3D scanning yourself

3D Scan Yourself
Primary Contact	danspencer101
Created	07/01/2019
Completed	{{{completeddate}}}
Dormant	{{{dormantdate}}}
Version	{{{version}}}
Members	Anyone!
Manufacturer	{{{manufacturer}}}
Model	{{{model}}}
Location	[[{{{location}}}]]
GitHub / Repo	{{{repo}}}
Status	Complete
Type	Members Project
Live Status	Live
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Intro

This is a small project that any member of the Hackspace will be able to undertake if they wish! Skanect is a fairly easy piece of software to work with so this should be accessible to anyone.

Method

Install Drivers and software

The link to the drivers and software for windows can be found on the Kinect wiki page.

Set up the Camera

You will need to place the camera somewhere where it has a good view of the subject approximately 4-5ft away. For the first attempt at this, we placed a chair on top of one of the studio tables and rested the camera on top of it. That worked well!

The subject needs to sit on something that spins. An office chair for example!

Camera setup in the studio room

Scan

With everything set up, simply follow the prompts in the program to start the scan. The person on the chair should begin to spin slowly by pushing themselves round with their feet. As they spin the preview in the software will turn from Red to Green as the scan is built up.

To get the top of the head and under the chin a partner may be needed. They should lift the camera slowly to get a shot of the top of the head and then lower it to capture the chin. This is important as otherwise the resulting model has too many holes to 3D print.

Construct & check the scan

Simply follow the prompts in the software to compute the scan. You can fly around the model using your mouse at this point to check that it has produced a good scan. If there are massive holes or you're unhappy with the level of detail simply start the process of capturing the scan again.

3D Scan of Danspencer101

Export to STL

If you are happy the scan, It should be saved in STL format. Although some detail will be lost if using the free version of the software, do not worry too much about the polygon cap. The models are still good enough quality for 10cm-15cm tall 3D prints.

If quality is your priority and you want to get the maximum level of detail it is possible to crop the model before exporting by adjusting the floor height.

Fix the mesh using Meshmixer

Meshmixer, free software from Autodesk, can be used to plug any holes in the model prior to printing. It is also very useful for ensuring that the base of the model is flat so that it will print successfully. I will try to expand on this section at some point but until I do, YouTube is a fantastic resource for getting to grips with the software.

3D Print

Export the STL from Meshmixer and print via any method you are most comfortable with.

Members attempts at this

Danspencer101

danspencer101

Printed this about 10cm tall. Looks great!

3D Printed

Layjet

River

3D Scan

Anyone else?

Feel free to give this a go. The camera is located in the comfy area, usually on top of the Xbox. Posting your results is entirely optional!

If I can offer a hand just post in the discussion page or prod me when you see me at the space and we'll set something up.