3D scanner

[uplus2user]

Hi, I am considering to buy a 3D scanner. One of the uses is to scan human body parts. Any good recommendation?

[Numonic]

Hi UpPlus User,
How much detail do you want on the humans? You can use a simpler and cheaper method using Xbox sensor, or go a little more and use use the 3D systems scanner. Personally I think there in the same category as the xbox scanner I've tried them both. Or you can use the Next Engine scanner this one is a bit pricer but yields far superior scans then the previously mentioned. You can also scan smaller objects as the first two do not do a great job at all.

If you have the funds your better off getting something more pro. Hope this helps.

http://cubify.com/en/Products/Sense

[FallGuy]

Numonic is exactly right. The cost is going to come down to how precise (and how big) your scans will need to be. We use a Next Engine scanner in our office. It ran about $2600 when we got it and if I set it to do several scans and stitch them together, I get it to pick up resolutions around 0.001-in. in scans. In one initial trial scan, it was able to pick up the height difference of letters painted onto a coffee mug. But the actual useful scan volume for this unit is only about the size of a shoe box. You can scan some slightly larger objects, but at the cost of speed and resolution. We also went with the Rapidworks reverse engineering software which allows you to take the scan data, and convert it to a true Solidworks model that is fully editable. The rapidworks add-on was another $2500.

You say you want to scan body parts, you may be able to use a DIY type scanner based on the Xbox Kinect scanner. I use one of these at home for some of my own projects, and for larger items. I use the Skanect software to do it:

http://skanect.occipital.com/

But it looks like this has changed a bit since it first came out and I downloaded it. It looks like it will now only export models with a max poly count of 5000 with the free version. It use to be unlimited. But this still might be able to work for you even with that limitation. When I used this, if I took my time, it seemed like the minimum resolution was about 0.125-in. And there probably still are other open source freeware software options you could find that would use a Kinect sensor.

And just recently, I did go ahead and get in on a Kickstarter scanner project for home.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/15 ... ild-yourse

Looking at his resolution numbers and some of his sample scans, this should really do well enough for just small scan projects at home. For the cost, if I get consistent scans similar to what he got with his threaded bolt and nut example scan, then I would be happy. And obviously, being able to print parts for the scanner also appealed to me! If everything goes well, then I should get mine sometime in late April. Since it is open source, you might be able to modify something like this to suit your needs.

Good luck with your search.

[uplus2user]

Thanks. To provide more details... In one project, I want to get the curve-shape of the human body parts. It is a bit difficult for me to draw it in 3D software. In another project, I want to scan smaller objects perhaps also reflexive ones such as metallic objects. As you know, sometimes it is difficult to buy small parts. It may be more convenience to use 3D printer to reproduce the parts.

I plan to merge the scanned shape into another object in software (perhaps 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks?) Here is one sample application of the project: Scan the arm of somebody and use the scanned 3D model as the cast/body cover of a prosthetic arm.

Given the above, which product can do the job well?

[uplus2user]

Thanks. In one project, I want to scan a human curved body part (e.g. a leg) and use it as a body cover for a prosthetic leg. I think it is difficult to draw such curved surfaces in 3D software. So, one side of the 3D printed surface contains the scanned body part and the other side of the surface contains mounting holes to mount to the prosthetic leg. Any good way and equipment to do it? In another application, I want to scan small parts (including metallic parts if possible) and use 3D printer to reproduce the same parts or use 3D software to modify the parts and print them.

[Numonic]

upplus2user,
My money would be on the NextEngine Scanner, I would also use Rhino and T-Splines to get those nice soft curvy features. But you're going to keep busy doing all those things mentioned in this project. There will be alot of trial and error but keep and it and you'll finish the project. If you can post some pictures up of your progress it's an interesting project and 3D printing lends itself to this sort of thing greatly!

Best

[uplus2user]

upplus2user,
My money would be on the NextEngine Scanner, I would also use Rhino and T-Splines to get those nice soft curvy features. But you're going to keep busy doing all those things mentioned in this project. There will be alot of trial and error but keep and it and you'll finish the project. If you can post some pictures up of your progress it's an interesting project and 3D printing lends itself to this sort of thing greatly!

Best

Numonic, giving the time I am going to spend on trial and error, is it better to create the 3D surfaces on 3D software using the mouse or pen tablet?

[Numonic]

It all depends on what style you like to work on and your preference. For sculpting software it would be better to work with the pen. But for software like T-Splines I've never used a pen and tablet I use the mouse. When I use Zbrush or Mudbox I use the pen, but if you are fortunate to own a Phantom Pen with Freeform software you'll be able to feel the clay and resistance on each area. That is a really great way to model and feel out the contours of your 3D model. To to take as much measurements in real life as possible as that will help you greatly on your pursuit for getting all those parts to fit.

Even with all that and we can't forsee every detail and we are all bound to mistakes heck this is prototyping, this is the time to screw up and figure it out and then produce
a clean and refined product once all that is said and done. Remember have fun in the process that's why we all do this stuff .

Looking forward to the results keep me posted.

Best

Numonic

[car3less]

Did anyone use Structure Sensor from Occipital?

[mikethetiger]

No, but i tried kinect V2 and Intel RealSence, woth artec studio. Not sure it can be used with occipital's sensor, you may ask there https://www.artec3d.com/support

[smith59]

Numonic, giving the time I am going to spend on trial and error, is it better to create the 3D surfaces on 3D software using the mouse or pen tablet??

[eloyoliver2]

If you want to purchase 3D printers, you may visit http://3dinsider.com/3d-printers-for-sale/. Here you can find all best model at affordable price.

[seorm10]

In one initial trial scan, it was able to pick up the height difference of letters painted onto a coffee mug. But the actual useful scan volume for this unit is only about the size of a shoe box. You can scan some slightly larger objects, but at the cost of speed and resolution. We also went with the Rapidworks reverse engineering software which allows you to take the scan data, and convert it to a true Solidworks model that is fully editable. The rapidworks add-on was another $2500.

I totally agree with this point.

[steve3dprinters]

You can get an Cowtech "Ready to Scan" Ciclop 3D Scanner Kit from 3D Printers Bay and use it for any kind of 3D scanning job you come across.

[patil321]

Great information

[ellajonshon87]

Recently I bought a 3D printer but when I tried to use my 3D scanner it shows an error dell error code 2000-0333, I really have no idea how to remove thios error so I want a solution how to remove this error as soon as possible.

[OwenSparks]

Spam alert.