Updated June 28, 2023
If it's your first time using AESUB vanishing 3D scanning sprays or if you want to learn more about best practices on how to use them, here are some helpful tips and tricks to get you up and running in no time!
* PLEASE NOTE: This document outlines the general guidelines for AESUB Blue, Orange, Green, and Yellow. They are vanishing sprays that disappear without a trace after a certain amount of time once it’s sprayed.
Characteristics of AESUB vanishing sprays:
- Coating evaporates automatically
- No messy cleanups
- No pigment-contamination of lab, 3D scanners, environments, and users
For getting started guide for AESUB White which is a semi-permanent spray, please read this guide.
Sublimation times will may depending on atmospheric conditions. Please refer to the product brochure for approximate sublimation times.
This guide is divided into several sections:
* If you have further questions after reading this guide, please feel free to send us a support ticket in our support center.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For demonstration purposes, we’ll use AESUB Blue 3D scanning vanishing spray as an example. These instructions also apply to AESUB Orange, Green, and Yellow vanishing spray as well.
AESUB Green
You will need a spray gun to apply the spray on large surfaces (ie. car, boat, etc.) and follow these general guidelines.
AESUB Yellow
You will need an airbrush gun to apply the spray on small objects and follow these general guidelines.
If you are looking for a quick start guide for applying AESUB 3D scanning spray, here is a video demonstration. We encourage you to read the complete document to ensure you are using the products correctly.
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General Use
Step 1: Spray The Part
- You do not need to shake the can for AESUB Blue, Orange, Green, and Yellow.
- Gently push down the spray button and move the can across the area using even, back and forth strokes at a distance of 15 - 20 cm (that’s roughly one can length).
- Spray over the entire surface that you will be 3D scanning and move at a consistent pace to achieve an even coating. If you spray too much, it will affect scan accuracy.
- AESUB vanishing sprays go on the surface as a "wet" application. The solvent vanishes within a few seconds while the coating remains on the surface. The degree of whiteness of the coating will continue to increase for a couple of seconds. It’s best to wait before determining whether you have enough spray for the part to prevent over-spraying.
- When your coating remains “wet” for too long, it means you need to increase the spraying distance. Multiple spraying increases layer thickness so be careful of adding too many layers as it can impact scan accuracy.
Step 2: 3D Scan Your Surface
You can scan your object as soon as you achieve a stable and white coating. It should be dry to the touch. Simply scan the object as you normally would. You don’t have to do anything differently.
AESUB sprays allow you to capture surfaces you normally can’t capture without preparation such as dark and reflective surfaces like this helmet.
Step 3: Leave the Object For the Spray To Evaporate - No Cleaning Required
Once your project is done, you don’t need to clean up. The applied coating sublimates into the air. How fast it evaporates depends on which product you use as well as a number of factors. If you want to learn more about this, visit the FAQ section below.
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3D Scanning Large Objects
3D Scanning in Sections
If the object you are scanning is large, we recommend that you break down the 3D scanning into sections. This will provide you with more control. You can spray one section of the part, scan it, and then move on to another section. This way, you don’t have to spray the entire part and you don’t have to feel rushed when doing the job because the spray disappears over a certain amount of time.
3D Scanning with Photogrammetry Dots
You can also use photogrammetry dots with AESUB vanishing spray. For large objects, you have to consider how quickly your spray is vanishing. There are 2 ways you can use photogrammetry dots with AESUB vanishing spray. Either way works. However, clear or mirror surfaces require heavier spray, while reflective and dark surfaces only need a light spray.
Method 1 (Apply Dots First):
- Stick the photogrammetry dots onto your object.
- Lightly spray the object and scan as usual, Photogrammetry dots will show through the spray if you don’t do a heavy spray.
- Remove the photogrammetry dots after scanning.
Method 2 (Apply Dots After Spraying):
- Spray AESUB onto your object. (Fig 1)
- Stick photogrammetry dots onto your object, on top of the spray (Fig 2)
- Remove the photogrammetry dots after scanning. (Fig 3)
- For cleanup, wait for the vanishing spray to disappear. (Fig 4)
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Fig 1
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Fig 2
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Fig 3
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Fig 4
FAQs
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What is the optimal distance to spray the object?
We discovered that the best distance for spraying an object is closer than you might think—about 1 can length, or 15-20cm from the object. The goal is to apply a uniform coating in one attempt. The spray goes on wet and looks thick at first, but after drying you will notice an even coating.
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What is the recommended temperature for using AESUB vanishing 3D scanning spray?
The recommended ambient temperature is 21°C/70°F.
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What surfaces can you coat with AESUB 3D scanning spray?
All AESUB vanishing sprays are ideal for spraying on challenging surfaces that would be otherwise difficult to capture with a 3D scanner. Also, when quality and accuracy are important factors in your 3D scanning project, you might want to apply a spray to remove as much as possible all the causes (for example: color differences, differences in reflection, texture, etc.). The AESUB spray creates a matte, white coating barrier to create the perfect scanning condition to improve scanning results.
