Best products from r/3DScanning

In that case, I would skip using graph paper and if you don't already own one, buy a cutting mat like this

I know it's not the answer you wanted to hear. We would all love to have a 3D scanner that outputs CAD data seamlessly that doesn't cost $100,000 but they just don't exist yet. The technology is getting better, but it's just not an inexpensive one-click solution yet.

If you want to play around with 3D scans, check out /r/Photogrammetry
With photogrammetry you can use your cell phone camera to feed pictures into free or commercial software to create 3D point clouds. The point clouds are then connected and converted to meshes which are then processed into solid models.

If you're still a student, ask around. Many universities have laser scanners that could quickly create a 3D model like you're describing. Good luck and let us know if you find a satisfactory solution!

A little late to the topic, but this info may be useful to somebody :)

Tripod:

The surveyors at my work are using a Neewer carbon fiber tripod and Amazon Basics carbon fiber monopod with the BLK360s.

The price on the monopod swings a lot, so make sure to look up the trend to see if you are paying a good price for it.

The kits came with the Leica tripod but it is too short for our needs. We are able to use the quick connect section of the Leica tripod as it has a 3/8 thread in the bottom of it if you remove the plastic cap from the end of the tube. The Amazon Basics monopod's smallest section (foot end) just fits in the tube and we have 3d printed shims to stabilize the tube opening since the 3/8 to 3/8 connection is happening up at the quick connect.

Leveling and Software:

We are no longer using Autodesk ReCap to register scans. We are using Cyclone Field 360 for field registration as it gives us much more control (we can verify and fix leveling issues in the Field 360 app, runs on iOS or Android) and seems to be more reliable all-around, and Cyclone Register 360 to finalize registration and export to e57. You get 5 entitlements of Field 360 with 1 Register 360 license.

If you look into getting Cyclone Register 360, make sure to read up on export formats since you don't get them all unless you pay for a "Publisher Pro" license.

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Hope this info helps somebody ;)

p.s. - Here is an STL for the shims. had to do a little light sanding to get a perfect fit but they worked pretty well right off of the printer :D

A lot of 3D scanning is finding the right lighting conditions, the space to move around the subject, and how good is the software. There is probably a next generation coming but the 3D Sense from 3D Systems is a repackaged Realsense with their 3D Sense software. It helps that it has a forward diffuse lighting built-in. The Realsense short-throw has about 3mm resolution. It's a good starter to learn all the ins and outs, get output that isn't totally frustrating. The best thing is have a Windows Surface or touch screen laptop in a harness and walk around the subject with the scanner in one hand. The motion can't be too fast or track will be lost and it can't be too slow because the software will use up all the memory. Not too much of a risk for a learning experience and get useful working material. 3D Sense has some nice finish-up editing.

On Amazon

Ah, got it, thanks! Any thoughts on whether [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Inno3D-Geforce-graphics-express-profile/dp/B0062CWKCQ/ref=sr_1_18?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1415306064&sr=1-18&keywords=gtx) would be worthwhile? I don't mind spending more money on one; the restriction that I'm looking at right now is that the box I have for one requires a low profile card.

That may mean that I need to just get a different computer entirely, but if I can go the faster way with just a card, that'd be ideal.

Also, is there anything I should be looking at in specs for the card, aside from the amount of memory?

Thanks!

I would buy an alignate mold and cast kit (non-toxic, non-irritating, quick setting 3 or 4 minutes). After you have your cast, you can scan it in high detail on a turntable. Congrats and good luck!

EDIT: A kit like this is good:
https://www.amazon.com/Luna-Deluxe-Prints-Casting-Pearl/dp/B003MU2FNK

Thanks for your reply! That actually makes a lot of sense now that I think of it. I wen't ahead and bought a 24mp DSLR so I'm looking forward to that.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017AG18O8
I'll keep this updated as soon as I get everything :)
Thanks Again!

I would reach out to the folks at e-nable they should have lots of info on how to best accomplish the scanning/modelling process.

For the ergonomic handles and such, I would try a low temp thermoplastic like InstaMorph / ShapeLock

The long list but you list even a toy Makerbot Digitizer


I ask about real competitors but not about fake :-/


Do you have real experience with Einscan-SP $ 2500? Can you please show a few scans made by you.

It depends on the precision you need to get and if this is a one off or will be something you do quite a bit. Either way, no matter what scanner you decide to use (well, excluding things like CT scanning) you will need to do some surficial prep to get the good results. I like using this stuff. Also, you will find that the bolt holes themselves won't scan well with structured light or laser scanners and you will need to spend some time manually adding them back in after your scan is complete.

I process models like this in two chunks. One with the object right side up and the other with the model flipped 180 degrees to be upside down. I usually use grey rubber kneaded eraser to prop up objects and keep them still. It grips well, but doesn't really leave a residue. I then merge these two point clouds in PhotoScan and use the combined point cloud to build my mesh.

Mix roughly 60% baby powder to 40% isopropyl alcohol in a big spray bottle. The alcohol will evaporate leaving the baby powder coating.
Wash off with water after scanning.
Otherwise you can use an off the shelf spray like this.

I went for the PCI card option...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0037AQMJS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It arrives tomorrow so I let you know if it works. Hooking up to an ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming.....

That link was the only info I could find.

Here is the mobile version of your link