Validation of Current Methodology in Measurement of Digital Scanning and 3D printing

Introduction

The literature is currently inundated with accuracy studies for the scanning and reproduction of 3D printed models. Generally, these studies use a control that is digitally compared to other model scans or scans using digital inspection software (GeomagicControl, 3D Systems). 

The software's performance relies on an approximation algorithm or best-fit algorithm and may therefore vary from the true absolute values. Also, there may be errors in the scanner's registration due to the variable surface topography.

We believe that the use of distinct data points generated by fiduciary markers on printed models might be more reliable than the variable surface topography for alignment and measurement of the accuracy of scanned printed models to the digital master.