With UPS’ incoming 3D printing service and the growing availability of consumer-ready kits, printing objects is easier than ever, assuming you actually have something ready to print. If not, don’t fret --MakerBot is on the case, announcing today that its upcoming Digitizer will be available for sale next week. The company hasn’t yet put a price on 3D scanning, but the device (seen above) is quite a bit cleaner than the prototype MakerBot trotted out at South by Southwest. “It’s the easiest, fastest way for anyone to create 3D models,” boasts the product’s announcement email (seen after the break). “We optimized the whole process to work perfectly with MakerBot’s Replicator Desktop 3D printers.”
Scanned objects can be resized, edited and uploaded to Thingiverse, and will be saved as a standard 3D design file compatible with third-party modeling programs. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some crew members to replicate.
Because you signed up for our mailing list, you are getting the first public glimpse of the all new MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner! It’s the easiest, fastest way for anyone to create 3D models, and we optimized the whole process to work perfectly with MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers.
•Simple, yet sophisticated software creates clean, watertight 3D models with just two clicks.
•Get a 3D digital design file in just minutes.
•No design skills, 3D modeling or CAD expertise required to get started.
•Outputs standard 3D design file formats that can be modified and improved in third-party 3D modeling programs, like Autodesk’s free software MeshMixer.
•Easily upload your unique scans directly to Thingiverse.com.
We said you’d be the first to know, so here’s an important heads up: the MakerBot Digitizer will go on sale next week at MakerBot: The Only 3D Printing Ecosystem Dedicated to Education. To learn more about the MakerBot Digitizer, check out our latest blog updates.
Meh… but it is Makerbot. Bre manipulated the open hardware community and I am still bitter about that. Without the open hardware community MBI would have languished. After he sucked the community dry, he then proceeded to turn his back on the very community that supported him.
Bre is doing it with the scanner as well. This is based on the FabScan (an open source laser/webcam 3D scanner), which I am working with a guy who has a prototype you can buy on Ebay for less than $300. It is made of PVC and very DYI, but we are refining the design and will probably making it out of aluminum tubing and ABS joint couplings. Check out the Ebay offer here if you are into DYI, even though there is really not much you have to assemble on your own. (I hae included and image of mind, working with prototype ambient LED lighting, something the MakerBot has not included). The software is now available for the MAC and the PC. The scans are of a low to medium resolution, but it does work and can save you time to get shapes in very quickly. Quality is better than than the Kinect. http://www.ebay.com/itm/3D-Laser-Scanner-Arduino-based-DYI-Kit-compatible-with-FabScan100-software-/181200523431? I
Did you get in on the IndieGogo program? I have actually been in touch with them for several months and have only now been ready to fulfill IndieGogo orders and will be able to take pre-orders in September with no expected date of shipment. I agree though this is a much fairer price to pay, but notice it to is based on the Fabscan laser scanner model as well. I am a little curious on the need for worm gear shaft for the lasers and sensor. But I am assuming this allows the position the sensor to encompass the entire object based on its height. This would allow the sensor to located closer to the object providing better resolution with a cheaper sensor. In any case, I will have one on order as well.
Michael, Yes I was one of the funders on IndieGogo. The setup is pretty widely used, dual laser. Fabscan is just a newer player in the open source/DIY world. The software, is Matterforms, built from the bottom up. That said, I think they are going to push as much resolution as possible. The specs posted on the site are old…the have yet to update them.The worm gear, yes you are correct. It will scan objects up to 190mm x 190mm x 250mm (7.5" diameter x 9.75" height), Makerbot scanner 8’x8’. So the height is 1 3/4 " taller, and line of sight, in line to the surface (no obstructions), because of the screw. I sell way better ones, if you have a spare $18-22,000. But, that is a whole different animal. LOL!!
I thought so. Yes I have read that they have their own software, and the interface does reflect that. I will be even more impressed if their scans can indeed be done in three minutes or less. I currently have NextEngine, but I want to provide an easier to use scanner for the public. (I am opening a studio that will allow the public to sit down a workstation and design, scan or print in 3D for a nominal fee per hour).
Michael, In this community, is a gentleman that has the DavidScanner. He is one of the few reps in the US. Haven’t seen him on in awhile. There is a laser, as well as a structured-light scanner. Both are pretty good for the cost, just depends on the application. It may be something to look at. His signature is,
John (jay) H. Morewood
Owner / CTO / Rapid Prototyping Engineer
+1 408.839.4252 www.Zip-Bit.com
You can go to the DavidScanner web site ( http://www.david-3d.com/) and download the software for free, to check out. Hope that may be of help.
I tried one of the Makerbot Digitizers for a few weeks and was unsatisfied with its resolution dynamics. Ended up sending it back and got a NextEngine UltraHD instead. Like our favorite printer this is a world that is rapidly evolving and the right solution for you depends entirely on what you plan to use it for.
