3D scanning of materials & surfaces - for CGI, e-commerce & AR

UV mapping is the process of projecting digitized surfaces onto a 3D model. To do this, the 3D model is first "unwrapped" (UV unwrapping) and converted into a 2D form. The 2D model is then assigned UV coordinates, which are comparable to the X and Y axes. The digital surface texture is then mapped onto the flat 2D model to assign the texture to specific coordinates. Once the 2D model has been converted back to 3D, the 3D artist can easily project the texture onto the model, since they now know the exact coordinates.

3D surface 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 digitized as 3D textures. This technique is used to create detailed 3D models of object surfaces for 3D visualization purposes. PBR (Physically Based Rendering) textures ensure that light behaves particularly realistically on digitized surfaces. They are a central component of modern product visualization. CGTrader explains here why realistic 3D textures are indispensable, especially in e-commerce. Preparing materials from photos/scans: Adobe Substance 3D Sampler – “Material from Image” explains the workflow step by step.

The techniques used to digitize surfaces as 3D materials can vary. 3D scanning/photogrammetry and computer-generated imagery (CGI) are often used. 3D scanning and photogrammetry capture the physical details of a surface and convert them into a digital form to create a lifelike digital representation. Alternatively, computer-generated imagery using tools such as 3D shaders can be employed to create complex textures and patterns. Fine micro-relief is most effectively achieved using normal maps rather than actual geometry. The digitized 3D textures can then be projected onto the model to make the visualization look realistic. For actual elevation details (grooves/embossments), we use displacement maps depending on the use case. For reliable color reference during capture, we recommend an X-Rite ColorChecker (official site) —it reduces color deviations right from the shoot. If you’d also like to check whether your textures tile cleanly, our Tileable Textures Checker can help.

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

Digitizing surfaces as CGI material is essential for creating photorealistic 3D models. These models can be used in a wide range of fields, including video games, 3D films, architecture, product design, and CGI-based visual marketing. In marketing, surface digitization helps depict products realistically without having to take “real” product photos. The digital product images featuring digitized 3D surfaces can then be used for social media marketing, in advertisements, in online stores, or on manufacturers’ websites. Trends & material examples are curated by Architonic – Materials & Surfaces (Hub) – inspiration for home and living collections. Our case study, “PBR Fabric Scan” in the furniture project “Wittmann BELETAGE – CGI Product Images,” demonstrates how this works in practice .

There are various UV mapping software programs that allow you to project digitized textures onto 3D surfaces. These include, for example, the free UV mapping software Blender, as well as the paid programs Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Unfold3D, and Rizom UV.

High-resolution surface scans offer an extremely high level of detail. They are used when you want to create realistic and detailed 3D visualizations, such as in architecture, the automotive industry, product design, or advertising. Platforms like Quixel Megascans demonstrate how scanned materials can be used in CGI to achieve a lifelike representation—for example, in architecture, the automotive industry, or product design.

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.