Simple Programmable Turntable for 3D Scanning (Photogrammetry)

thingiverse

Just a simple turntable for use in 3d scanning (actually photogrammetry) or anything else that you can think of. This is an easy print and all you need is a stepper motor, three ball bearings, and an Arduino (together for considerably less than USD 10). - <a href="http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/kPzETNLi" target="_blank">Stepper motor 28BYJ-48 (5V 4 Phase) + ULN2003 Driver Board</a> (should be less than USD 2 together) - <a href="http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/5JG8x58G" target="_blank">Arduino</a> (once again less than USD 2 - I have been using the Arduino Nano for most of my projects but you can of course just as well use an Uno) - <a href="http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/ma9yqUpw" target="_blank">Four 608 (ZZ or RS or 2RS) ball bearings</a> (once again < USD 2) Put the stepper in the mount in the center of the case, connect it to the Arduino via driver board, stick the ball bearings on the four axes, stick the feet in, and add the turn table. You are (almost) there. All you need is a few lines of code adapted to your needs (which could be continuous turns, moving stepwise, a stop after every 10 degrees or....). The nice thing about using an Arduino is that it is fully programmable. If you are not familiar with writing code for the Arduino, no problem, just enter "arduino 28BYJ-48" in Google. There are lots of good tutorials (and code you can copy and paste) on the net. For Photogrammetry (i.e. 3D scanning without a laser) all you need is a decent camera (your mobile phone camera will do) and software (I use Meshroom - simple, free, works great). You won't even need a tripod. Have your object turn 360 degrees and take 30-50 pictures. Do this again from a higher viewpoint. Have the object lie flat on its back/front and repeat. Once again, it's simple and there are lots of good tutorials on the net. Hope you like it. Enjoy! ...and as usual, take care when handling electronic equipment and no warranties whatsoever ;-)