The goal is to capture accurate images in as little time as practicable. Often scanning is done in private home, but after a few hours, many people are ready for you to leave (not really understanding the time commitment needed). Thus, I chose scanning early on, which has several advantages.
- The depth of field is good enough so that the edges on lenticular-in-cross-section points will be in focus.
- Many artifacts can be scanned at once (as many as can fit on the scanner platen).
- No scale is need, because the image size is set before scanning. Thus, all scanned artifacts will have the same image size.
- Images can be easily manipulated in image software. Images can also be easily measured in these programs. Length in millimeters (or whatever unit chosen) is automatically calculated by the program.
- Ensuring artifacts are properly aligned is not required, because the images can be rotated as needed in the processing software.
I use an Epson Perfection V600. It is portable and the included software is better than HP scanners I’ve used. The color is often good, but sometimes dark artifacts turn out black and light artifacts, and sometimes light and dark artifacts on the same platen cause contrast problems.
Both sides of an artifact are scanned, and as a matter of convenience, the first scan includes the side of the artifact that lies flat. If an artifact leans, the apparent width will be shorter than the actual width. Leaning artifacts are identified in the notes.
I tried several ways to cover the artifacts (cloth, shoebox, paper or cardboard sheet), but none were ideal. The cover can create shadows that can hide the true edge of the artifacts (Example). I finally settled on an LED light box that is supported by two ¾ inch thick wood slats that are placed at the top and bottom of the platen. I use an ARTOGRAPH LightPad A930, Model 225-930. The light box is placed on the slats and creates enough backlight to eliminate the shadows (Example). I use calipers to measure thickness, if the measurement is needed.