A Complete Guide to Using AESUB Semi-Permanent 3D Scanning Spray (WHITE)
Oct 14, 2021
Updated June 28, 2023
This guide provides best practices on how to use AESUB White semi-permanent 3D scanning spray.
* PLEASE NOTE: This document outlines the general guidelines for AESUB White semi-permanent spray which requires cleaning after your project is complete.
AESUB White characteristics:
- The surface remains white after 3D scanning so cleaning is required
- The average layer thickness of ~7 µm
- Consistent and homogenous coating
- Free of titanium dioxide (TiO2)
For the getting started guide for AESUB Blue, Orange, Green, and Yellow which are vanishing spray, please read this guide.
AESUB White 3D scanning spray allows you to capture surfaces you normally can’t capture without preparation such as dark, shiny, or clear surfaces to get optimal scan results.
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
Step 1: Shake the Can
- Shake the can well until you hear a loud noise.
Step 2: Spray The Part
- 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).
- Move at a consistent pace without pausing at one point to achieve an even coat. Once the coat is applied, you can scan the object in the usual manner.
- AESUB White is applied "wet". The solvent vanishes within a few seconds while the pigments remain as a coating on the surface. Increase spraying distance or pace if you are getting drop formation or when the coating stays "wet" for too long.
- 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.
* PLEASE NOTE: Make sure not to spray next to your 3D scanner and sensitive equipment. AESUB White is a semi-permanent 3D scanning spray that contains pigments. It will contaminate the nearby environment. If you want to avoid pigment contamination, we strongly recommend you using AESUB vanishing 3D scanning sprays instead.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Cleaning
AESUB White is a semi-permanent scanning spray. Coated parts need to be cleaned or disposed of after 3D scanning. AESUB White was developed to allow for easy cleaning. Use a soft brush in combination with water and a towel to clean coated parts.
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 White 3D scanning spray?
The recommended ambient temperature is 21°C/70°F.
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What surfaces can you use with AESUB White 3D scanning spray?
All AESUB 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 White 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 White 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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How much thickness does the spray add?
Typically, AESUB White adds a layer thickness of ~7 µm.
For a more thorough analysis of coating a surface with or without AESUB 3D scanning spray, please watch this video:
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What are the best practices for spraying?
We recommend spraying in a well-ventilated area. Wearing gloves and eye protection such as googles for extra security.
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What is the best way to store AESUB White?
Please follow the guidelines
- Optimal storage temperature ranges between 18°C and 21°C (64.4°F and 69.8°F)
- Shelf life of three years
- Store at dry conditions with no direct sunlight
Technical Datasheet & Safety Data Sheets
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 after reading this guide, 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.
