This week the exercise was about 3D scanning and 3D printing so for that we decided to team up and use KINECT with KUKA roboarm to scan ourselves in order to get the precise scan and we also documented the whole process by attaching GOPRO with KUKA and different angles of whole process. Here is the link to see the details.
We used SKANECT software to connect KINECT with Computer, to generate the 3D model and save the file as different file formats like .OBJ or .STL which you can use in RHINO + GRASSHOPPER, or MESHLAB or SCULPTRIS to edit the mesh, fix all the small holes in the mesh and smoothen it to get the precise 3D printed objects.
The idea of using KUKA was to get the precise result rather then scanning by hand, as the movement of KUKA is very smooth and precise.
We attached KINECT on KUKA as a tool and one of us (one Person) was standing on the base and the other person was moving KUKA and the BASE with the controller. By using these tools you can have the quick scan and if you need to do more of these human body scans then you just need to Run the KUKA code and you have the scan ready.
It is very Important to have a good complete scan otherwise you wont get the good mesh and you will spend lot of time for fixing the mesh (and that is not so easy).
We got the .OBJ file from the SKANECT, now the next step is to fix the Mesh, for that we used RHINO and GRASSHOPPER to fix the file and fill all the holes and then used MESHLAB and SCULPTRIS to smoothen it and save the file as .STL (stereolithography format). we used PROJET1500 3D printer to print all the 3D models, which works with resin that solidify with the help of neon light and this 3D printer gives you good resolution (better then all fillament based printer like MAKERBOAT)
Once you have file ready to send to the PORJET1500 printer, you have to prepare the printer which is time consuming and you have to be very patience (Building plate, washing unit, cleaning material, raisin, UV Box).
After this when we had printed objects ready, again there are certain step of curating, washing and baking. first step is to clean with cleaning solution that takes out non solidify resin which is followed by washing with water and soap to take out cleaning solution. once its dry put the object solarium to harden the pieces with solarium light for 15 minutes. Here is the link to download .STL file for Printing.