3D Printing 3D scanner?

[Doug Holverson]

I'm daydreaming out loud about getting a 3D scanner. Is there a hobbyist priced one that will scan something as transparent as the plastic parts set in the Centuri Fighter Fleet, as white and shiny as the Strato-Blaster and Sweet-Vee fuselages, as black as the old Quest dress-up kit, or even something as extra shiny as Studebaker chrome pieces?

 

[Gunstar]

It is likely very rare that an affordable scanner will handle transparent items, high gloss/reflective items also might be a barrier. You could however give something like that a light coat with a flat primer before scanning it.

 

[cwbullet]

I have not seen one in my price range that will do what I want.

 

[vcp]

Spray with foot powder and it easily washes off.

 

[eugenefl]

Has anyone inquired into sending a part to a professional to have the part scanned? I suppose costs would be shipping to/from, service charge, and preparation of the 3d file for download. I'm curious as to what the cost would be on scanning. Thanks.

 

[Bravo52]

I've had good success with my iPhone scanning objects and turning them into .stls. The process is "photogrammetry" and there are a few apps out there that will do it. If you are not familiar, you take about 60-80 pictures of the item at different angles and then upload for "stitching" the file together. Granted, it works better on rough textured items than smooth items (I had a killer time with a Bf-109 belly tank). It works and if it's only a few items to scan, worth the effort.

https://all3dp.com/2/best-3d-scanner-app-iphone-android-photogrammetry/

 

[AndrewTaylorx]

I get your daydreaming about getting a 3D scanner, it sounds like a lot of fun! When it comes to scanning transparent or shiny objects, it can be a bit tricky. But don't worry, there are definitely hobbyist-priced 3D scanners that can do the job. Have you checked out the smart engines? It's a popular choice for hobbyists and it can handle a variety of object colors and materials. This is one of the best applications for scanning that I've ever used. Another option could be the Einscan SE, which has a function specifically for scanning transparent objects. Hope this helps and happy scanning!