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3D Scan

The assignment of the week is to 3D scan an object (and optionally print it).

Before scanning​

The scanner I used is EINSTAR from SHINING 3D in the lab.

The software we used is EXStar, which is the scanning software designed to work with EINSTAR scanner from SHINING 3D.
Both software download and hardware connection can be checked form the Official Website.

warning

In Official Website, the ExStar Software is told compatible only with NVIDIA graphics cards.
I can't open the software with computer using AMD graphics cards after version v1.2 since 2024.
But the v1.0 version I installed in 2023 with the same computer seem still work fine.

Hardware connection​

Connect Instruction

Set up of the scanner

Calibration(Optional)​

info

You can continue to use the scanning function without this step.
However, different environments have varying lighting and tones, calibration allows the machine to automatically adjust its internal parameters, resulting in better scanning results.
Therefore, it is recommended to perform a calibration before each scan.

Calibration detail

Take the calibration plate out from the set box.

I. Make sure the scanner is connected correctly, or you will not see the calibration button in the EXStar software.
II. After clicking in, there will be a simple tutorial.
There are two calibration steps:
I. Quick Calibration
II. White Balance
Both of them use the same calibration plate with different sides.

Scanning process​

As the scanner doesn't have a screen and built-in battery. It need to connect to the computer through a dedicated connection cable.

warning
  • Make sure there is enough space for a big scan like scanning people, as the scanner need to keep distance to object, which is about 1m.
  • Try to avoid returning to previously scanned areas, especially for scanning moving objects, as this can lead to deviations caused by movement, ultimately resulting in ghosting.
  • Place the computer screen to a suitable place where you can esily check the result during the scanning process.

Scanning #1​

My assignment is scanning myself. In the EXStar software, first we need to choose which type of object you want to scan: I is for people scan and II is for object scan

In my case I choose I.

Basic function​

There are 3 buttons on the scanner I,II,III and an indicator light IV.

Function of them:

I. Zoom out
II. Press first time for a preview scan, press the second time to start the scan, and press the third time will stop the scan.
III. Zoom in
IV. The color of the light indicate the distance between the scanner and the object.
Red mean to close, green mean great and blue mean too far.

Here is the time lapse record of the scanning process

The preliminary result. The areas closer to green in the model indicate better scanning quality, while the areas closer to red indicate poorer quality.
We can used the tool at the bottom to erase the parts we don't need.
As you can see, some darker areas or corners can be more challenging to scan, resulting in gaps.
We can fix this in the next process. Click the Mesh Model button in the bottom right.
　　I. We can choose to ignore the gaps, fill the small gaps only or just fill all the gaps.
　　II. Confirm the setting.

The result after auto filling

Finally, don't forget:
　　I. save the model with the save icon
　　II. save as .stl or .obj file for 3D printing.

note

If you are scanning a large file and want to slice it in 3D printing software later, it is recommended to scale down the file during export (for example, to a scale of 1:10).

I will use the Flashforge Finder3 to print the file, so I'll use FlashPrint5 as the slicer.

Process

  1. Import the stl to the slicer
  2. Parts like the chin are suspended, so support needs to be added
  3. Check the simulation
  4. Export the file to the printer

Don't forget to remove the support.

I. Big support can be remove directly by hand.
II. Small support can be remove with the tools like cutter.

Having fun with different sizes and color!

Scanning #2​

I also want to try scanning character figure. Here is a bulbasaur figure sample:

For this time, I choose the II mode for object scan

Problem

During the scan, the "blub" can't be detected by the scanning whether the background is black or white.

It should be cause as the "blub" is semitransparent, the light cannot be reflected, so I give up for the "blub" part and just scan the body part.

Unlike scanning people, there will be some part face to the ground where the scanner can't scan

The concept is to scan at least two different view and combine them

Process

First scan half of the model as usual.
I. After scan of the model, press the + mark at the left project bar, to open a new scan project
II. Scan the other half of the model

III. Press the Align button at the right tool bar to enter the alignment interface
IV. Align the scan files with auto mode or manual mode

The result is here:

With the Color Printing function in BambuStudio, I can paint the basic color to the model

And with the multicolor printing, I can bulid a color model using similar PLA.
It take much longer than single color printing.
I also to print a smaller one with 50% scale, with a 0.2mm nozzle.
Check the result!

Tips

Although doing a color printing need a much more time, it won't increase much more time if add 1 or more model to print in the same time. The most time wasting part in color printing is the process of filament changing, so it can save more time and filament to print mulit color print in same time.