Lecture on 3D Scanning Using a Roland Modela MDX-20

Alex gave us a lecture on working with the Fab Lab’s 3D scanner. The machine is a Roland Modela MDX-20. Replacing the milling head with the contact scanner head, it's able to 3D scan. We digitized an open walnut.

Some notes

  1. Turn on the machine as well as the connected computer
  2. Replace the milling head with the contact scanner head
  3. Replace the sacrificial board with the scanner board
  4. Fix the object to be digitized e.g. using hot glue (only a solid object is applicable)
  5. Open the application Dr. Picza which is used to run the scan
  6. Dr. Picza
    1. set the X scan pitch as well as the Y scan pitch
    2. define and set the scan area (X and Y coordinates)
    3. set the Z bottom
    4. set the Z upper limit related to the highest point of the object
    5. Start the 3D contact scan
    6. After scanning, save the file and export it to desired formats

Lecture on 3D Printing Using an Ultimaker Original

Cecilia gave us a lecture on working with the Fab Lab’s 3D printer. The machine is an Ultimaker Original.

Some notes

  1. Turn on the machine as well as the connected computer
  2. Open the software Cura 13 to 3D print
  3. Working with Cura 13
    1. Load your STL file and place it on the virtual platform
    2. Use presets to print easily or open the expert settings
    3. Recommended settings:
      Layer height0.06 to 0.25 mm
      Shell thickness1 mm
      Retractionenabled
      Bottom/top thickness0.5mm
      Fill density20 to 80 mm
      Print speed100 mm/s
      Print temperature210 to 230 °C
      Supportnone
      Platform adhesion typenone
      Filament diameter2.9 mm
      Flow100 %
    4. Press Print
    5. Temp: Set temperature to 230 °C
    6. Speed:
      Outer wall80 % (better quality)
      Inner wall100 %
      Fill100 %
      Support120 % (better removable)
  4. Replace the filament with the desired filament:
    1. The printer head should be hot now!
    2. Open the clasp on the machine’s back where the filament goes into (gently press and move)
    3. Remove the filament turning backwards the extrude wheel
    4. Gently straigten the new filament and insert it
    5. Close the clasp and turn the extrude wheel until the filament drops down on the platform
  5. Remove drops and start the print

3D Scanning Objects Using the Roland Modela MDX-20

I choosed a piece of Javentry and a crisp bread to scan. First I scanned the crisp bread’s surface. I set the scan area to 2 × 2 cm, the scan pitches to 0.35 mm and the Z bottom to 2 mm. A sesame seed was the Z upper limit.

The Javentry wasn't solid enough finally. The scan took a lot of time and turned out quite pixelated.

Please download edited scan files (3DM) here.

3D Scanning Using a Smartphone and 123D Catch

123D Catch is an application by Autodesk which generates a 3D model based on photographs. First I choosed a piece of Javentry to be digitized. I set up a little photo studio on a round table and fixed the Javentry with some very thin wire. Using my iPhone, I took about 30 photographs and let the iOS application work. The result didn't turn out well. Probably, the wire was a bad fixation. Hanging in the air, the object moved a lot. Please see: 123D Catch Javentry

My second attempt turned out better. I choosed a chinese stone sculpture of a dragon. Finally, this solid object didn't move a bit. Please see: 123D Catch Dragon

Designing and 3D Printing an Object That Could Not Be Made Subtractively

Using an Ultimaker Original, my design was limited. The 3D printer isn't able to separately print removable support material. It prints hardly removable support structures if there're to many levitating elements. First I designed a single flower vase. Due to its size, it would take to much time to 3D print it.

Design of objects

My second design shows an abstracted figure inspired by jellyfish, octopod and terrestrial animal’s legs. Enlarged, the object could be a kind of arthropod table or stool. I called it Secret Conversation. My 3D print failed several times because the legs fell after a while and I had to cancel the process. Joe gave me a very good advice: Turn the 3D object upside down! The print failed again several times. The printer had problems to calibrate Z and I had to manually adjust it.

Photos of production

Finally, my last 3D print turned out very well. The broken filament was still enough. I was very lucky! I would like to have this object enlarged.

Please download the original design file here.