Simple 3D Scanner

thingiverse

Really simple and basic 3D scanner using 123D catch. 123D catch (http://www.123dapp.com/catch) in theory is brilliant but getting good input is really tricky, especially for smaller items. This scanner address the issues with 123d Catch by providing: 20 images per plane by indexing rotation equal angles of rotation between photos base image that aids reconstruction uniform lighting using a sheet of paper to diffuse the light You will need to clean up the model in netfabb and/or meshlab before printing but this is straight forward. Print Settings Printer Brand: Printrbot Printer: Simple Black Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.2 Infill: 25% Notes: More infill will make the scanner more rigid but screwing down on a wood base like I have gets around this. Post-Printing Requirements/Instructions Additional parts: 2 x Bearings 6mm ID 12mm OD 4mm deep 1 x elastic band approx 9-10cm 5mm wide 1 sheet paper approx 3cm length of 1.75mm filament Phone with 123D catch app (optional wood base) Assemble as per the photos and cut the filament so that it is indexing in the grooves of the knob, it should make a nice precise 'click' alter the length if it doesn't. Fold the sheet of paper in half to make it more rigid and use the wedges to secure in place. Print the base plate design and stick on to the turntable. Make sure anything you scan is lightly stuck down to stop it moving as it rotates. Use a lamp high above the scanner to ensure cloud lighting (I use an LED lamp) You can use an optional torch or light from the bottom of the model to remove lower shadows. I use a cheap LED torch. Using the 123D app take 3 sets of photos, set 1 low down, set 2 at the middle, and set 3 from above (see photos). The phone rest can help take steady photos but this is optional and if you have a steady hand good results can be made. For each set take 20 photos by rotating the turntable for each shot, ensuring the filament clicks into place on the knob for each rotation. You will still need a bit of trial and error to get the best angles and lighting but the results are good. The attached king character is part of a chess I made by hand about 25 years ago (The original on the left and the scanned and printed copy on the right). I scanned it on the scanner using an iPhone 6 and the results are brilliant, the piece is only 3 centimeters tall.. (Watch out for the whole chess which I will upload when printed)