surface scanner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surface scanner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to technology, imaging, or inspection where a device scans surfaces for various purposes. Example: "The surface scanner was able to detect even the smallest imperfections on the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The number of particles on wafer surface was measured by surface scanner before and after cleaning.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The bony surfaces of 18 archaeological hemipelves were scanned using a 3D laser surface scanner and CyDir™ software on a Silicon Graphics workstation.

Journal of Biomechanics

This CMCT system consists of medical CT and micro-CT scanners either as separate components or in a combination, a cross-modality registration mechanism such as a facial surface scanner, and associated software.

Academic Radiology

The measurements of dip profiles from a 1-m longitudinal chord were taken using a Metalelectro R2Srail surface scanner (dip gauge), as shown in Fig. 1c.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Scans from a static surface scanner are used to model a 1D jaw rotation parameter; that is, in-between shapes are taken as an alpha-blend between two extrema (shown in Figure 5).

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Using a high-resolution surface scanner, the team mapped the croc's skull and created a 3-D model of it (see below).

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The most common systems include laser scanners and surface scanners with optical 3D cameras.

Forensic Science International

The purpose of this study was to compare standard anthropometric cranial measurements with measurements taken from images acquired with 3D surface scanners.

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

After researchers dusted them off in 2014, high-resolution surface scanners and the more complete skulls of close relatives allowed them to create a three-dimensional model of the creature.

Science Magazine

Other advantages of a midsagittal plane computed with morphometric methods are: it is very reliable, it can be simple and quick (newer software can automatically extract the midsagittal plane), it can be applied to 3D datasets from laser surface scanners and stereophotogrammetry, and all to computerized tomography imaging [ 15, 16, 18– 20].

Clinical Oral Investigations

3D surface metrology scanners are primarily used for surface reconstruction in reverse engineering and for off-line inspection of parts but, their application potential for in-line process control remains largely unexplored.

Procedia CIRP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the use of a "surface scanner", specify the type of technology it employs (e.g. laser, optical, 3D) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "surface scanner" as a catch-all term. Instead, detail its specific function (e.g., measuring roughness, detecting defects, creating 3D models) to provide a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surface scanner" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to identify and describe a device or technology. Ludwig provides examples where it's used in the context of measuring particles, mapping skulls, and acquiring 3D models.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surface scanner" denotes a device used to analyze and capture data from surfaces, with applications spanning science, medicine, and manufacturing. While grammatically correct and usable, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting that more specific terminology might be preferred depending on the context. According to Ludwig, the term is considered correct and usable. When using "surface scanner", specifying the technology (e.g., laser, optical) or function (e.g., measuring roughness, detecting defects) can enhance clarity. Alternatives like "3D laser scanner", "optical surface metrology system", and "3D surface digitizer" offer more precise descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

3D laser scanner

Specifically uses a laser to capture three-dimensional surface data.

3D optical scanner

Specifies the technology used (optics) and the dimensionality of the scan.

Digital surface imager

Emphasizes the digital imaging aspect of surface analysis.

3D surface digitizer

Focuses on the digitization aspect, highlighting the conversion of a surface into a digital format.

Laser surface measurement tool

Highlights the laser technology used for precise surface measurement.

Non-contact profilometer

Specifically used for creating surface profiles without physical contact.

Surface profiling system

Emphasizes the creation of a profile or cross-section of a surface to analyze its characteristics.

Surface mapping device

Focuses on the creation of a map representing the surface.

Optical surface metrology system

Highlights the use of optics for precise surface measurements and quality control.

Contactless surface analyzer

Emphasizes the non-destructive nature of the scanning process.

FAQs

What is a "surface scanner" used for?

A "surface scanner" is used to capture the physical characteristics of a surface, often creating a digital representation for analysis, measurement, or replication. It's used in various fields, from manufacturing quality control to medical imaging.

What are some alternatives to "surface scanner"?

Depending on the specific technology and application, alternatives include "3D laser scanner", "optical surface metrology system", or "3D surface digitizer".

How does a "surface scanner" differ from a regular scanner?

While a regular scanner captures 2D images, a "surface scanner" captures the three-dimensional geometry of an object's surface. This provides depth information that a standard scanner cannot.

What industries commonly use "surface scanners"?

"Surface scanners" are frequently used in manufacturing for quality control, in medicine for creating prosthetic devices, in archaeology for artifact analysis, and in reverse engineering for creating digital models of physical objects.