DIY and Entry-Level 3D-Scanner Forum

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a 3D scanner which could scan 1/6 to 1/3 scale figures, anywhere from 12" to 36" tall. I would like to be able to capture fine details such as wrinkles, pores, etc. I've read about laser scanners used in dental labs which capture 3d data of patient's teeth. What are my options?

Thanks!

I think many of us can help. The first and most important question is, what is your budget?

I don't know what they normally go for, but I'm gonna say no more than $4,000.

That wouldn't be enough for an Artec Spider (over $20,000). David laser scanners are a nice DIY option, but your objects are a little on the large side for the auto-turntables (Virtumake would have excellent opinions on that). I suppose you could create a larger turntable and hand rotate if necessary. Carmine with and without virtuspecs will give a nice result, but not sure the resolution would be good enough for your needs. I have been doing a lot of work of late using a nice SLR camera and Agisoft Photoscan. I get some excellent detail, and would work well for your larger, but not-too-large, immobile objects. There is a pretty steep learning curve however, and requires a fair amount of post-production. And RAM!!! Wow, does that program need RAM to work well in high detail mode. I felt the need to upgrade to 64 GB of RAM. However, the cost of a powerful computer with excellent GPU, 64GB RAM, a nice SLR camera, and the Agisoft program just falls within your budget. David Laserscan solution would be less expensive, but greater mechanical know-how required.

Thanks for your response, Scantastic. I thought about it and I think I would be able to break down the figures into parts for scanning. For example, head/torso, arms, legs, etc.

I stumbled upon this scanner. What are your thoughts? http://www.nextengine.com/products/scanner/features/small

The Nextengine works pretty well, but its work envelope is really small. I don't think it will be big enough to scan even the leg of a 36" figure, although they claim you can stitch a lot of small scans together using their software to make one big one. I'm not sure how well that really works. The Roland turntable-type laser scanners I sell can handle pieces up to 16" high and 9.5" in diameter in resolutions up to .008" x .008", which would get you a lot closer, although they are more expensive.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

Andrew, I'm interested. Can you provide me with more details and pricing?