3D Scanning

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The 3D scanner consists of calibration plates, a tripod, a projector, a camera, and software. It uses a technology called Structured Light Scanning (SLS) to measure the distance between the light source (a projector in this case) and the physical object being scanned. After a setup and calibration procedure, the projector beams known light patterns onto an object. The camera reads these patterns' distortions, and the software converts these into surfaces. The physical object is then rotated to capture a number of scans that is sufficient to create a 3D representation of the object, color included (if desired), which can be exported in a variety of formats.

Machine Specifications

DAVID SLS-2 3D Scanner

-Size of objects to be scanned: 60mm - 500mm (2.4" - 20")
-Resolution: 0.1% of scanned object size (down to .06mm)
-Scanning time: a few seconds per scan
-Mesh density: Up to 1,200,000 vertices per scan
-Export formats: STL (most common), OBJ, PLY

Tutorial Documents

• 3D Scanner Tutorial
  

Pro Tips

There may be special preparation work necessary if your object is transparent or reflective, or has a high degree of symmetry. See the tutorial document for more details.