Nuno Silva, a talented 3D artist, has once again captivated the 3D visualization community with his insights into achieving unparalleled realism in 3D renders. In his recent YouTube video, Nuno shares his secrets to creating lifelike textures and details using a unique technique—3D scanning with the Creality CR Scan Raptor. An informative article to keep you informed about new possibilities that can offer you great results!
The Magic of Imperfections.
As Nuno explains, one critical element that makes 3D models look realistic is the addition of minor imperfections such as scratches, wear, and dirt. These are some features that are almost impossible to replicate perfectly by hand. Traditionally, artists would model objects and apply textures using a mix of reference images and custom textures. While effective, this process is time-consuming and lacks the detail achievable through 3D scanning.
Nuno introduces a better way: using advanced 3D scanning technology to capture real-world objects with stunning detail. In the video, he showcases the power of the Creality CR Scan Raptor, a consumer-grade scanner with metrology-level precision. With its dual-mode infrared and blue laser system, it can capture objects of varying sizes and textures with extreme accuracy, down to 0.02 mm in blue laser mode.
Scanning for Realism.
Nuno demonstrates the scanning process by using an astronaut figurine. The object, rich in texture and small details, becomes the perfect candidate to showcase the scanner’s abilities. He uses the blue laser mode to capture the astronaut's intricate details by placing reflective markers on the object. The software automatically generates a “point cloud,” a collection of data points mapping the object’s surface. Nuno then optimizes the point cloud and merges scans to create a full 3D model.
After cleaning up the model in 3ds Max, Nuno performs retopology to reduce the polygon count, making the model suitable for rendering. He finishes by importing the model into Lumion, where it’s brought to life using materials. The result is a stunningly realistic 3D render, which took just a fraction of the time it would have taken to model by hand.
The Power of Organic Forms.
Nuno also delves into the importance of scanning organic objects, showcasing a pomegranate and a rock. With their irregular surfaces and minute imperfections, both objects are ideal candidates for 3D scanning. As Nuno points out, modeling organic forms manually would be painstaking and would likely miss subtle details. Scanning, on the other hand, captures every tiny blemish, dot, and imperfection that adds to the realism of the final render.
In one particularly captivating example, Nuno scans his face using the scanner’s infrared mode, specifically designed to capture fine facial features. The result is a highly detailed 3D model of his face, complete with natural textures and contours that would be difficult to replicate otherwise.
Efficient and Accurate.
Despite its impressive capabilities, Nuno mentions a few challenges with the Creality CR Scan Raptor. While the scanner excels at capturing fine details, scanning complex objects may require multiple passes and adjustments. Additionally, its 4K texture generation, while good, sometimes doesn’t use the full resolution potential of the UV map. However, with practice, Nuno assures his audience that these minor issues become more accessible to manage.
Nuno’s journey with the Creality CR Scan Raptor is a testament to the growing potential of 3D scanning in architectural visualization and 3D modeling. His work shows how combining traditional techniques with modern scanning technology can save time and elevate the quality of 3D renders to new heights.
Check out the video tutorial and explore "The Key To Realism In 3D" below:
Nuno Silva is a Portugal-based 3d artist and content creator dedicated to helping artists across the internet.