3D Scanning and Printing a Pumpkin

Things are getting spooky in the TriMech office, as we demonstrate how you can maximize your scan-to-print capabilities on a real pumpkin. Watch the on-demand webinar below for tips on optimizing your reverse engineering workflow and integrating scanning, design and printing solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Capturing Data Via 3D Scanning (Digitizing)

In this live-demo, I use the Artec Eva 3D Scanner because it is ideal for scanning medium-sized items quickly. This handheld, portable scanner allows us to capture the organic geometry of our pumpkin with full color and 100 micron resolution. This was more appropriate than the Artec Space Spider because we didn’t need to capture intricate details for this demo.

The Eva uses organic geometry of the pumpkin and the colored textures to help track all of the data. Once I capture enough data, I use Artec Studio 12, the latest version of Artec Studio Software, to combine my scans. I then use the Autopilot tool to help guide me through next steps. This will ask questions about scan quality, scan texture and other features associated with model creation. The software is very user-friendly and will piece together the raw data. I also have the option to remove any background noise or data that is unwanted, such as the base. As you can see, the scanning portion of this is fast and easy. The post-processing is what takes more time to clean/prep the file for printing. 

With Autopilot, you can also use a feature called Autoalignment, which allows you to select similar spots in multiple scans and align them automatically. This will do a fine registration, global registration, outlier removal, fusion, small-object filter, mesh simplification, texturing and optimizing texture all in one, easy step.

Scan to CAD (Post-Processing and Surface Reconstruction)

Once your original scans are combined into one final model, you can export the mesh into various files such as VRML, OBJ or STL. The model can then be directly imported into your printing software, in this case GrabCAD Print.

Or you can also use Geomagic to import the pumpkin file into other CAD software such as SOLIDWORKS. From here you can gather data from the model and use that data to create planes, etc. This is where post-processing and surface reconstruction can be done prior to sending your part to the printer.

CAD to Print

Once the model is ready, you can send it directly to your printer, and you are well on your way to a 3D printed part. Being able to optimize your reverse engineering workflow and maximize your scan to print capabilities will give you a huge competitive edge and make you a one-stop shop for engineering solutions.

For more information on how this applies to your industry or application, request a demo today!