Peel3D 4.0 is Out! New Features Overview

Peel3D just launched their Peel3d 4.0 software update. People with experience in 3D scanning know how troublesome it is to edit and manage scanned data. Since a raw point cloud file is useless by itself, a 3D scanning process without the proper editing software is meaningless (Even if we’re talking about the most potent scanner).

The Peel3D software offers an intuitive and straightforward interface that has delivered fast and effective workflow solutions for years now. This set of tools enables users to clean, repair, cut, optimise, align and merge their scans, to name a few options. Yet, there’s always room for improvement. Let’s have a look at the four functions the new Peel3D update has to offer.

To have a deeper look at the capabilities of Peel3D software, check this playlist.

Shell/Offset Mesh

This function offsets a mesh projection that could go either in an inward or outward direction. Moreover, this feature also enables an option to close the gap between the surfaces, thus creating a watertight shell.

As explained above, this is ideal for workflows involving 3D printing since you can close the mesh and export it directly to your slicer of preference with no need for any other additional software.

Takeaways:

• The resulting shell/offset object lacks texture data
• Think first about the shell functionality before offsetting. Is it meant as an enclosure for the scanned part? Or rather as a shell replica of the original part?
• For higher tolerance requirements, you might need to send it to CAD to further work on dimensioning and refinement.

Extend Boundary

As the name suggests, it extends the boundary of the mesh surface wholly or partially according to the input distance.

Takeaways

• You just need to select the border by clicking it. However, this tool comes with a selection tool to control the portion you need to extend. 
• The “Smooth boundary layers” box enables users to control and ensure the extension follows a reasonable trajectory path based on the orientation of the triangle layers close to the boundary. So, the higher the number of layers, the smoother the transition.
• Contrary to Shell/Offset mesh, this tool can maintain its texture by creating an extended version based on the colours at the boundary area.

Extrude Boundary

This tool is similar in name and function to its fellow Extend Boundary tool so it might confuse its users. Therefore, what better way to explain this feature than to set the differences between “extrusion” and “extension” straight in the first place? While the extend function follows a constant distance, this one must define a plane or surface to create a contour projection. The following video might explain it better.

Takeaways:

• The Extrude Boundary functions enable you to create an offset of a plane/surface to control the length of the extrusion, ultimately
• The “Curve Tension” bar enables you to control the definition of the projected curve
• The “Fill boundary” enables you to close the space inside the projection.

Flatten

You can create a flattened version of a mesh surface and place it in the XY axis with this feature.

Takeaways:

• This tool is rather straightforward, but it has great potential if used wisely. Indeed, it might come in handy in wrapping and lamination applications with complex surfaces. For instance, flattening a surface is ideal for applications, such as adding car decals, leather lamination, insulation socks and, carbon fibre sheets, which can become a pain to apply if the mould has complex features.
• This tool only applies to Peel2CAD workflows. So, what does this mean?

Peel 2 CAD for Reverse Engineering Workflows

Peel 2 CAD and Peel 2 CAD-S are the upgraded versions of Peel 2 and Peel 2-S, respectively. In what sense? Well, mainly because it improves integration to reverse engineering workflows involving CAD software, such as SolidWorks.

This implies that the Peel3D software has additional functionalities when it comes to Peel2CAD scanned data. Compared to the standard interface, the Peel2CAD version can export CAD formats, such as DXF, STEP and IGES, generate NURBS surfaces, offer advanced alignment entities and add extra features like Flatten.

Working with raw scanned data isn’t an easy task, even more, if it needs to be re-built as a clean and precise CAD model. Thankfully, the Peel2CAD solution allows users to easily identify geometries and dimensional values early in reverse engineering projects. Rather than dragging all the tedious work, Peel2CAD assures a smoother transition to CAD.

About Peel3D

Peel3D is a Quebec-based start-up and subsidiary of Creaform. Metrology and 3D scanning technologies are traditionally expensive, thus unattainable for most people. However, things are changing thanks to the development of professional-grade handheld scanners that fit within limited budgets. Peel3D scans are specially made to achieve perfect price-performance balance in the 3D scanning market.

As a key Peel3D distributor in the UK, Solid Print is here to help you make the best decisions for your 3D scanning project. For more information, please call SolidPrint at 01926 333 777 or email info@solidprint3d.co.uk.