SHINING 3D scanners used to digitize 8-meter RIB hull
SMI3D AS project combines wireless 3D scanning with reverse engineering to bring digital workflows to traditional boatbuilding
Traditional workflows in the boatbuilding sector typically rely on manual measurements and iterative physical adjustments — a process that can reduce efficiency and slow production cycles.
A 3D printing solutions provider in Norway has attempted to innovate the process using wireless 3D scanning technology. Stian Marthinsen, CEO and Founder of SMI3D AS, has initiated a project to create an accurate digital record of an 8-meter Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) hull using metrology.
By capturing precise geometry data and establishing a foundation for integrating CAD modeling and simulation into the boatbuilding process, Marthinsen successfully translated the scans into a large-format marine structure.
Two-scanner workflow captures hull geometry and fine detail
The project used two handheld wireless scanners from SHINING 3D. The EinScan Libre, which offers a field of view of up to 983 × 979 mm, handled broad surface acquisition across the hull. The device’s built-in NVIDIA processor with onboard storage eliminated the need for an external computer during scanning.
Marthinsen also used the EinScan Rigil for finer structural features, where the unit’s geometric resolution of up to 0.05 mm and its seven-parallel laser line mode allowed for hyper-precise capture of elements that were later digitally aligned with the hull.
Together, the two systems captured complete 3D data of the hull — from overall geometry to detailed structural elements — in a single coordinated workflow.
From scan data to CAD model
With the hull digitized, the next phase involved reverse engineering the scan data into a parametric CAD model.
Marthinsen said the project was “showcasing the importance of using the correct 3D scanning equipment” and that the equipment’s “standalone processing power and wireless workflow” allowed the capture of “very high-quality 3D scan data”.
