3Shape Focuses on Dentistry

The most popular software these days is that designed with the user in mind, where all aspects of the software are focused on delivering the function required by the user. When people see such software, they immediately resonate with it and are more likely to use it. There are countless examples of this effect. 

 

But has this approach been properly used in 3D printing yet? Quite often we see hardware of a very general nature, leaving the function completely up to the users themselves. Similarly, we often see 3D print service bureaus offering very generic services - which are indeed useful for many people, but won't deeply attract specific markets. 

 

One successful 3D example of this approach is 3Shape, a company dedicated to producing advanced 3D dental equipment. Their main 3D product is the D700 3D scanner, a device specifically designed for dental scanning. The form, fit and associated software make it very easy for their users and it's made them successful. 

 

We're wondering whether it makes sense to produce 3D printers with more focus on particular types of printing, instead of the generic 3D printers of today. Yes, there are printers dedicated to specific materials, such as metal, but what about customer usage? Would there be a difference between a 3D printer optimized for figurine makers versus one optimized for medical use? We think so. Do the manufacturers? 

 

Via 3Shape

Laser Scanning Sale!

Laser Design has a special offer on for those requiring a full-scale commercial 3D scanner: 30% discount. This is a substantial amount, given the normal prices for such equipment. 

 

The device in question is the Surveyor WS-Series system:

 

Surveyor WS-Series scans parts from all orientations, then easily rotates the data back into a common coordinate system. A 4th axis scientific-grade rotary stage and Renishaw PH10 motorized indexing head options are available so that the scanning process can be fully automated.

 

Operators can quickly and easily scan free form surfaces and parts of all sizes, especially those with complex geometry. Typical parts include plastic and rubber components, EDM electrodes, extrusions, molds, dies, and castings.

 

The WS-Series includes six models of varying scan size. The smallest model, the WS-2030, can measure XYZ up to 0.5m x 0.7m x 0.5m. The largest device, the WS-4080, can measure XYZ up to 1.0m x 2.0m x 0.7m, with four other models in-between. 

 

Via LaserDesign

The Apple Tree and The Apple Picker

We're amazed at the results of an experimental 3D scan undertaken as part of Creaform's Annual 3D Scanning Contest: The Apple Tree and The Apple Picker.

The scan attempted a rather difficult subject, that being a live human in the act of picking apples from a real tree. As you can see in the image above, the scan had to deal with very significant detail, hidden areas and even motion. The project split the work into two parts: the picker and the tree itself, which were to be linked together later.

Using Creaform's handheld Handyscan 3D Laser Scanner, the tree's trunk and primary branches were scanned onsite in an orchard initially, while smaller branches and leaves were scanned and added in later.

Of more complexity was scanning the picker, which evidently took place over several scan sessions. 3D Targets were affixed to the patient model, whose action position was scanned using the targets. Once the model's position was captured, body segments were scanned separately in much more detail. Finally, the pieces were assembled in software to produce the human model seen above.

It wasn't quite as simple as just that. There was the matter of creating a watertight 3D model from the data, and even worse:

The main challenge was the complexity of the object to scan. The shapes were very “organic” and hardly compatible with the conventional data treatment process.

Eventually the data was successfully integrated, enabling creation of both video and images. One of the major enablers of this project was the handheld scanner, which could easily move about in the shoot locations.

We're fascinated with this project, because it hints at a future where 3D photographic models might be captured. No, this isn't quite like that, as it was truly a significant effort to create this scene. But the scene itself roughly appears to be a live 3D photograph. We're reminded of the primitive 2D photographs of the mid-19th century. What comes next?

Via Proto3000 (PDF)

DAVID-laserscanner … in a Box!

We wrote about the free DAVID scanner software quite a while ago, and while it was inexpensive, it was mostly software and lots of instructions for how to set up your scanning platform and buying the appropriate cameras and lasers.

Now that's changed - A1 Technologies, the folks behind the very inexpensive RapMan 3D printer, have put together a "Starter-Kit" that includes all the bits you'd need to get scanning right away. The best part: it's only £ 320.00 (USD$520ish). What do you get in the kit?

