Scanning ourselves
This week focused on learning how to 3D scan objects to create a digital version to be able to print. We had fun scanning each other’s figures, most people tried to print busts however I was interested in trying to do a full-body scan to look similar to an action figure versus a bust. It didn’t end up working well though unfortunately as the app we were using now requires you to buy the scan. Later in the class I ended up try to do the scan again, I noticed that the new app we were using asked you to hold the sensor still quite a few times as it seemed to be taking individual pictures which it would then later compile. I did not end up having the time to clean up my bust and actually print it although I look forward to using the software next week to finalize the images and then also be able to 3D print the bust of my head.
Projects using Scanning Technology:
The thought of printing our own heads seems a bit strange to me although I am fascinated by the idea that we are able to take scans of real objects and then transform that into a 3D printed object. This opens up the possibilities for so many neat projects. Professor Vishal mentioned the project Scan the World ( https://www.myminifactory.com/scantheworld/ ) which I found very interesting so I did a bit of further research on this. The goal of this project is to be able to archive objects of cultural significance all over the world by using 3D scanning then opening up the possibility for 3D printable replications of these objects. The idea and value behind this archive is to open up treasured art to the public in a much more tangible way. The replication of these artifacts also serves as a way to better preserve them so that the public can interact with them while not deteriorating the ancient art or artifact. This project started in June of 2014 and currently has scanned and created 10,903 printable 3D scanned sculptures and spent 21,000 hours printing these objects.
Project Update:
This week we discussed more about the frame and technical aspects of our hydroponic vertical window farm. We gathered an Arduino and other components needed to start programing the sensors and we plan to head to the Fablab again tomorrow to gather a few more materials to start building a rough prototype and designing the specific parts such as the plant holders/ clips to attach to the structure as well as the drip funnels that will attach to the plant holders/ bottles. We’re looking forward to building a rough structure in the next week as well as designing the plant baskets in Fusion 360 and programming the Arduino and sensors.
Hey Helen,
Nice post! I enjoyed reading your reflection on the scanning technology. Also, it was exciting to read about the progress you and your team are making on developing the hydroponics system. It’s awesome to see how you are making progress and using not only software we have learned, but also resources available in the Fablab. This was one of my favorite classes of the course so far!
Helen,
Thanks for sharing more about Scan the World – I forgot about it until reading your post. It truly is amazing, the effort to scan and collect objects of cultural significance for posterity. However, I wonder if this brings up an moral dilemma of not allowing people to truly experience the original culture, but rather highly detailed composite reconstructions of them. It wouldn’t bother me, but I’d imagine academics would rather have the original than an extremely close replica.
Ajie
Hi Helen,
Thank you for sharing more about Scan the World! I was interested in reading more about the project, as well. There are certainly numerous commercial applications for 3D scanning/printing that we talk about in class, but Scan the World is a wonderful example of how this technology can be used for education and cultural enrichment purposes as well. I think it’s great that people are able to have a more tangible concept of different statues and relics that carry so much significance.
Hi Helen,
I also looked into Scan the World and I loved everything I was able to learn about it. That’s a huge amount of culturally significant artifacts that have been printed. I found it especially impressive that they scanned entire buildings like the Colosseum!
Hi Helen,
Great update! I wanted to note that Lynda is a great site to learn skills (we have free access to Lynda as UIUC students). Specifically, here is a link that leads to Arduino lessons: https://www.lynda.com/Arduino-training-tutorials/2013-0.html. I am new to Arduinos, and I feel like this online training will be very beneficial for both of us in learning how to use these devices effectively.
-Scott Provenzano