3D Scanning and Printing





Group Assignment

1. With my group I tested the design rules for fused deposition modeling and stereolithography 3D printers.

There is an FDM 3D printer in my dormitory that I have used before (Fig. 1A). I worked with Shonit to analyze a test print that was previously made from the machine and read more about the particular model, Lulzbot TAZ, online to gain a better understanding of its capabilities (Fig. 1B).

Fig. 1A. LulzBot TAZ 3D printer.

Fig. 1B. FDM printer test print.

This machine also came with a test print showcasing its functionality printing different resins (Fig. 1D).

Fig. 1C. Formlabs Form 3+ printer.

Fig. 1D. SLA printer test print.

Comparing the technical specifications of the FDM machine and SLA machine, we opted to 3D print using the latter, as it provides higher resolution.



Individual Assignment

3D Scanning

Looking for a convenient way to 3D scan an object, I came across the iOS application "polycam" (Fig. 2A). This software offers LiDAR and 3D scanning capabilities that can create a rendering of any object from a toy to a room. I wanted to scan an object that I could then 3D print, and I decided to 3D scan my full body. My goal using this app was to generate a CAD file I could then edit to my desired specifications and then 3D print as a smaller-than-lifesize.

As I could not physically hold the phone and scan in 360 degrees around my body, so I got my friend to scan while I stood still.

Fig. 2A First Scan

The first scan didnt't really get the volume and the details of my upper head area right.

Fig. 2B Hand Detail

My fingers lacked the full details. The camera did not fully capture the void between my legs and arms as well.

I decided to use the 'Extend' feature which lets you do an additional scans and add close-up details to refine the result.

Fig. 2C Added details with Extend feature

Now, the software got the volume of my forehead right. But, it didn't have enough information of top of my head as camera might not have captured it.
So it seems to have automatically meshed up the background image data and sculpt on top of my head to make up the missing info.

Fig. 2D Added details with Extend feature

The updated version after additional scanning got more details on my fingers, but it didn't get it right towards my fingertips since it probably lacked an image capturing my hands from below to get the fingertips.

Fig. 2E Multiple Objects

After another round of full 360 degree scanning and re-processing the existing scan with additional images, the result got messed up.

For the additional scan, I didn't stand precisely on the same location as I did for the initial scan. Although Polycam can auto-crop out the environment when throwing out a result for object scanning, it maps out the surrounding environment (walls, plants, furnitures) and the exact position of the target object in relation to the mapped space.

So, if I am displaced from the original location I stood even so slightly and re-scan, it will result in multiple fragmented objects dispersing.

In the image above,Fig. 2E I ended up with a more detailed capture of my face floating behind my helplessly morphed and fragmented figure.

Fig. 2F. 3D model of my body

At this point, I decided to restart the scan. This time, I decided to place stickers on the floor to mark precise location to not mess up the positon and location.
However, it was already in the evenin when I gave another try and the lack of non-directional natural light in the building made the directional indoor artificial lighting casting shadow and made the camera difficult to capture other half of my body and get a full volumetric data of my body.

At the end, I went back to the first scan, and deleted the images I added after the first round of scanning. However, I kept the images from the additional scans if they didn't have and objects or background captured along detailed parts of my body. The attached figure above (Fig. 2F) is the best I could get from the first scan. It lacks some finger and head details, but not bad.

3D Printing

Initially, I intended to use my 3D body scan file for 3D printing, but I was a little bit frustrated by how time consuming the process has been and wanted to move on.
So, I decided to just scan my head instead (not foreseeing how much time and edit process it will take as well...)

Fig. 3A Initial 3D scan of my head

As shown above,(Fig. 3A) with the help of terrible lighting, the Polycam struggled to capture the full volume of my head. The dark color of my head might also read as a void. Here, my head looks rather carved out and hollow.

I tried another scan with lidar mode on, hoping it will be helpful with the light distribution issue as lidar scanning works through distance detection. I will re-try this option another time after disabling auto cropping option.

Fig. 3B Reconstructing the head form

After a second round of scanning and adding more data, I decided to not do additional scan to add details since the face seemed have captured enought details. To fix the hollow head situation, I imported the obj file in Blender and sculpted the head using a mixture of tools such as bloc, smooth, flat, clay thumb etc.

Fig. 3C Hole in the object

Not only the head part of the scan was critially deformed, but the object also had a hole on top of the head.

Fig. 3D Hole patched

The hole is patched up with a handy 'alt + f' command. Now the head looks round and seamless!

Fig. 3E. 3D model of my head



This is the finalized 3D head file ready to be 3D printed! It looks a bit crumbly, but I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

Fig. 3F Hole patched

The print result! Pretty good. My favorite part is how the resin print captured the texture of my wool jacket.



Fig. 3G. 3D scan of the 3D print of the 3D scan



This is a 3D scan of the 3D print of the 3D scan. I placed the printed object onto a shiny golden cube, which reflects golden light back onto the face.
Such a cool effect created by the reflective material. Also, I find it funny how the dust on the cube is so realistically captured.