Material/Surface Digitization & 3D Scanning

UV mapping is the process in which digitized surfaces are projected onto a 3D model. To do this, the 3D model is first "unfolded" (UV unwrapping) and converted into a 2D form. The 2D model is then provided with UV coordinates, which can be compared with X and Y axes. The digital texture is now placed on the flat 2D model to assign the texture to specific coordinates. Once the 2D model is converted back to 3D, the 3D artist can simply project the texture onto the model as they now know the exact coordinates.

3D surface scanning or 3D material scanning is a process in which the physical properties of a surface are digitally captured. To do this, surfaces are captured using 3D scanning methods and then digitized as 3D textures. This technique is becoming increasingly important for creating detailed 3D models of object surfaces for 3D visualization activities.

The techniques for digitizing surfaces as 3D material can vary. 3D scanning/photography and computer generated imagery (CGI) are often used. Photogrammetry and 3D surface scanning capture the physical details of a surface and transfer them into a digital form to create a lifelike digital image. Alternatively, computer-generated design can be used with tools such as 3D shaders to create complex textures and patterns. The digitized 3D textures can then be projected onto the model to make the visualization look realistic.

The duration of the 3D surface digitization process depends on the complexity of the surface, the material, and the technology used. Simple surfaces can be digitized in just a few hours, while complicated surfaces with many details can take up several days.

Digitizing surfaces as CGI material is important in order to create photorealistic 3D models. These can be used in a variety of areas, including computer gaming, 3D filming, architecture, product design, or even visual marketing with CGI. In the marketing area, surface digitization helps to display products realistically without having to take “real” product photos. The digital product images with digitized 3D surfaces can then be used for social media marketing, in advertisements, in online shops or on manufacturer websites.

There are various UV mapping software programs that you can use to project digitized textures onto 3D surfaces. These include the free UV mapping software Blender or paid programs like Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Unfold3D, and Rizom UV.

High resolution surface scans offer extremely high detail accuracy. They are used when you want to create realistic and detailed 3D visualizations, such as in architecture, the automotive industry, product design, or advertising.

If you would like to have the surfaces of your product digitized, you can contact our 3D digitization agency Danthree Studio. We not only offer digitizing services but can take care of the entire rendering process for you, from 3D modeling to visualization and rendering. We specialize in the home & living sector such as furniture, interior design, and decorative items. For our CGI surfaces, we can digitize numerous materials in order to optimally represent items made of fabric or steel, wooden, or upholstered furniture in 3D.