3D Scanners

3D Scanning is a means of scanning in an object and creating a 3D model from the scans.

Our 3D Scanner

Bloominglabs has one (1) 3D scanner.

If not already setup, Setup the hardware using the procedure below.
Run the Makerware for Digitizer software from the Launchpad.
Place object on Turntable.
Select if your object is Light, Medium, or Dark.
Click Start Scan.
Avoid getting in the view area of the camera during scanning.
After scanning is completed, name your scan and click FINISH SCAN button. This saves the file in .thing format in the /Users/blabs/Things/Digitizer Scans/ directory.
On the next screen, you can Save a Copy of your scan in a different format. A recommend format is binary .stl which can be opened by most 3D printers.

The User Manual is good at providing all of the details needed to setup and prep the system. There is also a trouble-shooting guide that is helpful. The basics are duplicated here.
Place Makerbot Digitizer on a flat surface. Place the Digitizer so the camera faces away from people walking in front of the camera. Make sure all four feet are firmly on a surface and the Makerbot Digitizer is not hanging over an edge.
Plug in USB cable into Mac or PC. Plug in power adapter cord. Turn on power switch on rear of the Makerbot Digitizer. There is a green LED on the rear of the Digitizer that indicates it is turned on.
Run the Makerware for Digitizer software from the Launchpad.
When starting the software for the first time, you are asked to name the system (Blabs Digitizer). Uncheck the share my statistics box and click Next. Then, skip the step to connect to Thingiverse. Click Done. This only needs to be run once.

Calibration should be performed when the scanner is moved, after 20 scans, or whenever things aren't running well.

Select Scanner -> Calibrate Camera. Follow the prompts on the screen using the calibration tool. Be sure the calibration tool is assembled correctly. Look at the pictures in the manual to verify. The Digitizer will immediately rotate the calibration tool 360 degrees stopping around the 50% mark. No other rotation occurs until the camera finished callibration.
Select Scanner -> Calibrate Turntable/Lasers. Follow the prompts on the screen using the calibration tool.
Select Scanner -> Align Lasers. (not often needed) Follow the prompts on the screen using the calibration tool.

Other notes

There is a foot missing on the Digitizer and it needs to be propped up in order to calibrate properly.
The camera lens should be installed over the camera during calibration AND during scans. It is only moved for cleaning purposes.
Make sure the camera lens is clear of lint, dust, and smudges. It should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.
The lasers can be manually adjusted using T15 Torx wrench.

Chose MAC OS X 10.8+ version. This will download “MakerBot+Bundle+BETA+3.10.1.1746.dmg”

Double-click on downloaded file. Double-click on Makerbot Bundle BETA 3.10.1.1746.pkg to begin installation.