1. What Are Markers?

Markers are circular reflective stickers, typically featuring a black-and-white pattern, used to assist positioning during 3D scanning.

By recognizing the spatial positions of markers, the scanner automatically aligns multiple frames and reconstructs them into a complete 3D model. In Marker Alignment Mode, at least four markers must be visible within a single frame to provide reliable positioning and enable automatic alignment.

Marker-based scanning is especially recommended for objects with limited geometric features or texture surfaces, and when higher accuracy and alignment stability are required.

2. Marker Specifications

Two marker sizes are supplied with 3DeVOK scanners:

(1) Standard Marker: inner diameter: 6 mm, outer diameter: 10 mm

(2) Small Marker: inner diameter: 3 mm, outer diameter: 6 mm

3. Marker Selection Guidelines

Since the area covered by a marker cannot be scanned, marker size should be selected according to the size and geometry of the object.

(1) For large-scale work pieces, 6mm standard reflective markers are recommended as the optimal choice, providing the highest recognition accuracy and alignment stability due to the object's substantial dimensions.

(2) For small-scale work pieces, or those with complex surface geometries and abundant geometric features, 3mm reflective markers are recommended.

(3)The two types of markers may be deployed either independently or in a mixed configuration. When small markers are required, the software setting path is as follows:[Scan Mode] → [More] → Enable [3 mm]

4. Alignment Mode Compatibility

(1) Marker Alignment Mode: Compatible with both standard and miniature marker types. Automatic alignment is enabled when the scanner identifies ≥ 4 markers within a single frame.

(2) Hybrid Alignment Mode: Supports 6mm markers only; 3mm markers are not compatible with this mode.

5. Marker Placement Guidelines

(1) Marker Spacing

The recommended distance between markers is 6–8 cm, which may be adjusted according to the surface geometry.

Work pieces with gentle curvature: marker spacing can be increased up to 12 cm.

Work pieces with dense features and significant curvature changes: minimum marker spacing should be no less than 3 cm.

(2) Marker Position Requirements

Markers must be applied in a random and irregular pattern. Regular or grid-like arrangements are strictly prohibited. The more irregular the distribution, the lower the risk of misalignment during data alignment.

Marker placement must avoid feature regions on the object to prevent occlusion, which could otherwise result in data loss.

Markers must be placed at a minimum distance of 3 mm from holes, sharp corners, and object edges. This ensures proper functionality of the hole-filling algorithm and prevents edge reconstruction failures or point cloud loss.

For non-planar work pieces with complex geometries, apply markers from multiple dimensions and angles to enhance point recognition and stitching accuracy. When attaching markers to curved or cylindrical surfaces, avoid squeezing or bending them, as any deformation may cause recognition failures.

6. Consumables and Scanning Recommendations

(1) Marker Consumables

Reflective marker are not recommended for repeated or prolonged reuse. If surface contamination, wear, or damage is observed, the markers should be replaced with new ones immediately to ensure reliable detection.

(2) Selection for High-Precision Applications

For high-accuracy use cases—such as industrial components, automotive floor mats, and large flat work pieces with minimal surface texture—the marker-based alignment mode is strongly recommended. This approach delivers superior registration precision compared to feature-based methods, making it the preferred choice for applications that demand stringent model fidelity.

(3) Point Acquisition Scanning

To ensure complete marker recognition, perform scanning and point acquisition from multiple orientations around the work piece. This includes directly overhead, from the front, back, left, and right sides, as well as at oblique angles (e.g., 45° tilts). A full 360° surrounding scan is advised to capture all markers from diverse perspectives.