Scan an object with a 3D scanner

For scanning a 3D object, we used the EinScan SE V2. I chose two objects to scan: a Rubik's cube and a small wooden statue of a frog. From my observations, I noticed that the scanner uses white light (not a laser) and analyzes its deformation on the object to determine its surface structure. For this reason, very dark or shiny objects are inappropriate for scanning (thus, my great choice of a shiny Rubik's cube and a dark frog haha).

For scanning the objects, we used the EinScan S software. After selecting the device, you can enter the scan section and choose the type of scan. I chose the type where the object is fixed on a rotating platform. This simplifies the scanning process because the scanner can easily compute the object's position in space using data about platform rotation and position. There are also other options, such as adjusting the brightness threshold for scanned objects, setting the number of turntable steps, changing the speed of the rotation, or deciding whether to rotate a full 360° or only 180°.

The scanner (which needs to be turned on, of course) then starts its scanning process by rotating the turntable and capturing data at each step. To improve scan quality and prevent the detection of other objects in the background, we can use a dark panel behind the turntable. Once the scanning process is complete, you can view the scanned object inside the EinScan S software environment, where you can edit the scanned data using the editing feature (e.g., discarding unwanted scanned fragments in the background). It is also possible to scan the same object from different orientations to capture parts of the surface that were previously inaccessible (such as the top or bottom). After that, you can discard or align captured points using the alignment mode to match the object's real shape. The software automatically tries to find and align the most similar parts of the surface. Because of this, the Rubik's cube was incorrectly aligned (due to its many flat surfaces), so I had to use the alignment mode that utilizes three identical points on two scans to match their positions.

My first scans weren't very successful. It seemed that the scanner miscalculated the object's distance from the scanner head. To improve scan quality, I used the calibration option. The calibration mode uses a predefined dot pattern to fine-tune the scanner's parameters. After calibration, the scans improved significantly, so I continued with post-processing, where the software smooths the surface, captures details, and fills gaps (if a closed-surface object is chosen). The level of quality depends on the user's choice. I was then able to export the scanned objects: the Rubik's cube (with both captured and non-captured surface colors) and the wooden frog. As you can see, the geometry of both objects turned out quite well. However, the surface colors of the cube appeared much brighter than in reality. This is probably due to its shiny surface, which significantly reflects the white light.

3D printing

To manufacture 3D objects, two possible methods are available: additive and subtractive. Subtractive methods work on the principle of material removal. During the third week, we focused on the additive method, which involves adding material layer by layer until the object is completed. Many different additive methods exist today, we used the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) method, which is widely used due to its accessibility. We used Prusa and BambuLab A1 3D printers.

Cooking measure tool

For this week, we had to design our own small 3D object that would later be 3D printed. I wanted to create something useful but was limited by the object's size (maximum of 5 cm). One idea I considered was creating a small measuring tool for 1 tsp and 1 tbsp, as I cook quite often. However, I realized that the porous properties of 3D printing materials make them unsuitable for food-related tools. That was pointed out after the 3D print was done but at least I experimented with new techniques in Fusion 360 and practiced printing on a 3D printer, I guess.

To create a 3D model of the cooking measure tool, I used Fusion 360. Firstly, I chose parameters for a box shape with a height of 25 mm, a width of 38 mm, and a length of 50 mm. The idea was to create a hollow space inside the box with a volume of 15 cm³. To achieve this, I created a box with the mentioned parameters using the Box tool. To create the dent, it is possible to create a sketch on top of the box and draw the edges of the measuring tool model. After that, by using the Extrude tool, a hole with a depth of 20 mm can be created. To create an inclined surface, you can sketch a line that halves the plane of the inner side of the model and extrude it to a width decreased by the wall width of the model to achieve the desired shape.

Most importantly, the inner part must be able to hold 15 cm³ (1 tbsp) and separate 5 cm³ (1 tsp). To achieve this, we can use the Boundary Fill tool, but as the name suggests, boundaries need to be created. The first boundary is the tool itself. To create upper boundaries, it is possible to use the Offset Plane tool in the Construct section on top of the model (and below the top of the model to measure 5 cm³). After clicking the Boundary Fill feature, as you can see in the right picture above, boundaries (Select Tools) and hollow space (Select Cells) must be selected to create a new body. You can change the body material to water, etc., and check its volume using Properties. After that, you can easily create text and a threshold that indicates 1 tsp on the inclined surface by creating a sketch on it. Specifically by drawing lines (Line tool) and writing text (Text tool), which can then be sunk in using the Extrude tool. It is possible to finish it with some final touches using the Fillet tool. And that's it.

I didn't work on the 3D printer myself as the 3D print was already printed when I have arrived. To be able to print the model on the 3D printer, you have to export it in recommended format, .3mf in this case. After that it is possible to tune printing parameters beforehand in some slicer software. When ready, the 3D model is sent to the printer. Before starting the procedure it is important to check if the working space is clean, heated etc. Right fillament needs to be chosen, in my case, it was PET-G. my final work was printed on one of the Bambulab A1 printers.