• high-resolution 2-megapixel webcam (1600 x 1200) with autofocus
• stand for webcam
• red line laser module (650 nm, Class 1 laser) with adjustable focus, including battery
• calibration panels (for three different object sizes)
• base plate for mounting the calibration panels
• DAVID Laserscanner Professional Edition software on a USB Flash Drive
• User manual

Here's how it works:

To obtain the required data users simply hold the laser in their hand and sweep the laser line over the object to be scanned.  The DAVID-laserscanner will immediately generate a 3D model in your PC, capturing even fine surface details of less than 0.2 mm. Simply scan all sides of the object separately, including the top and bottom. With DAVID-Shapefusion it is possible to merge multiple scans that were made from different sensor directions in order to get a complete, textured 360˚ model.

And yes, it's Windows only, and is certified safe for use in classrooms, offices or your kitchen, we suppose, too. Regardless of source, you can scan and produce reasonable 3D scans in OBJ, .STL or PLY formats.

Via A1 Technologies (Hat tip to Rachel)

Creaform UNIversal Laser Scanner

Creaform have just released a new entry-level version of their 3D hand scanner: the UNIScan. Their well-known hand-held scanner has been around a while, but this version is substantially less expensive (USD$28,900, approximately 30% less expensive than their current low price model, the REVScan) and provides good value.

Specifications:

• Weight: 980 grams (2.1 lbs)
• Dimensions: 160 x 260 x 210 mm (6.25 x 10.2 x 8.2 in)
• Measurements: 18,000 measures/s
• Laser class: II (eye safe)
• Resolution in Z axis: 0.1 mm (0.004 in)
• Accuracy: Up to 80 μm (0.003 in)
• ISO: 50 μm + 250 μm/m
• Depth of field: 30 cm (12 in)
• Output format: .dae, .fbx, .ma, .obj, .ply, .stl, .txt, .wrl, .x3d, .x3dz, .zpr

For many applications, handheld scanning may be the only possibility, and Creaform has been successfully producing this style of scanner for quite some time.

Did we say it's available right now?

Via Creaform (Hat tip to Karl)

The LEGO 3D Scanner

 

Philippe "Philo"Hurbain is a master LEGO hacker. How do we know? He's built something truly amazing out of LEGO to solve a 3D problem. He normally posts tips and tricks for using LEGO Mindstorms® NXT®, showing folks how to build all manner of things.

One problem, though: while many LEGO projects involve relatively straightforward duplication of life-size objects such as buildings or machines, what happens when the object you'd like to LEGO-ize is highly irregularly shaped? This can happen often if your subjects are biological, as those DNA-ridden creatures don't often have straight edges.

Philo's solution was to build himself a 3D Scanner to digitally capture the 3D model of those difficult subjects. Of course, he built it out of LEGO.

He realized that:

The solution came with 2008 LEGO Technic sets that include a new part, the linear actuator. These nifty device convert the rotation movement of a motor into a linear movement. Coupled with the high resolution of NXT encoder, I had all the elements to build a 3D scanner, precise enough for my purpose.

The result is the scanner pictured above. It's very slow, as you'll see in his video, but regardless it's pure coolness. Well done, Philippe!

Via MAKE and PhiloHome

ZScanner

 

ZCorp, the makers of that very popular line of 3D Printers, does more than just that - they also make 3D scanners. While the ZScanners are not exactly newly announced, we still think they're worthy of discussion. It fascinates us how one could wander through the real world with a handheld device (and laptop trailing behind on a Firewire cable) and capture a highly accurate digital model of whatever, simply by waving the scanner correctly.

We believe ZCorp's interest in scanners is predictable - more elderly readers may recall the early days of Microsoft Windows, where Microsoft, a software company, deemed it necessary to build and market a computer mouse in order to stimulate interest in their mouse-oriented software. The same thing is happening here.

But it's way cooler!

Via ZCorp

360-3D Scanner

 

At the recent CES in Las Vegas Real-View 3-D unveiled a new 3D scanner. According to a report on Wired's Gadget Lab, the device is supposedly quite affordable. While information on Real-View's website is rather scarce, the design of the scanner seems to be quite economical:

• Simple spinning platter to hold scanned objects
• Stereo cams recording the object's image as it is spun around
• Fancy software to interpret the stereo images and melt them into a 3D model (not shown in picture)
• Minimalistic design seems to include only the necessary elements to accomplish the above. No fancy chambers, lighting, etc.

The Wired article goes on at length about various uses for the scanner, all of which we are suspicious of. However, as a cheap 3D scanner to enable your 3D printing dreams, it may be the right device.

Via Wired and Real-View 3D