Here are some surfaces that will benefit from using a 3D scanning spray:
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Transparent / Clear Parts
In the case of a clear surface, the light will go through the surface and the 3D scanner will not be able to capture the necessary information to generate a 3D image.
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Reflective / Metallic / High Gloss parts
For reflective parts (such as a mirror), the surface will create an effect that shatters the light which causes a less than ideal scanning situation.
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Deep Pockets, Holes, or Cavities
When the object to be scanned has deep pockets, holes, or cavities, the 3D scanner receives a reflection from the walls of the pocket onto the bottom. This causes a disturbance in the pattern of light and can result in artifacts or bad scan data.
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Dark or Black Surfaces
Dark or black surfaces absorb light. If you coat a part with 3D scanning spray it creates ideal scanning conditions for a structured light 3D scanner.
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What materials can you coat with AESUB vanishing 3D scanning spray?
In our lab, we use it for a wide range of surfaces and objects. To ensure that AESUB products work well with your object, it's strongly recommended that you test a small or unseen area. We have not seen any issues in our testing, but AESUB vanishing spray uses solvents, and it’s recommended that you review the safety data sheet if your object is made of an uncommon material.
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What much thickness does the spray add?
For your reference, AESUB Blue coating adds a layer thickness of ~8-15 µm. Please refer to the product brochure for approximate thickness levels for all AESUB 3D scanning sprays.
For a more thorough analysis of coating a surface with or without AESUB 3D scanning spray, please watch our video.
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What factors affect how long Aesub vanishing spray lasts on the surface?
How fast or slow AESUB 3D scanning spray vanishes depends on the following factors:
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How Much You Spray
The thicker the coating, the longer it lasts. However, if you apply a thick coating, it can impact your scan accuracy so it's best to spray a good coverage but not overdo it.
Clear or mirror surfaces require complete coverage, while reflective or dark surfaces only need a light spray.
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How Big Your Part Is
Bigger scan objects typically would have a larger surface area so the coating would last longer than compared to spraying a smaller part.
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Airflow
If you have a highly ventilated room, then the airflow will make the coating disappear faster. Under AC vent will make the spray vanish faster when compared to a closed room with no windows or no circulation.
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Temperature
Hotter weather and temperature conditions will make the spray sublimate at a quicker speed than a normal temperature room of 21°C / 70°F. To slow down the rate of sublimation, use low ambient temperatures.
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Surface Structure
Parts with features such as pockets, holes, or grooves will make the coating last longer. More exposed areas, such as outer corners or edges, typically are the first for the vanishing spray to disappear.
Tip:
- Scan time can easily be extended by re-applying AESUB Vanishing 3D Scanning Spray where you see sublimation happening.
- You can also use a different spray (like AESUB Orange) which allows the coating to last longer (within 24 hours)
You can also use the following video as a guideline for how long it would take for your part in consideration under optimal conditions. If you want the coating to last longer on a part, you should reduce the airflow in the room or put it in a closet to slow down the pace of sublimation.
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What are the best practices for spraying?
We always recommend spraying it in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and eye goggles for extra protection.
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What is the best way to store the vanishing spray?
Please follow the guidelines:
- The optimal storage temperature ranges between 18°C and 21°C (64.4°F and 69.8°F)
- The shelf life of 3 years
- Store at dry conditions with no direct sunlight
Technical Datasheet & Safety Data Sheets
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AESUB Orange
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AESUB Green
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AESUB Yellow
What Are The Other Types of AESUB Sprays Available To Me?
If you are working on other 3D scanning projects and want to check out what other options are available, you can see that there are also semi-permanent sprays that require cleaning (AESUB White) and vanishing sprays for small or large applications. (Scroll right to see all products.)
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| Product | AESUB Blue | AESUB Orange | AESUB Green | AESUB White | AESUB Yellow | AESUB Transparent |
| Type | Vanishing 3D scanning spray | Vanishing 3D scanning spray | Vanishing 3D scanning spray | Semi-Permanent 3D scanning spray | Vanishing 3D scanning spray | Vanishing Dulling 3D scanning spray |
| Area | Small to medium parts | Small to medium parts | Large parts | Small to medium parts | Extra small to small parts | Small to medium parts |
| Duration Before Sublimation Starts* | No mess, disappears without a trace within a few hours) | No mess, disappears without a trace within 24 hours | No mess, disappears without a trace within 6 hours | Does not disappear Stays on until you clean it | No mess, disappears without a trace within 6 hours | No mess, disappears without a trace within 4 hours |
| Requires Cleaning? | No | No | No | Yes - Wipe off by using a soft brush in combination with water and a towel to clean coated parts. | No | No |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
* These timelines are based on ideal conditions and it’s dependent on environmental conditions. Please use these as general guidelines only.
Got More Questions?
If you have further questions, please feel free to send us a support ticket in our support center.
* The information in this guide has been carefully prepared and we try our best to make it as accurate as possible. The materials in this guide is subject to change and we cannot be held liable for any incorrect or incomplete information.