Thinking in 3D: Matter and Form Laser Scanner

Thinking in 3D

3D scanners and printers have plummeted in price, and units across campus are exploring ways to incorporate these technologies into teaching and research. The Department of Environmental Studies will offer three workshops this semester designed to showcase some of these technologies/software and to encourage a campus dialogue on how to use these most effectively (and where the hurdles are).

Thinking in 3D: Matter and Form Laser Scanner

10 March 12-1pm PAC 3D

This cheap and very portable scanner has a resolution of less than half a millimeter and scans quickly.

https://matterandform.net/

Thinking in 3D: Cubify Sense Scanner

24 March 12-1pm PAC 4E

This handheld scanner has a resolution of less than a millimeter and doesn’t have the size restrictions that nearly all 3D scanners have. The one ENS has is wired, but there is a wireless version that attaches to iPads.

http://cubify.com/products/sense

Thinking in 3D: Free Software

There are many free software options for people who want to create 3D models from scratch, or even from photos taken by your smart phone.

http://www.123dapp.com/

In addition to the two scanners listed above, ENS has a third. The NextEngine laser scanner (with MultiDrive) has high resolution (0.1 mm), but scans take longer and the equipment is not easily portable.

http://www.nextengine.com/

All of the ENS scanners create file types that can be converted to work with ITS’ 3D printer (http://www.uis.edu/informationtechnologyservices/services/3d-printing/).

Please bring your ideas and questions to these workshops, and let me know how we can collaborate!