Weekly Assignments
week 5. 3D Scanning and printing
Individual assignment:
Design and 3D print an object (small, few cm3, limited by printer time) that could not be easily made subtractively
3D scan an object (and optionally print it)
Learning outcomes
Identify the advantages and limitations of 3D printing
Apply design methods and production processes to show your understanding of 3D printing.
Demonstrate how scanning technology can be used to digitize object(s)
Have you answered these questions?
Linked to the group assignment page
Explained what you learned from testing the 3D printers
Documented how you designed and 3D printed your object and explained why it could not be easily made subtractively
Documented how you scanned an object
Included your original design files for 3D printing
Included your hero shots
3D Scanning
3D Scanning Technologies and Their Impact on Various Industries
Introduction to 3D Scanning
3D scanning technology captures the physical shape and dimensions of an object or environment and converts it into a digital 3D model.
This process utilizes various techniques such as laser scanning, structured light, and photogrammetry. These technologies have seen rapid advancements,
making them indispensable across multiple industries.
Types of 3D Scanning Technologies
Laser Scanning
Uses laser beams to measure distances and create high-accuracy 3D models.
Used in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.
Structured Light Scanning
Projects patterns of light onto an object and measures distortions to create a 3D model.
Common in healthcare and consumer electronics.
Photogrammetry
Uses multiple 2D images taken from different angles to reconstruct a 3D model.
Applied in archaeology, gaming, and cultural heritage preservation.
Time-of-Flight (ToF) Scanning
Measures the time light takes to reflect back from an object to determine distance.
Used in robotics and autonomous vehicles.
Photogrammetry: Overview, Applications, and Advancements
What is Photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is a 3D scanning technique that reconstructs accurate 3D models of objects, landscapes, or buildings using multiple 2D images taken
from different angles. These images are processed using specialized software to analyze visual data and create a high-resolution digital model.
How Photogrammetry Works
Image Capture A camera (drone, DSLR, or even a smartphone) takes multiple overlapping images of an object or environment.
Feature Detection Software identifies common points in different images to determine depth and shape.
3D Reconstruction Algorithms triangulate the 3D coordinates of these points, generating a mesh and texture for the final 3D model.
Post-Processing The model can be refined, textured, and exported for various applications like CAD, VR, or GIS mapping.
Mobile Photogrammetry Apps (iOS & Android)
1. Polycam (iOS, Android)
Easy to use, great for beginners
Uses LiDAR (on compatible iPhones) & standard cameras
Can export to various 3D formats (OBJ, FBX, STL, etc.)
Free with paid premium features
2. RealityScan (iOS, Android)
Developed by Epic Games (makers of Unreal Engine)
Free to use, simple interface
Exports directly to Sketchfab for easy sharing
Works well for small objects and environments
3. Trnio (iOS)
Focuses on object scanning
Two modes: ARKit & standard photogrammetry
Exports to OBJ format for 3D printing or AR use
Desktop Photogrammetry Software (Professional Use)
4. Agisoft Metashape (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Industry-standard for professionals
Advanced processing options for high-accuracy models
Used in archaeology, GIS, and cultural heritage
Paid software
5. RealityCapture (Windows)
Super fast processing with AI-assisted automation
Used in gaming, architecture, and VFX
Supports drone and terrestrial images
paid, but offers a free trial
6. Meshroom (Windows, Linux)
Free & Open-Source photogrammetry software
Based on AliceVision framework
Great for detailed object scans but requires a powerful GPU
☁️ Cloud-Based Photogrammetry (No High-End PC Needed)
7. Autodesk ReCap
Cloud processing for large datasets
Used for construction & industrial applications
Integrates well with AutoCAD and Revit
Paid subscription
8. WebODM
Open-source, free alternative to paid cloud photogrammetry
Good for drone mapping and terrain modeling
Requires some technical setup
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow the step-by-step guide to create a model in RealityScan.
New Project
After going through the Quick Start Tutorial, first-time users will see an empty project list. To create a new project, use the "New project" button
at the bottom of the screen. This will display a drawer menu where you can choose the scanning mode. For the sake of this guide, go with the "Augmented
Reality Mode."
Capture Images
Tap the big red "Capture" button at the bottom of the screen to start capturing. We are using the default settings, meaning the auto-capture is enabled.
