The partial project for the FabAcademy consists of a portable photogrammetry scanner, where you can place any object on the platform and quickly generate a three-dimensional model through photo or video capture. Additionally, if the phone (which will be the image-capturing device) is flipped, it becomes a tool capable of scanning spaces—similar to a Leica scanning station. Its ease of use in both scenarios makes it a very useful tool for a fabrication lab.
The project will consist of four stages: the design of the arm displacement mechanism, the rotation mechanism of the platform, the assembly of the electronic components, and finally, the programming.
In the second phase, the three-dimensional form of the foam's wounds is processed as an opportunity for interaction. This is achieved through 3D machining of columns that support a large, mechanized laceration.
1. The initial ideas were sketched in pencil and paper. It was concluded that the arm that moves up and down to scan must rotate around the object in order to carry out scans of both objects and spaces.
2. The idea was to design a scanner that doesn't rely entirely on circular movement across all axes. We realized that a circular base could limit the scanning area, especially toward the back. When scanning objects, maintaining a consistent height is often a challenge—so we knew we needed vertical support from above to avoid missing details. Lastly, we considered the potential for scanning spaces. Typically, handheld scanners require you to walk and rotate around the environment. So, we thought—why not just flip the object scanner and repurpose its rotational axes to scan surroundings as well?
3. The part of the design I was responsible for focused on simplifying the concept of full-axis rotation down to its essential form. As designers, we both aimed for a sleek, finished look for the machine. So, I envisioned a semi-circular arm and base that, when rotated, would form a complete circular motion.
4. This scanner is designed to address two main challenges: avoiding duplicate scans of the object's backside and enabling the scanning of entire spaces. To tackle this, we divided the mechanism into two main components:
5. the arm Where the phone will go up and down while rotating around the object. For this piece we designed a kind of slot that can guide the movement piece around the arm and that can support the curve.
6. The base component must both enable the arm’s rotation and provide stable support for the stationary object.
7. The fabrication has been carried out almost entirely using 3D printing in PLA, with only the base reinforced by a laser-cut acrylic piece.
8. The electronics section consisted of an Arduino microcontroller assembled with a shield to receive two stepper motor drivers—one for the vertical movement of the phone holder and the other to rotate the arm.
9. The assembled section aims to position all components in their correct place and learn how to coordinate two stepper motors to program the necessary stops for scanning.
10. An explanatory slide and video are created to showcase the operation, design, fabrication, and assembly of the device.
3D Print Parts .3mf file Lase Cur base .dwg file Arduino Script