Morris Vanegas

3D scanning an astronaut monkey and myself, an astronaut monkey. 3D printing a lunar roving vehicle.

3D Scanning

Sense

Sense is a portable 3D scanner that outputs what is being scanned in real-time. A huge benefit of this over other 3D scanner discussed is that you can "paint" the areas you have missed before constructing the 3D object in software. It is very easy to use. Just plug it into your laptop via USB, and begin scanning. Using the Sense portable scanner, I was able to scan myself while sitting in a rolling chair. I kept my hands up to see how much detail of my wrinkled shirt was captured.

The amount of detail captured was impressive. However, I must admit that this detailed came on the fourth attempt, so there is definitely a learning curve with Sense. The chair was also captures in the scan, which means I should have isolated my body more. At parts, my hair blended in with my ears.

123D App

For a second 3D scanner, I used the Autodesk 123D Catch Mobile app. That's right, a Mobile app! I know! Crazy right?! Wow, what a world. The 3D app works by stitching together various pictures taken all around the object you want to scan. The app guides you in where to take the pictures form and what angles are missing by providing an indicator on the bottom left of where you have (and have not) taken a picture from. The more pictures you take, the better the scan (generally).

Although great considering it was a mobile app, 123D Catch was more susceptible to background objects. Although the astronaut monkey was placed on a flat, clean surface, the angles where the pictures were taken included background images that were then processed. In the image above, my back pack, flowers, and kitchenette where captures and processed.

3D Printing

For 3D printing, I wanted to use the ZCorp powder printed because of my limited exposure to it. To test it (or to test myself), I created a model in SolidWorks that had lots of details, varying thickness and geometries, and also had a lot of over hang. I ended up with a lunar rover model with an emergency inflatable, a concept I had come up with last semester. I took a section off of the inflatable to show the astronaut inside and to create an overhang to see if the ZCorp printer could handle it.

To 3D print a lunar rover, I used a ZCorp powder printer.

3D Scanning Tips: Sense
Distance from Object

The operating range that you should hold the scanner from what you are scanning is between 0.35 and 3 meters. When scanning, however, pick a distance and try to remain in that distance from the object all the way around.
Object Size

The largest scan volume is 3x3x3 meters. The smallest is 0.2x0.2x0.2 meters. When scanning large objects, it is generally better to scan from a closer distance (for the detail) but with more passes or strokes.
Horizontal or Vertical

Horizontal field of view is 45 degrees while vertical field of view is 57.7 degrees. If your object is taller than wider, hold the scanner vertically. You cannot, however, switch orientations of the scanner mid scan.
3D Scanning Tips: 123D App
Background

Not only does the object need to be on a flat, clean surface, the background of the room is also important. Spaces with minimal features, or placing cardboard behind the object as you rotate and take pictures can help.
Retaking Pictures

Blurry pictures do not add more detail, so if a picture is blurry, or you get "phone is shaking" icon while taking a picture, place yourself in the same angle and retake the picture to override it.
Not water proof

Although you can compile the pictures without having all angles, you will lose detail and 123D Catch will still give you a solid (waterproof) model, in the form of a small leg with small thickness.
3D Printing Tips: Zcorp Powder Printer
Overhangs

Don't do them. The final pieces are very fragile, and the ZCorp printer does not provide support while building it. You piece will just collapse.
Excavating

Use the colander to filter out pieces while transfering the powder from the printed area to the storage area.

Do not rush. Use a fine brush to brush away the powder. Once you see a component that you recognize (or don't recognize), try sweeping around it until it is fully exposed.

Wash your hands afterwards! The powder will completely dry out your skin!
Reinforcement

ZCorp recommends adding drops of super glue around your part to add rigidity. Personally, I found this really difficult to do and broke off parts of my model. Do at your own risk.
Moisture

Your model will be, after all, made of powder. Do not get it wet, or it will just fall apart. I would recommend storing it in a cool, dry place.