OpenScan - 3D Scanner v3

thingiverse

2018-08-15 UPDATE: A brand new, fully revised version of this Scanner is now available, featuring two Nema17 Stepper Motors and a sophisticated control module. You can access the necessary files here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3050437 2018-05-01 UPDATE: A comprehensive video showcasing the full workflow and parts used in this project is now live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NzJlzrXzJ7k To see some of my impressive scans, visit my collection on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/3dTM/collections/3d-scans For years, I've been captivated by the world of 3D printing. Despite the abundance of free models and top-notch modeling software available, I needed a high-quality 3D scanner that could help me create my own custom models for 3D printing based on real-world objects. Unfortunately, current scanning devices are either inaccurate or prohibitively expensive. High-end "consumer" devices start at around $2,000. Using the photogrammetry technique (also known as structure from motion, or sfm), I was able to achieve some incredible 3D scans. For instance, I successfully captured coins, small figurines, jewelry, and even functioning security keys... The only requirements are a decent camera and suitable software. Essentially, you take multiple photos of an object from various angles. Next, the software analyzes these images and identifies common features visible from different perspectives. With this information, it calculates the camera positions and generates a dense point cloud of the model. Depending on the software used, this process can take anywhere from several hours to several days. Given that the quality of the 3D model heavily relies on the number and quality of the photos, I decided to build a custom 3D scanning device that automates the photo-taking process. The device is essentially a modified turntable with an additional rotational degree of freedom. Instead of moving the camera around the object, it remains stationary while the object rotates horizontally and vertically. In theory, you could take pictures manually using a mobile phone's camera, but I highly recommend utilizing a photographic camera that allows manual control over shutter speed and exposure time. Additionally, employing a remote shutter-release enables full automation, which is particularly useful when capturing 200+ photos of an object. All the 3D models presented here were created using a 10-year-old Fujifilm S100FS (now available for under $100) paired with a refined RR-80 remote shutter-release compatible with various camera models. The images were processed using Agisoft Photoscan Standard ($179), but there are free alternatives that produce similar results. This device can capture models up to 15cm in all directions, although the principle can be easily adapted for larger models. I will soon update this model and provide additional details on the electronics and workflow. The Model is optimized for two Stepper motors, 28BYJ-48, with a Stepper motor driver ULN2003. To see the scan process in action, visit: https://youtu.be/-G-nuKzgAQc For a close-up look, check out: https://youtu.be/Iey_DxJn7Eo