Start slowly moving your device around the object, and the images will be captured with the detected motion. The image limit is 250.I took 22 Images.
To pause the auto-capturing, tap the big red button, or use the "Auto-capture toggle" next to the "Capture" button to switch to manual capturing
When taking images, bear in mind that what is not visible in multiple images won't show up in the resulting model. Make sure to cover every part of the
object with a high image overlap. A good rule of thumb is to make circles and arches around the object at multiple heights and at least half of each
image to be of the object.
When you are unable to go around the object, follow its shape while ensuring high image coverage and overlap.
Upload and Analyze Images
Images will start uploading the moment you begin capturing them, and they will be analyzed after you take 20 images. The processes of uploading and analyzing
are interleaved, with uploading occurring first, followed by initial analysis, then uploading again, and so on.
Analyzing images calculates camera positions and detects common features from which the point cloud will be created. The point cloud shows up in the camera
view after the initial analysis in the quality render mode, helping you to notice parts where the image coverage could be improved.
To avoid interruptions and ensure a smooth workflow, please stay within the app without switching to other applications while working on your project.
Review Scan
Use the "Next step" button at the bottom right of the screen to review your scan. You can render the point cloud in color or quality mode and navigate
around it without AR.
You can still return to capturing images from this step, so we do not recommend moving far from the object.
When the images have been analyzed, and you are satisfied with the point cloud, tap the "Ready to Process" button or the "Reconstruction area" button—the
right button in the footer.
Reconstruction Area
In the next step, before setting up the processing settings, you can adjust the reconstruction area to filter out unwanted parts of the point cloud.
Everything outside the reconstruction area will not be used in the reconstruction and will thus not be in the final model.
Use the upper bar to change the view perspective and the box widgets to change the box size. The circular corner widgets adjust the size in two
directions, and the oblong edge widgets adjust only the size parallel to the corresponding edge.
Moving the rotation slider will rotate the point cloud around the axis perpendicular to the device screen.
View and Edit Scan
This step is optional; follow these instructions to share your model on Sketchfab, or export an edited model to your device.
In the project list, you will see your project as a card, and in the upper left corner of that card, you can see the project status.
If you decide to process the project, the status will say Processing, and selecting to process it later will say Unprocessed. Either way,
you must process your model and wait for the processing to finish before viewing and editing your scan. The status will say Processed once it is ready.
Open the project settings using the three-dot button in the project card, and tap the "View/Edit Scan" option to see, edit, export, or
share your 3D model—tapping the project card will do the same. If your project was not processed, or is still processing, you will have to
wait for it to finish.
3d PRINTING
A "FLA" 3D printer, more accurately referred to as an "FDM" (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer, is a type of 3D printer that creates objects by extruding
melted plastic filament from a spool, layer by layer, onto a build plate, essentially "drawing" a 3D shape by depositing the material in a controlled pattern;
it's the most common and accessible type of 3D printer for personal use, often using materials like PLA (polylactic acid) or ABS plastic.
I worked in Flashforge Creator 3 Pro IDEX 3D Printer
The Flashforge Creator 3 Pro is a updated version of Creator 3 3D printer. The Flashforge Creator 3 Pro is a professional IDEX 3D printer for the needs of
small design studios and prototyping firms. IDEX stands for Independent Dual Extrusion which enables it to print two identical objects at the same time.
It can also print two colors or materials in one object. Both extruders can reach a very high temp of 320°C, and the bed temperature is up to 120°C.
The fully-enclosed build volume is 300 L x 250 W x 200 H mm.
I used PLA material
Overview. Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, is one of the most popular materials used in desktop 3D printing. It is the default filament of choice for
most extrusion-based 3D printers because it can be printed at a low temperature and does not require a heated bed.
Key points about FDM 3D printers:
Process:
A filament is fed through a heated nozzle, where it melts and is then deposited onto the build plate, solidifying as it cools.
Widely used:
Due to its affordability and ease of use, FDM is the most popular 3D printing technology for hobbyists and many professional applications.
Limitations:
While versatile, FDM can have visible layer lines and may require support structures for complex geometries.
Design i Made in Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software tool set that runs on Windows, macOS, BSD, Haiku, IRIX and Linux.
It is used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, and virtual reality.
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