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

UV mapping assigns coordinates in a two-dimensional texture space to points on a 3D model. During UV unwrapping, a corresponding surface division is created; the model’s spatial geometry is preserved. The UV coordinates determine where the digitized texture appears on the model and how it is oriented and scaled.

Material scanning involves capturing the properties of a material sample and processing them to create a digital CGI material. Depending on the method used, this includes color, surface texture, and reflectance. PBR materials use this information to calculate the effects of light in the rendering. A material scan should be distinguished from a geometry scan of the entire product. CGTrader explains here how 3D models are used in e-commerce. Adobe Substance 3D Sampler describes image-based material preparation : “Material from Image.” However, material channels derived from a photo do not automatically represent a measurement of all the physical properties of the original.

Depending on the material and intended use, we combine appropriate photographs or scans with digital material processing. Procedural methods using 3D shaders can also be employed. Fine surface structures can be rendered using normal maps without altering the geometry. Displacement maps can be used to create model-accurate elevation differences. An X-Rite ColorChecker can provide a color reference during the capture process. It aids in color matching but does not guarantee identical display on every screen. You can use our Tileable Textures Checker to verify whether textures are tileable.

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 materials is essential for creating photorealistic 3D models. These can be used in a wide range of fields, including video games, 3D films, architecture, product design, and CGI-based visual marketing. For product marketing, the digital materials are applied to appropriate 3D models and then rendered for product pages, catalogs, or campaigns. Architonic showcases examples of materials and surfaces. Our own Wittmann BELETAGE case study, featuring a digitized original fabric, demonstrates the connection between material digitization and finished sofa renderings.

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.