3D Systems announced an inexpensive personal 3D scanner last week, but they also announced a professional 3D scanning solution, too. The new GeoMagic Capture bundle is a combination of a blue-LED 3D scanner and application-specific software to integrate the scan directly into several high-end 3D modeling solutions, including: SolidWorks, SpaceClaim, Design X, Design Direct,… Continue reading 3D Systems’ New Scanning Solution
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The CADScan Cubik 3D Scanner
We spoke with Dr. Alastair Buchanan, the man behind the Cubik full-color tabletop 3D scanner at the London 2013 3D Printshow. The device is a tabletop unit, meaning you can only scan items that will fit into its scan chamber. It’s also a sealed chamber, meaning that you can operate the scanner in a… Continue reading The CADScan Cubik 3D Scanner
Cubify’s New Handheld Scanner
Cubify announced the “Sense 3D Scanner” in a surprise announcement. The 3D printer manufacturer has thus far produced only 3D printers, making the Sense a completely new product line. It’s a handheld 3D scanner capable of rapidly capturing 3D shapes. We examined the specifications for the device and noted the following: The scan… Continue reading Cubify’s New Handheld Scanner
3D Scanning and Lighting
MakerBot recently issued some tips and instructions on how to best use their new Digitizer 3D scanner, with a focus on lighting. We’ve been fiddling with 3D scanners in the lab and have to agree: lighting is critical. Regardless of the scanner used, be it MakerBot’s, a cheap Kinect or a USD$50K scanner, lighting… Continue reading 3D Scanning and Lighting
Capture 3D Images with your iPhone
There’s a fascinating new iOS app that can capture true 3D images: Seene. The app, available at no charge, requires you to take four still images of a subject from slightly different viewpoints. Typically you’d image from “four corners”, upper left, upper right, lower right and lower left. The app then digests the images… Continue reading Capture 3D Images with your iPhone
3D Scans Obtained By Drones
A new approach to capturing 3D scans of extremely large objects has been pioneered by senseFly, who produce the eBee drone series. They teamed with Drone Adventures, an organization dedicated to demonstrating the power of drones, to capture a detailed scan of the Matterhorn, Europe’s tallest mountain. A team scaled the mountain and… Continue reading 3D Scans Obtained By Drones
Laser Slicing Technique Scans Microscopic Objects
A new process for scanning microscopic objects has been developed at Penn State. The process involves a nanosecond-pulse laser that slices microscopic objects. You can see the results above in a 3D model obtained from a maize root. This is a destructive process, as the scanned object is placed on a moving platform,… Continue reading Laser Slicing Technique Scans Microscopic Objects
Matterform Sales Open
Matterform’s fundraising campaign closed this spring achieving a total of “only” six times their target, but until now that was the only way to order one of their attractive tabletop 3D scanners. We received word from Co-Founder Adam Brandejs that their website now accepts pre-orders. We were also informed that the latest version of… Continue reading Matterform Sales Open
The Structure Sensor
The folks who developed Skanect, one of the best software solutions for 3D scanning with your Microsoft Kinect, have launched a new scanning venture: the Structure Sensor. Occipital, the company behind the sensor, bills it as “the world’s first 3D sensor for mobile devices.” The device attaches to iOS devices via the Lightning connector,… Continue reading The Structure Sensor
Captured Dimensions Captures Your Dimensions
A new, sophisticated and highly specialized 3D print service has launched: Captured Dimensions. This 3D print service focuses on producing full-color 3D figurines based on human and similar subjects. The crown jewel of Captured Dimensions is this incredible 3D scanning setup, involving dozens of high-res cameras. The subject merely sits in the center of… Continue reading Captured Dimensions Captures Your Dimensions
Expect Superior 3D Depth Cameras in 2014
NetworkWorld reports that Intel is actively developing a “depth sensing camera”, which will be capable of detecting “movement, track emotion, and even monitor reading habits of children.” We already have inexpensive depth cameras available such as the common living room Microsoft Kinects found everywhere. But while the Kinect was revolutionary in its time, its… Continue reading Expect Superior 3D Depth Cameras in 2014
Radiant Fabrication’s Lionhead and Li
It could be trend: all-in-one 3D printer/scanner devices seem to pop up daily this week. We’re looking at Radiant Fabrication’s Lionhead device, which boasts 3D printing and scanning functionality. Radiant Fabrication’s strategy seems to be simplification. They believe more sales are possible if machine use is easy for use by general consumers, embodied by… Continue reading Radiant Fabrication’s Lionhead and Li
Four MakerBot Digitizer Implications
We’re certain most of you have heard of MakerBot’s latest device: The Digitizer. It’s a relatively inexpensive 3D scanner designed for prosumer use. As the first 3D scanner that could hit a mass audience, we pondered what it might mean. What happens when large numbers of people own a 3D scanner. Here’s our predictions: … Continue reading Four MakerBot Digitizer Implications
