Scan File FAQ's
What would I use your scans for?
Most people use our scans to help them plan their dream automotive project. Maybe a hotrod, or custom racer, or fitting a new engine in to an old body.
Essentially a scan translates items from the physical realm in to the digital realm. So by purchasing a scan of the engine you are using (or any other component) you can design your project around it in digital software. You can line up mounting points, design clearances, visualise the final look, all before entering the workshop. Design your chassis knowing precisely where all the key elements will be.
What is Intensity?
The intensity of the download file is essentially the resolution of the output. It is a relative description of how many points (or triangles) are used to describe the surface.
High intensity files have more detail around holes and curves and small detail, but are larger files which require more computing power to use.
Standard intensity files are going to be adequate for spacial packaging and general visualisation, but have a lower level of detail when working close up.
How accurate are your scans?
It is difficult to quantify the accuracy in detail as it will vary slightly job to job and operator to operator.
However can we can safely say they are more than accurate enough for the intended purposes of CAD packaging and visualization.
A good guide based on typical scanner specs is that any indicated point on the surface would be within 0.2mm (200 microns) of the actual point.
It is always possible however, that some misalignment may occur during the scanning or alignment processes, so it’s always worth double checking critical dimensions against a physical part wherever possible.
How do I use your scans?
Most CAD software can import STL files. This enables you to visualise the items captured in the scan within your CAD environment.
The catch is that the STL file will import in a position that we have defined (near 0,0,0). That is probably not where you want it placed in your project.
However, although your software probably cannot modify the shape fo the STL file it should be able to relocate it. You should not have any issue changing its position or orientation within your project, however the STL file will only allow you to MANUALLY assign the position. That is you will have to move it 'by eye' rather than constructing its position.
If the position is quite critical then we recommend you purchase a Premium File Pack. Within the Premium File Packs we include constructed CAD elements that enable you to construct an alignment of the STL file to your project (such as making cylinders concentric).
What file formats do you use?
When you purchase a High or Standard intensity scan file you receive an STL file.
You can learn more about STL file on Wikipedia.
You should note this is NOT a CAD file as such. It cannot easily be altered with typical feature based modelling software. STL files are essentially a series of single points joined together by triangles to map the surface. See other pages on this site for more information on using STL files.
When you purchase a Premium file pack, as well as the STL file of the surface geometry we include constructed elements which are recognised by feature based modelling software. We provide these in multiple generic formats (depending on the element). Typically these will be IGS (Iges), STP (Step), PRT (Catia, Solidworks and others). The exact files available are shown in the relevant product pages and there should be a format easily used by any software package.
Do you have a sample file I can try?
Yes. We have a sample available in the store. Select the 'Samples' category to find them. There are samples of a High Intensity, Standard Intensity and a sample Premium File Pack.
Can I upload my own scan files?
At the moment... no, you cannot upload your own scan files to sell however this is something we are working on implementing in the future.
If you have good quality scan files you would like to contribute you are welcome to contact us.
How much are your scan files?
Scans vary in price depending on complexity. A typical simple piece, like a seat, starts at about $20 for a Standard Intensity file. A Premium File Pack for a complex engine will be around $150.
Where are you based?
Bremar Automotion is based near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.