Does anyone here have experience doing 3d scans of small scale model parts to create new CAD models for 3d printing? Any recommendations of scanners that can scan small parts? And tips and/or experiences you wish to share?
Interesting question, I will follow the replies as I have no idea… However I have tried a site that can create a 3D model from images (or even text) using AI and my single test with one image for a figure was surprisingly good. You will have to resize to scale on your own, and I think you have to subscribe for downloading the file. But it is worth to try:
I guess there are more, but this is the one I have tried.
Depends on how small the part is, how complex it is (is it mostly flat? Are there many reference points for the computer to use? Are there any crevices/holes/indents/bosses/overhangs?), how detailed it is, whether or not you’re able to suspend/lift the part from the bed, what the scanning resolution of the scanner is, what the minimum AND maximum scanning distance is, and how advanced the scanning software is, among other things. I have 2 scanners: a Revopoint Range for large scans and a Revopoint POP 2 for smaller scans. These are a bit outdated by todays inexpensive consumer-grade scanners but still work just fine if a little finicky. In general, it’s not really worth scanning extremely tiny parts because the scanner won’t be able to pick up all the fine detail, it may be dimensionally inaccurate, and the scanner might not even be able to accurately scan such a small piece.
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MikeyBugs-thanks for replying. What type of things do you find scanning useful for? Would you have an example? Are there scanners that you know of you would recommend IF I did pursue it?
I haven’t looked at 3D scanners for a few years now so I’m not really sure of what’s out there. I’ve scanned a few M1 helmets, a PASGT, an ACH, some binoculars, along with a few other things. I had wanted to scan some re-enactors but it would’ve been too complicated for me at the time.
I’ve tried the AI and phone app based scanners and they’re ok but not really up to snuff especially with anything small. Some of them just make a shape that looks right and overlays the pictures you take on top of it. The IR sensors or LIDAR emitters in cell phones are not designed with 3D scanning in mind and don’t have the concentration of IR points needed for an accurate scan. Most modern dedicated 3D scanners meant for consumers or small business customers (not the big, super expensive scanners) use binocular IR sensors spaced some distance apart to gather as much detail and information as possible. Most phones don’t have the dedicated hardware to process that information nor are the cameras spaced far enough apart to see the benefits of binocular vision.