Makerbot Scanner

[zeykr]

This looks interesting. Only handles items 8x8 though.

http://store.makerbot.com/digitizer.html

[mikeacg]

I could live with that. I model a lot in automotive clay. Wonder if the color would be a problem? Pretty good price but most of the models posted on Thingiverse are not very good...

Mike

[gene]

there also one on kickstarter site

[myxpykalix]

You know what all this winds up being don't you? Just more expensive toys we get to play with!

[mikeacg]

What's your point Jack? Ha ha ha!!!

Mike

[myxpykalix]

Well there were a few points.....
1. I have to start saving for the new toys and...
2. I haven't seen a toy YET that i didn't want to buy or play with...

[chiloquinruss]

"Wonder if the color would be a problem?" What you do is dust the clay model with a light coating of talc. This gives the laser something to focus on and 'usually' gives you better contrast. This of course depends on the original color of the clay (lighter better / darker not so good). Russ

[mikeacg]

Russ,

The clay I use is kind of a reddish brown. Works good with my probe scanner on the Roland but might be an issue with the MakerBot scanner. I reuse it so the talc might not be a good idea... Maybe spray with latex for the light color and then peel it off after scanning? Still an interesting little toy!

Mike

[chiloquinruss]

The scanners will be carried by the Microsoft retail stores so when they are available take a sample piece in and have them do a sample scan. Like I said earlier the 3d printers and scanners at the low end of the food chain are really a work in progress! Versions in a year or two will be much better. For what we do on the ShopBot the posted resolution is OK but not terrific. Its ok for now because we all use Vectric based software that gives you the tools to 'fix' the scans for routing. The MakerBot scanner outputs stl files which are what Aspire and Cut3d need. Can't wait, I'm #19 on the MakerBot Digitizer list - Russ.

[makeCNC]

Hi Everyone

while I like what makerbot are doing and I have a replicator Duel head here at the shop that I think was good value
I am not really impressed with the $1500 price tag on their new 3d scanner.
this technology has been around for several years now and was created by these people (David) as open source and its the same as what the makerbot people have used and put in a nice plastic case

you can make your own scanner and use their free software for under a couple of hundred dollars
so I am not sure where the makerbot $1500 price tag comes from half that price sounds about right ..

worth a look I reckon http://www.david-3d.com/