the Room – L.Dre

As bengeskin on TikTok sums this up, “Playing with 3D models on Apple Vision Pro is incredible Resolution is so high, that digital objects look very close to the real thing.”

Interacting with hyper-realistic 3D models on Apple Vision Pro is like magic. Imagine interacting with an ancient artifact that a museum has 3D scanned. Or, if your business involves selling a product—consumer goods, furniture, or even cars—how cool would it be for customers to interact with a 3D model of your product in the comforts of their own home before purchasing?

This fresh approach to 3D visualization unleashes endless opportunities for individuals, companies, and organizations to creatively use Apple Vision Pro, transforming the way we engage with information in a constantly evolving world.

When Apple launches a product, it garners widespread attention and a substantial increase in technology adoption. In contrast to Meta Quest, which primarily focuses on a niche market comprised mainly of gamers, the Apple Vision Pro aims at the broader consumer market.

“Experts say that Apple has made a crucial tweak in its marketing rollout for the Vision Pro: the company is focusing not on winning over hardcore gamers, but trying to normalize the idea of wearing a headset for everyday usage. Munster [longtime Apple analyst] estimated that about 40% of the apps on the Vision Pro are gaming-related, compared to more than 70% available on the Quest.”

Source: Times Article, The Biggest Decider of the Vision Pro’s Success Is Out of Apple’s Hands

Priced at $3,499 compared to the Meta Quest 3’s base price of $499, Apple Vision Pro is a premium product compared to the price tag of existing consumer VR/AR/MR headsets already out in the market.

Apple offers its technology at various price ranges, ensuring that individuals wanting an Apple product can find one at a cost-effective price.

While the Apple Vision Pro currently carries a hefty price tag, a more budget-friendly model of this headset will probably be introduced. Reflecting on Apple’s track record with products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, the company typically debuts top-tier premium models first, then later expands its reach with more accessible options at varying price points. It may not be long before we witness a surge in the adoption of Apple Vision Pro as more affordable versions of the headset hit the market in the future.

Apple Technology Base vs. Pro Models (US prices)

• 

  • Apple Watch SE: $249
  • Apple Watch Series 9: $399
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2: $799

• 

  • iPhone SE (base model): $429
  • iPhone Pro Max (premium model): $1199

• 

  • iPad 9th gen (base model): $329
  • iPad Pro 12.9” (premium model): from $1099

On the launch day of Apple Vision Pro, 600 new apps specifically built for the hardware were introduced. Currently, there are not a lot of truly immersive 3D apps that take full advantage of the hardware compared to standard apps for the device.

As we have seen in the past with Apple products like the iPhone and the iPad, apps play a big role in contributing to the success of Apple’s hardware. With Apple’s first entry into the headset market with Apple Vision Pro, we’re going to see a similar trend with a surge in developers motivated to create new apps for this new up-and-coming technology. The hardware launch is just the beginning of app creation for Apple Vision Pro. As developers get their hands on the headset, explore its capabilities, experiment with it, and push what is possible, it will inspire innovative ideas and encourage more developers to create 3D content for this new immersive environment. App developers and 3D content creators will undoubtedly shape the future of Apple Vision Pro.

With the anticipation of more developers creating apps for Apple Vision Pro, there will be a demand for a quick and easy way to create high-quality 3D digital assets. We’ve witnessed the use of 3D scanning in movies, TV shows, and video games for CGI applications. One of the ways to accelerate 3D content creation is to use a professional 3D scanner to scan environments or objects to capture ultra-realistic, high-resolution 3D models (or digital twins) of the real world. With a professional 3D scanner, objects can be scanned in just a few minutes.

Professional 3D scanners output far superior raw scan data quality and less noise when compared to consumer-grade 3D scanners or iPhone 3D scanners for 3D asset creation. Developers would need high-resolution 3D scans if they want to create realistic or immersive 3D experiences for Apple Vision Pro.

For a long time, professional 3D scanners from companies like Artec 3D have been used in movies and video games to speed up the conventional CGI workflow. For instance, Farm 51’s multiplayer First Person Shooter (FPS) World War 3 used the Artec Leo and Artec Space Spider to digitally capture people, uniforms, weapons, equipment, vehicles, and other props. These digital 3D assets were then used to create a hyper-realistic gaming environment.

Similar to creating CGI for video games and movies, professional 3D scanners can become instrumental in speeding up the pipeline in the creation of immersive 3D environments for Apple Vision Pro’s apps.

Excitement for Apple Vision Pro is high because it promises a truly unique experience and a glimpse into the future. Its success hinges on both the utility and the quality of its apps. The success of Apple Vision Pro lies in the hands of 3D content creators and app developers.

At present, 3D content for the Apple Vision Pro is still in its infancy, presenting significant opportunities for tools like 3D scanners to help expedite content creation and app development. We’re excited to see how Apple’s headset will shape the future of technology.