DAVID-laserscanner … in a Box!

By on September 29th, 2009 in blog

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We wrote about the free DAVID scanner software quite a while ago, and while it was inexpensive, it was mostly software and lots of instructions for how to set up your scanning platform and buying the appropriate cameras and lasers.

Now that’s changed – A1 Technologies, the folks behind the very inexpensive RapMan 3D printer, have put together a “Starter-Kit” that includes all the bits you’d need to get scanning right away. The best part: it’s only £ 320.00 (USD$520ish). What do you get in the kit?

  • high-resolution 2-megapixel webcam (1600 x 1200) with autofocus
  • stand for webcam
  • red line laser module (650 nm, Class 1 laser) with adjustable focus, including battery
  • calibration panels (for three different object sizes)
  • base plate for mounting the calibration panels
  • DAVID Laserscanner Professional Edition software on a USB Flash Drive
  • User manual

Here’s how it works:

To obtain the required data users simply hold the laser in their hand and sweep the laser line over the object to be scanned.  The DAVID-laserscanner will immediately generate a 3D model in your PC, capturing even fine surface details of less than 0.2 mm. Simply scan all sides of the object separately, including the top and bottom. With DAVID-Shapefusion it is possible to merge multiple scans that were made from different sensor directions in order to get a complete, textured 360˚ model.

And yes, it’s Windows only, and is certified safe for use in classrooms, offices or your kitchen, we suppose, too. Regardless of source, you can scan and produce reasonable 3D scans in OBJ, .STL or PLY formats.

Via A1 Technologies (Hat tip to Rachel)

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!

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