3D scanning services are not cheap. save yourself some money by doing it yourself
Although it is true that high quality 3D scanning technology is largely used by people who apply it to their business, hence it is used widely by large companies that rely on it to design and inspect their products, ordinary people are more than welcome to try their hand at it. There are so many that have not the slightest clue about what they are missing and as such should be made aware that this technology is within reach of individuals that are just curious about how it works. If you would like to scan objects for whatever reason and don’t have the cash to pay for 3D scanning services, do a little research on your own.
It is understandable that it may feel a bit intimidating, or like a pretty big commitment to go at all alone, to actually go out and get your very own 3D scanner, as opposed to renting one for instance, but the reality is that they have become quite common. This technology even has a fanbase of people from all around the world who use it to expand on their hobbies. It isn’t too difficult to imagine there being Star Wars fans that are fed up with having to pay high prices that official merchandise have and would prefer to scan and make their own by sending their scans to a 3D printer.
You can even find all sorts of fun and interesting forums where you can easily read about other people’s personal experiences with this technology. Many of these don’t have much of a background in working with electronics so you can bet that it isn’t at all an alienating community. It may not be as easy as you think, as some may thing it is an easy button or a 3D photocopier (we are not there yet).
It is for this reason that there are all kinds of companies providing 3D scanning services that are specifically for the use of laypeople, and while they may not be the best you can find they provide some pretty impressive results that are sure to keep you plenty busy. Especially when it comes to the more simplistic models, anyone can use them, even young children find them to be user-friendly. They’re great for creative people who like the idea of being able to play around with imagery digitally.
If only to satisfy one’s curiosity about how they work and what kind of results they can achieve with them if you already have an interest, there is a pretty small chance that you will end up disappointed with the experience. There are different stages that are worth enjoying and seeing how well you do. Once you have your cloud map you can load it into your computer and play around with different editing tools and effects that you can use to improve. It is a wonderful way to experiment with your visual sensibilities.
Household names of companies include Makerbot, which has grown to be one of the largest around, is for many people the go-to brand for those who like to 3D print and/or introduce to those that they know. As a matter of fact, the Makerbot Digitizer scanner is one of the most established 3D scanning systems in schools because it is much better than so many of the cheaper scanners on the market.
Another name that you may have heard of that has a long history with 3D printing is 3D systems who have been making 3D related systems since the late 80’s. They have gained a pretty big following in the 3D scanning services game for their very popular sense 3D scanner that can scan columns of up to 2 cubic meters. No small feat and it is a very attractive option for people for this reason. It also has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels that capture texture color mapping to a degree that is sure to not disappoint.
Another brand that you may have heard of is the Taiwanese 3D printer manufacturer XYZprinting which is very popular among those who are just starting out in the printing and scanning world. Their Scanner 2.0 is one of their latest versions and is a cool little number. It only weighs 238 grams but in a sense it can do it all, scan faces, whole bodies and objects. Its limitation sizes are 200 x 100 x 100 centimeters, and its resolution ranges from 1 to 2.5 millimeters, so it’s definitely not just a toy.
One of the main questions that you should aim to answer when shopping around for your very first 3D printer is simply, what would you like to use it for. Perhaps remembering a video or an article of interest that you checked out and got the ball rolling about the possibilities for this technology on a personal level. It is strongly suggested that you start out by simply browsing around and noting the differences in the specifications with each model. A lot of times they will give you specific examples about applications that are associated with a certain model, or even model series.
While you may be tempted to think that it would be fun to try everything if you’re just starting out you should really try to get as specific as possible. Just think of how there are so many variations out on the market and they have been developed differently and with different concepts in mind. Even the most affordable 3D scanners will set you back hundreds of dollars so why should you think in terms of absolute minimums. Figure out how they work, why they work in such a way and if you see yourself working with a certain type of model.
The cheapest that you will find will run you around $400, but you are encouraged to spend more than that as these are sophisticated devices and if you get one that isn’t too reliable it could even break right in the middle of when you’re trying to use it correctly.
The basis for this technology has been around for a number of decades now and it really is about time that scanners became user friendly. It’s no longer just for professionals who use it to make their work easier. and as you shop around you may find it comforting to learn that various companies that make the most reliable and popular 3D printing systems are the ones that are coming up with their own models that everyone is more than welcome to use. If you have kids in school it could help them with their projects and is sure to expand their horizons and creativity considerably.
The bottom line is, don’t be shy! And give yourself the opportunity to catch the 3D scanning and printing bug. Of course, it you get in over your head you always have Arrival 3D to provide 3D scanning services for you!