Exercise 05: 3D Scanning and Printing


3D Scanning and Printing


My Process (3D Scanning)

:: February 23, 2018 ::

Scanning Using Kinect

Our assignment this week was two part: 1) 3D scan an object, and 2) design and 3D print an object. For the scanning portion of the assignment, I decided to use an XBOX 360 Kinect. I first tried to use the Kinect on my Mac. I downloading a number of plugins and software to support Kinect on Mac and launched Scanect, the software that connects to the Kinect, I was unable to get any data being fed to Skanect. I decided to shift to using a PC and see if I could have more success. I first installed Kinect on a laptop running Windows. I found a great tutorial on using the Kinect as a 3D scanner on YouTube by Ruiraptora. There is also an easy-to-follow tutorial on Instructables. I downloaded and installed the drivers and for the scanning software, I used Skanect. And it worked. I decide to scan myself to get a sense of the accuracy of the device.

Scan of my upper body in Skanect Scan of my upper body in Skanect

Editing Scan in Fusion 360

My upper body scan turned out much better than I expected. I exported a .stl file from Skanect and imported it into Fusion 360 where I could edit it. Autodesk just launched a beta mesh editor in Fusion 360, so I was able to edit the mesh of my body, clean it up, and smooth out the form.

.stl file imported into Fusion 360 Beta mesh editor in Fusion 360 Editing and smoothing mesh in Fusion 360

My Process (3D Printing)

:: February 23, 2018 ::

3D Printing the Blocks

For the 3D printing portion of the assignment, I decided to build a 3D iteration of my halftone hex blocks that I prototyped as part of the press-kit construction set. This time, I wanted to create a 3D printed version of the block, so that when the blocks lock together, they are able to communicate with one another - light up, produce music, etc. The concept is to design interactive halftone blocks to create sound paintings which can be used by kids or adults. I plan on integrating basic electronics into the blocks in the coming weeks, so when they join together, the blocks light up. Before modeling my Hex block, I ran some test prints in a few 3D printers - Sindoh, MakerGear, and Ultimaker. I found the work flow using the Sindoh to be the easiest as well as its precision in smaller parts, and so I decided to use the Sindoh for 3D printing my Hex Block.

I modeled the block in Fusion 360, and then used the Sindoh printer to produce my blocks. This particular design can only be made using additive 3D printing because there are a number of pockets and cavities for wires to run and for lights to be fitted inside. My first 3D printed block had a few issues. I could not remove the support structure completely and the pins in the base had difficulty getting into the holes in the lid. I enlarged the holes in my model for the second iteration. The second print turned out better, but I need to adjust the width of the connectors to account for 3D printing material differences. I plan to print another iteration and integrate electronics this week.

Halftone block in Fusion 360 Exporting the hex block in .stl format for 3D printing Imported .stl file into the 3DWOX desktop application Sending file to print Sending file to print 4 hours to print First 3D printed halftone block First 3D printed halftone block First 3D printed halftone block Printing second 3D printed halftone hex block Second 3D printed halftone block Second 3D printed halftone block Second 3D printed halftone block Second 3D printed halftone block showing unresolved press fit connection

Download the Hex Block Fusion 360 file.

Click to download .f3d file.