New Scanner-Is this right??

[mtylerfl]

Terry is correct...all scans will have a "texture" to some degree. That is the nature of a physical scanning probe method. Only way around that is use a laser scanner or create a model from scratch in ArtCAM, Aspire, Z-Brush, etc.

The Pattern Editor has several tools to help you smooth things out (de-noise, smooth, blur). An alternative is to save your scan as a PNG graphic, edit that in a photo editor (use smooth, blur, whatever it takes to smooth the texture out), then re-save your edited PNG and import that into the PE, then save it as an MPW (your backup) and as a PTN (for use in Designer). Experiment to see which you prefer.

EDIT: Wanted to add that the more secure the object is affixed to your sled, the less "texture" you will see. Try using wood or other solid 'wedge' super-glued under the knife blade to support it fully. Things like hot glue globs and such will allow vibration, which translates to "texture". The probe (actually the z-truck) goes up and down when following the contours of an object - slight movement of the object enhances the up/down movement yielding a greater "texture". There is nothing wrong with your probe.

[AskBud]

The probe goes up and down!! thats how it works. It goes down until it hits the surface and opens the switch. Then it goes up until the switch closes, then it goes down again until it opens the switch then it goes up until it closes, up, down, up, down. Scanning a smooth object will not give you a glass smooth finish. A nice smooth finish will require other software. Artcam is available as is Aspire.... only $2000. Otherwise you can smooth your scan in pattern editor.

I don't think this is quite true. the Probe reacts to any movement off dead center, not just the downward touch.
It's possible that the chatter of the motor, or dirt somewhere, may contribute to false readings. You may know more after you compare another machine. The "false sensitivity" issue, if there is one, may be coming from several different sources which you may discover in your side-by-side testing.

Cleaning the contacts within the probe, is sometimes done to improve the sensitivity of the Probe. In this case, I do not think you have a "Low Sensitivity" problem.

My bet is still in the pits in the model! You could test a piece of Oak, and see how it picks up the grain, as an extra test.
AskBud

[Mikewiz]

Here is the only two scans that I've done and they are of a gun stock. They are smooth, but The probe picked up the wood grain. I didn't touch them up at all these are how they came out of the memory card. Hope this helps.

[mtylerfl]

Here is the only two scans that I've done and they are of a gun stock. They are smooth, but The probe picked up the wood grain. I didn't touch them up at all these are how they came out of the memory card. Hope this helps.

Excellent example, Mike. This is a case where the object was very, very secure on the sled. Very minimal "probe texture", is the result. Thanks for sharing the photos.

[c6craig]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I will play a bit and see if I can get it to do what I need. A day or two away from it may help me focus back on it with a different view. I apparently did not fully understand the probe for what it is. I simply didn't realize there was going to be so much photo editing, my lack of skill in this being the reason I haven't made my own patterns so far. Not to worry, I will either get it to work out or stick with all the free and purchased patterns!

Thanks again!

Craig

[Router-Jim]

Craig, one thing I'd like to pass on is to save your original scan from your card to a scan folder. This allows you to always have a fresh original. Now start playing with the editor and see what each of the features does. Save those under another name or don't save at all. You will be surprised how easy it gets in a short time.

[TerryT]

Craig,
This may have already been asked, maybe I just missed it. What quality setting are you using? Sometimes you might have to play with the quality setting to get a good scan. Try the same object with both normal and best and see which works the best for that object. Sometimes "Best" doesn't necessarilly give the best results. I think the size of the object has a lot to do with it.

[c6craig]

Craig, one thing I'd like to pass on is to save your original scan from your card to a scan folder. This allows you to always have a fresh original. Now start playing with the editor and see what each of the features does. Save those under another name or don't save at all. You will be surprised how easy it gets in a short time.

Thanks Router-Jim, I did make a new folder for rough scans in the hopes I can do something with them eventually. You are absolutely right, if you don't stay organized this stuff can get out of hand quick!

Thanks,
Craig

[c6craig]

Craig,
This may have already been asked, maybe I just missed it. What quality setting are you using? Sometimes you might have to play with the quality setting to get a good scan. Try the same object with both normal and best and see which works the best for that object. Sometimes "Best" doesn't necessarilly give the best results. I think the size of the object has a lot to do with it.

Hi Terry,

I have only tried BEST setting so far. Thanks for the tip, maybe a normal mode scan will be a little more forgiving. I will give it a try!

Thanks,
Craig

[TerryT]

And again, as someone else said.... make sure the object is fastened down well (hotmelt glue, etc) so it doesn't bounce or vibrate.