The MakerBot Digitizer: Now Available
As expected, MakerBot released their newest product today: the MakerBot Digitizer. It’s an inexpensive turntable-based 3D scanner directed at consumers and professionals. MakerBot has taken steps to simplify the process of using the scanner itself. You simply drop an object on the turntable and start the process. The turntable rotates slowly, exposing the object… Continue reading The MakerBot Digitizer: Now Available
Fuel3D’s Harker Offering
We wrote recently on Fuel3D’s new 3D scanner, just launched on Kickstarter. While the project has been quite successful, gaining more than three times their goal of USD$75,000, they’ve created even more reason to buy one of their devices: Fuel3D has teamed with noted 3D print artist Joshua Harker, who has produced a unique design… Continue reading Fuel3D’s Harker Offering
MakerBot’s Digitizer Nearing Release
Evidently MakerBot blasted out emails to their mailing list indicating that their new Digitizer personal 3D scanner will be on sale next week. This is a bit of a milestone for MakerBot, who now will branch out into a second type of complex product, beyond their 3D printers. Yes, they’ve sold parts, filament and… Continue reading MakerBot’s Digitizer Nearing Release
Interview with a Volumental
After the launch of Volumental, a cloud-based 3D scanning service, we had questions. Questions about how the service can and will be used, and where it’s headed in the future. We spoke with Ernest Ang, Business & Marketing at Volumental. Fabbaloo: What is a depth camera and how do you get one? Which specific… Continue reading Interview with a Volumental
Fuel3D: An Inexpensive 3D Scanner
There seems to be many developments in 3D scanning recently, including the unexpected announcement of a new, very inexpensive handheld 3D scanner from Fuel3D. The new scanner uses a combination of geometric and photometric sensing to produce a highly accurate (up to 0.25mm resolution) 3D model in either STL or (color textured) PLY formats. … Continue reading Fuel3D: An Inexpensive 3D Scanner
Volumental’s Cloud-Based Scanning Service
Any 3D printer owner will soon realize they need more than just 3D models you can find or even buy. You need to scan stuff you own. You need to replicate. The trouble is, 3D scanning is difficult. You’re either spending tens of thousands of dollars on pricey equipment, software and training, or settling… Continue reading Volumental’s Cloud-Based Scanning Service
The Coney Island Scan-A-Rama
If the title of this project, the Coney Island Scan-A-Rama, sounds suspicious, consider that the person behind it is called “The Great Fredini”. In reality, Scan-A-Rama is a project by Brooklyn-based Fred Kahl, who hopes to build an inexpensive 3D Scanning Portrait Studio in, where else, Coney Island. We’ve seen several experiments in… Continue reading The Coney Island Scan-A-Rama
Occipital Releases Skanect for OS X
One of the best personal 3D scanning systems just got a little better. Skanect, a software package designed to work with an inexpensive Microsoft Kinect sensor, is now available for OS X platforms. Previously, the software worked only on Windows. Skanect is an all-in-one solution for inexpensive casual 3D scanning. Using Skanect and a… Continue reading Occipital Releases Skanect for OS X
3D Model Captured With Google Glass
Google Glass is a set of glasses that include processing, networking and sensory elements. It’s an experimental platform upon which developers many now invent new kinds of applications. One such experiment is Todd Blatt’s 3D scanning project. The glasses themselves do not have the processing capability to generate a 3D model, nor do the… Continue reading 3D Model Captured With Google Glass
Skanect Under New Management
Skanect is now part of Occipital, Inc., according to an announcement by Skanect. Skanect produces one of the most powerful systems for capturing casual 3D scans with a Microsoft Kinect. Occipital produces 360 degrees panoramas and related computer vision products, so acquiring Skanect seems like a logical extension of their existing business. The… Continue reading Skanect Under New Management
Long Range 3D Scanning Demonstrated
3D scanning is a tricky business. Whether you’re using a USD$50,000 unit or a USD$100 Microsoft Kinect, none will meet all possible scanning requirements. You might require super-fine detail of a small object, or perhaps you’re scanning a building, or simply just grabbing a scan of your girlfriend’s face for a quick 3D print. … Continue reading Long Range 3D Scanning Demonstrated
The Photon 3D Scanner
Tired of designing your own 3D CAD models? Worn out from endless searching 3D repositories for that specific 3D design? If so, why not scan your own physical objects and replicate them? Usually you can’t because 3D scanning is frequently an expensive proposition. But that could change with the introduction of the Photon 3D… Continue reading The Photon 3D Scanner
3D Captured Tattoos
We’re looking at an unusual 3D scanning project on Kickstarter: the “3d tattoo body art scanner” by UK artist Lee Wagstaff. Wagstaff is notable as he was the first person to use his own body art as presentation material during his Master’s degree defense. Having such an incredible array of intricate tattoos poses a… Continue reading 3D Captured Tattoos
The MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner
MakerBot announced, but did not release, a personal 3D scanner at SXSW yesterday that could dramatically change how personal 3D printers are used and accepted by the general public. Perhaps the biggest problem facing home 3D printer owners today is finding the right 3D models to print. Unless one is a designer equipped with… Continue reading The MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner
3D Systems Teams with Creaform
If you’re considering a portable 3D scanner such as Creaform’s new Go!SCAN, you might want to consider the software you need to use the captured scans. Scans are not useful unless you can edit, trace, repair and convert them. Creaform has solved this problem by teaming with 3D Systems, who now provide a “simple… Continue reading 3D Systems Teams with Creaform
Point And Shoot 3D Scanning
The folks at Lynx Lab have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the initial units of their “Lynx A Camera”. It’s designed to be a point and shoot 3D camera, capable of capturing 3D shapes as well as motion. The Lynx A tries to put all the elements of 3D scanning in… Continue reading Point And Shoot 3D Scanning
Questions About Skanect
Manctl’s new version of Skanect should permit easy 3D scanning by anyone with a Microsoft Kinect and a computer. However, we wondered about several aspects. We asked Manctl’s Nicolas Burrus a few questions about the new version. Fabbaloo: The new release seems to be Windows only. Any hope of a Mac or Linux version… Continue reading Questions About Skanect
A New Version of Skanect
Readers may recall Skanect, a software tool that uses an inexpensive Microsoft Kinect to produce 3D scans of room-sized areas. Now creator Manctl has released a new version of Skanect that’s much more powerful. The new version is capable of taking 3D scans of objects instead of rooms. They’ve re-engineered the program to include… Continue reading A New Version of Skanect
The iScan 3D App
A new app promises to enable generation of instant 3D models right from your iPhone. iScan3D by Digiteyezer works using a combination of images and a cloud service. Here’s how it works: your subject remains still while you move about taking between 5 and 30 images. Presumably it would help if there wasn’t much… Continue reading The iScan 3D App
The DAVID Structured Light Scanner
One of the more popular and accessible (read: inexpensive) 3D scanning solutions has been the DAVID Laser Scanner, which has been available for some years. Now we see a new type of scanner from German DAVID Vision Systems, the Structured Light Scanner. We spoke with Eric Wilson of CreateItForMe, a growing reseller of this… Continue reading The DAVID Structured Light Scanner
Don’t Bite the 3D Scanner!
We’re always seeking new ways to create or capture 3D models and now we’d like to tell you about an unusual form of 3D scanner: the Intra Oral Scanner. The iOC Scanner, made by Cadent (now part of Align), is a 3D scanner that you place in your mouth to produce highly detailed scans of… Continue reading Don’t Bite the 3D Scanner!
ReconstructMe Makes 3D Capture Easy
A new project by PROFACTOR GmbH attempts to vastly simplify 3D scanning. ReconstructMe is software that uses a Microsoft Kinect 3D sensor to capture highly detailed 3D models of nearby objects. But wait, you say, that’s been done before. Well, kinda. All of the Kinect 3D capture software we’ve seen so far simply takes… Continue reading ReconstructMe Makes 3D Capture Easy
Scan The World With MatterPort
DAVID Laser Scanner Updated
The inexpensive DAVID Laser Scanner has been updated to version 3.0 with some interesting improvements. This device can be used to capture complete digital 3D models of physical objects – which you can then print, of course. For some time the scanner has supported laser scanning, but now version 3.0 adds the ability to… Continue reading DAVID Laser Scanner Updated
The Spinscan
Thingiverse user tbuser has been working on an open source version of a 3D scanning turntable, complete with cross-platform software. While 3D printer owners are amazed at their ability to produce things, it gets a bit more tricky to create models. Scanning is obviously a great way to get great models for printing – or… Continue reading The Spinscan
Trimensional Upgrades, But Not Enough
This January we wrote about an amazing new USD$0.99 iPhone app that apparently was able to produce 3D models simply by taking a few snaps and applying image analysis. At that time the app could produce a 3D image, but not export models suitable for printing. That’s now changed as Trimensional now offers in-app… Continue reading Trimensional Upgrades, But Not Enough
The Ultimate Scanner?
University of Southampton researchers have a new tool available: a high-energy 3D scanner. The design of this scanner is fascinating: it’s actually five different scanners in one, each capable of handling different resolution levels. When combined in this integrated system, the scanner is capable of scanning down to an astonishing 200 nanometers. All this within… Continue reading The Ultimate Scanner?
