This article is for V2 and V1 3D scanners.
In order to maximize the scanner’s precision and accuracy, it’s highly recommended users devote time to calibration whenever the scanner has been moved. Every scanner will have tiny, unique differences as a result of the manufacturing process, temperature fluctuations and physical placement, so it is necessary to allow the software to properly measure and compensate for such differences (i.e., calibration).
Calibrating is especially important after a scanner is moved. All data captured by the scanner are in relation to the dead center of the turntable. Because the turntable can shift up to 1 mm, any potential shift can affect what the camera, lasers and software consider to be the dead center of the turntable when constructing a point cloud.
Throughout the calibration process the scanner’s camera, lasers and software are developing reference points in an XYZ coordinate system based on the geometries and angles of the calibration box and its checkered squares. Upon completion, the software and firmware will save these reference points when scanning all subsequent objects until calibration is completed again and new reference points are saved.