Artec 3D Launches New Studio 12 Software Version, Will Demonstrate at RAPID + TCT

International company Artec 3D, which develops and manufactures 3D hardware and software, released its Studio 10 software suite about two years ago, and previewed its Studio 11 software at RAPID 2016, with the official release coming less than a month later. Today, the company, which is headquartered in Luxembourg with subsidiaries in California and Russia, announced the launch of its newest professional 3D scanning and data processing software version, Studio 12.

Artec 3D took its customers’ thoughts and requests into account when developing its groundbreaking Studio 12, and the software, which will be available to demo at the RAPID + TCT event next month, incorporates 28 new features, with the majority based on customer requests. The Studio 12 software page even states at the top: “You asked. We delivered.”

Artyom Yuhkin, President and CEO of Artec 3D, said, “The feedback we receive from our customers is one of the most valuable resources we possess. With Artec Studio 12, we took our direction from our users to create the most advanced software yet. The new features will dramatically lower the time needed for post-processing for both experienced and new customers alike, without sacrificing quality.”

The intelligence-based software, with an improved user interface and enhanced speed, is “following the footsteps” of the company’s next generation AI-based Artec Leo 3D scanner, and its new automated features reduce the scanning and post-processing time. One of the biggest differences between Studio 12 and its Studio 11 predecessor is the always awkward post-processing step of base removal. This feature is now automatic, and the base removal algorithms for its Smart Base Removal tool have been improved. Now, users can distinguish between the object being scanned and the platform it’s sitting on, and are also able to see and get rid of non-flat base surfaces; in addition, the data beneath these surfaces is also removed automatically.

Speaking of algorithms, Studio 12 has streamlined the necessary processing step of global registration, where algorithms are applied, through a single coordination system, to optimize the relative frame positions. Artec 3D’s newest software version has sped up this process by ten times what it once was, which in turn speeds up the digitizing workflow and data management.

Studio 12 features automated sensitivity settings for the Artec Eva 3D scanner, so users are able to more easily digitize thin surfaces like hair, and shiny or black objects. Instead of the user having to manually adjust the scanner, the software automatically adjusts the settings when it detects hard-to-scan surfaces, and to make the scanning process faster and easier, the algorithms were optimized to both improve 3D reconstruction and reduce the “noise” around the surface for areas of increased sensitivity. This feature also eliminates, or at least reduces, the post-scanning editing process, which saves the user time.

Studio 12 has a new mode of project compression for ultra-compact data storage, which frees up memory and significantly reduces the disk space needed to store a project, without losing data, so it’s easier and quicker to share, transfer, and export files. The new Smart Memory Management feature optimizes the use of RAM, so users can enjoy smoother processing of large objects. In order to lower the amount of data stored in RAM, the Studio 12 software identifies what can be eliminated, and opens up a maximum of ten Gb for “power intensive post-processing steps.”

Other new features of the Artec Studio 12 software include:

• 3D Mouse Support: now compatible with the 3Dconnexion 3D Mouse, so users can navigate the software’s interface in 3D
• Hints and Hotkeys: user-friendly panels, complete with new hot keys and added hints, make the workflow seamless and save time
• New progress bar: multitaskers will enjoy the freedom of monitoring the progress while being able to close the actual Artec Studio window
• Improved eraser tool, updated tool panel, enhanced color settings, new 3D background on the interface
• Full visualization of 3D models on rotation: complexity threshold of simplified rendering optimized to accommodate modern video cards and not show objects as point clouds

Additionally, the software’s user-friendly interface has an increased automation of frequently used functions, which includes the automatic 3D scans selection in the Align mode. Artec Studio 12 supports the SOLIDWORKS 2017 software, so users can export 3D models through DezignWorks or 3D Systems Geomagic plugins; users can also export their model’s volume numbers and surface areas to CAD and CAM software, which will make things easier for engineering, industrial design, and quality assurance applications.

Don’t forget to stop and check out the Artec Studio 12 demonstrations at RAPID + TCT next month; 3DPrint.com will also be there, bringing you the latest news and product offerings from the show floor.

What do you think about these new features? Discuss in the Artec 3D forum at 3DPB.com.