Amazing iPhone 3D Scanner
Shapeways has uncovered a really intriguing iOS app: Trimensional. This simple app uses a four-way flash to roughly capture the shape of a face or other object held motionless as far as 20cm away from the front-facing camera. Since the front camera is used by the app, it’s only available for iPhone 4’s and the… Continue reading Amazing iPhone 3D Scanner
Capture That Onion!
Last year artist David Bowen produced a fantastic kinetic artwork entitled “growth modeling device” in which a live onion plant is 3D scanned once every 24 hours, and then that scan is 3D printed. Amazingly, the 3D prints are then shuffled along a conveyor belt so you can see (and touch) the various stages of… Continue reading Capture That Onion!
The MetraSCAN 3D Scanner
Creaform just announced a brand new ultra-high-end handheld 3D scanner, the MetraSCAN. This totally amazing 2Kg device can scan 3D objects up to 10m in size to an astounding resolution of only 0.05mm, at a rate of 36,000 measurements per second! One of the key advantages of this device is that it’s completely handheld,… Continue reading The MetraSCAN 3D Scanner
Sophisticated 3D Scanning Advances
Creaform, makers of the Handyscan line of 3D scanning devices recently released new software to drive their highly capable devices that increases their capability. While these scanners are typically out of the price range of hobbyists, they are very useful in a variety of commercial situations. The new software (VXElements) provides some pretty amazing capabilities,… Continue reading Sophisticated 3D Scanning Advances
Capture Your Body – Or Someone Else’s!
You’ve probably heard of hand-held 3D scanners before, but CreaForm produces units specifically designed for “body capture”. No, they’re not ensnaring people in nets, but rather they take a 3D digital picture in the form of a 3D model. (Actually any of these formats: .OBJ, .FBX, .DXF, .STL, .VRML, .LWO, .MAYA, .HRC, .3DS). The awkwardly… Continue reading Capture Your Body – Or Someone Else’s!
Creaform Gets Certified
Handheld 3D laser scanner manufacturer Creaform has just achieved an interesting milestone: they’ve been certified by the Chinese National Institute of Metrology after extensive testing at NIM’s Beijing facility. What? You’ve never heard of NIM? Here’s what they are about: Founded in 1955, the National Institute of Metrology (NIM) is China’s national metrological institute… Continue reading Creaform Gets Certified
Scanning Submarines
When you’re capturing a 3D scan of an object, you are typically limited by the size of the scanner, if the scanner requires you to put the scanned object inside it. But there’s also hand-held scanners that can overcome even that limitation. But how big an object can you scan? Creaform is going to… Continue reading Scanning Submarines
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. … Continue reading 3Shape Focuses on Dentistry
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… Continue reading Laser Scanning Sale!
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… Continue reading The Apple Tree and The Apple Picker
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,… Continue reading DAVID-laserscanner … in a Box!
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… Continue reading Creaform UNIversal Laser Scanner
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… Continue reading The LEGO 3D Scanner
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… Continue reading ZScanner
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… Continue reading 360-3D Scanner
World’s First Consumer 3D Camera – And it Prints, Too!
Before you get too excited, it’s not what Fabbaloo readers might expect or want. Yes, the camera, pictured above, will indeed take 3D pictures as it clearly includes stereoscopic capability. And it (or an associated printer) will produce “3D Prints”. But they are actually 2D prints that merely look 3D, like holograms. According to the… Continue reading World’s First Consumer 3D Camera – And it Prints, Too!
David Scans in 3D for Free!
Well, almost. The David 3D Laserscanner software can do some of the job using equipment you probably have lying around your shop. You need a handheld laser, a calibration backdrop, a good webcam and the David-Laserscanner software running on a Windows PC. Yes, we did say “handheld laser”. The system requires your hand and arm… Continue reading David Scans in 3D for Free!
Advances in 3D Imaging
New tech created by researchers from The Johns Hopkins University and Ben-Gurion University in Israel may greatly simplify 3D imaging of real objects. The FINCH technology (standing for Fresnel INcoherent Correlation Holography) uses a specialized arrangement of filters, lights and cameras to capture 3D information without having to scan individual planes of an object. While… Continue reading Advances in 3D Imaging
Capture That Design!
Yet another way to obtain a 3D design for your 3D printer: handheld 3D laser scanners! Creaform’s 2.1 pound Handyscan 3D laser scanner can capture a design from actual 3D objects. Features: Accurate, fast and easy to use 3D digitizing scanner Plug-&-Play system Self-positioned without measurement arm Single connection through FireWire port High-definition camera… Continue reading Capture That Design!
3D Scanner from NextEngine
We’ve discussed the idea of having large libraries of 3D models in the future, so that we can quickly print out any required object. But where exactly do these models come from? There are only two possibilities: Design it yourself. Obviously difficult, especially if you don’t have specialized training and a whole lot of… Continue reading 3D Scanner from NextEngine