Re: [OMG] Free software for 3D scanning with a webcam, handheld laser, or video projector

[Travis Smith]

Seems easy!  I encourage you to experiment with it.  I tried out the software with a line laser about a year ago, and wasn't really able to construct anything that could be called usable.  That said, I'd love to have the ability to do what it claims...maybe a more expensive set up would help?

Travis

On Tue, Apr 9, 2013 at 1:19 PM, Matt Hester <ma...@lavarockets.com> wrote:

This would be a cool tool to utilize!   How great would it be to scan existing objects and then turn around and replicate on the 3D printer?

All that is necessary is:
Free Software from David-LaserScanner.com
Webcam
Laser (line) generator OR video projector


http://www.david-laserscanner.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xK5eYhpBtQc

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[Jason Webb]

Hey! I've actually been experimenting with low-cost 3D scanning a lot in the last few months, maybe I can offer some advice here. The DAVID system is sweet, but the software and documentation, frankly, suck. The website makes it look like it is really easy to set up this system, but actually it's not super fun. You have to get the positioning of the laser, projector and calibration screen pretty darn close to perfect, then run some calibration software to get started. It's do-able, but I wouldn't try it unless you already have the components laying around and you have a lot of time on your hands. The new Makerbot Digitizer looks to be based on the DAVID system, but is rumored to cost several hundred dollars :S

I would highly recommend trying out Autodesk's 123D Catch. Just two weeks ago I scanned 18 small clay heads made by undergraduate students at my university, then 3D printed three copies of each piece for them to play with. It worked very well, and only requires you to use a cheap camera to take a bunch of photos of your piece. The software is all free and totally friendly, so give it a shot. Here are some photos from the process: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zenwebb/collections/72157633233119139/

The other option you ought to try out is to use an XBox Kinect, along with either ReconstructMe Console. The Kinect sensor costs about $100, and the software workflow isn't *quite* as easy as 123D Catch, but it is really fun and works GREAT for people-sized objects. About 3-4 weeks ago I scanned a bunch of people and 3D printed tiny versions of them - worked really well for me! http://www.flickr.com/photos/zenwebb/collections/72157633102958183/

[Travis Smith]

Of course!

Yes, I second 123D Catch.  I've never turned the models I've made back into objects, though.  That's pretty neat!

One thing I have done with that program in the past:  famous, often photographed sculptures have enough shot angles in the public domain that you can create your own model by stringing them together.  I did this once with Michelangelo's David.  Grabbed photos from Flickr, ran them through 123D Catch, and bam...semi-decent model.

Travis