3D Scanning

[sirenwerks]

So I found a friend at work who has a 3D scanner.  We didn't have much time to talk today after he mentioned it but he was receptive to doing some HO model scans for me to play with.  I'm thinking about the Athearn Ford F850, the new CMW 1960 Ford, and these Walthers circus flats I've had hanging around forever; to see if I can get them to Shapeways for printing in N scale.  I have no, zip, zero experience in this scanning tech so... Any thoughts on what I should be looking for in 3D printing to do so? 

One thought I have is taking the models apart to scan the parts separately and printing them as such.

[peteski]

From reading an earlier thread https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34013 , this is not really worth the trouble.

[sirenwerks]

Heading off to sleep but read the initial post of that link... Setting a rolling model down on its wheels seems like a problematic approach to a process that involves a moving turntable, no?  I mean, wouldn't it roll each time the turntabe moved; even if just a little bit that would really screw up the assembling of the individual scan passes.

[peteski]

Heading off to sleep but read the initial post of that link... Setting a rolling model down on its wheels seems like a problematic approach to a process that involves a moving turntable, no?  I mean, wouldn't it roll each time the turntabe moved; even if just a little bit that would really screw up the assembling of the individual scan passes.

Getting the model to be stationary during the scan is the least of the problems. If you read through that thread, the problems with 3Dscanning will become clearer.

[GimpLizard]

As the one who started that other thread, let me add;

I've learned some new things about my scanner over the last few weeks. The most important being that I can change the lay/angle of the part and scan it again. And then, when you ask it to, the software will automatically align the multiple scans. This is how they're getting higher resolution. I haven't had time to play around with yet to see how well I can do with it. I'm thinking it could take 4, or more, total scans to get what I need. And that could take a couple of hours to do.

Also, on the subject of a car, with rolling wheels, rolling away... the table doesn't move that fast, when it turns. It rotates a couple of degrees, stops, the lasers & camera go off, and then it rotates a couple more degrees. It repeats this until it has rotated the full 360°. Then, if it's a tall part, the scanning head lift a bit, and the table started rotating again. When it's gone the full 360 again, the head moves up (if need) and the rotation starts again. It repeats this until the until part has been scanned. A tall part could take some serious time.

[sirenwerks]

Meh, I'll have my coworker try anyway.  If they work then I'll spring for some Sylvan vehicle models and try those.  Sylvan's GMC Crackerbox, 860 and Cannonball, the White 4000 and 9000, Mack H67, and the Int'l Emeryville COE are all calling me.

[Lemosteam]

As the one who started that other thread, let me add;

I've learned some new things about my scanner over the last few weeks. The most important being that I can change the lay/angle of the part and scan it again. And then, when you ask it to, the software will automatically align the multiple scans. This is how they're getting higher resolution. I haven't had time to play around with yet to see how well I can do with it. I'm thinking it could take 4, or more, total scans to get what I need. And that could take a couple of hours to do.

Also, on the subject of a car, with rolling wheels, rolling away... the table doesn't move that fast, when it turns. It rotates a couple of degrees, stops, the lasers & camera go off, and then it rotates a couple more degrees. It repeats this until it has rotated the full 360°. Then, if it's a tall part, the scanning head lift a bit, and the table started rotating again. When it's gone the full 360 again, the head moves up (if need) and the rotation starts again. It repeats this until the until part has been scanned. A tall part could take some serious time.

Would love to see an image of one of your scans!

[GimpLizard]

Would love to see an image of one of your scans!

There are images of the "bad" scans in the other thread. If I get some "good" ones, with what I've learned, I'll post them. But I'm pretty busy over the next couple weeks. (working days, doing some CAD training in the evenings, and have a youth function all this weekend) I might not be able to get around to it for a while.

[Lemosteam]

There are images of the "bad" scans in the other thread. If I get some "good" ones, with what I've learned, I'll post them. But I'm pretty busy over the next couple weeks. (working days, doing some CAD training in the evenings, and have a youth function all this weekend) I might not be able to get around to it for a while.

No rush, I recall those pics.  was wondering if you have some improved ones.  looking forward to seeing some when you get the chance!