DAVID-laser scanner

[Khalid]

Just look at
vectric Cut3D software..or convert the OBJ into STL and use MeshCAM...

[fergusda]

I used David-Scanner to get started with 3D scanning. It definitely takes more time to learn, and more fiddling, but it is very powerful. Sure, the NextEngine works right out of the box, but it has a limited range and a bigger price tag.

With David-Scanner you can scan tiny objects (<1/4") and large objects like a car with the same hardware. You can also swap out hardware, like cameras and lasers, and make improvements as your budget allows. It's the best way for a DIYer to get into 3D scanning.

The David-Scanner forum was a fantastic resource, and people all over the world were willing to share their projects. I paid for the full version, and while I don't often use it for 3D scanning (too slow for commercial application), I still use it regularly for 3D meshing and alignment. It is a very good tool for the price.

-Dan
Bluegalaxy Design
www.bluegalaxydesign.com

[GAWnCA]

Originally Posted by Khalid look at the following link.. what i did with david. www.my-woodcarving.blogsite.com

I am really interested in doing a couple of 3D scans but your link isn't working. I've got a good web cam and the horizontal laser. Just need to how to get started and then go from scan to machined.

[Cold Turkey]

G'day all, I'm just about to get started with using David. I have a cheapo laser and camera so I know I'm going to get fairly average results but I just need the practice and to see how it works for the moment.

I REALLY want to be able to do accurate scans in the very near future but seem to be having trouble finding a place to buy a high quality laser with a thin line. Any suggestions? I'm also after a really good camera if anyone can recommend one. I don't mind paying a bit for them seeing as they are really the only two things I need.

I need to be ably to scan objects that are less than a cubic inch in size.

Cheers for any and all help.

[genestapp]

I had really good luck with the Logitech 9000 camera at 1600x1200 and I'm using a green line laser. I'll have to see if I can get the details from the purchase as I don't remember. Very accurate results for me and I've been using it for about 8 months.

[Khalid]

The links are:
My Woodwork
Laser Scanning

[slowlearner]

I really need to learn how to use this system. In order to prove it out I will have to do it on a budget. Could one of you tell me what would be the cheapest hardware to gain average results and then what would need to be added cost-wise to improve quality?
Thanks in advance,
Scott

[cjjonesarmory]

I tried using a 5mw line laser and a $60 web cam. There were many errors in the creation of the 3D model, but that was just my first try. The 5mw laser used a low quality focusing system and the laser line was not very well defined.

I ordered a 100mw laser with (supposedly) high quality focusing, but it has not yet arrived. I'll see how that works with my standard web cam, but I expect that I will not get great results until I use a high quality camera.

I have a hand-held Canon HD camera that I would like to try to use, but I haven't quite figured out how to get live camera data into the software. I tried using an S-Video camera output feeding into the input on my video card, but I think the video card wasn't designed for the wide format as I can't seem to get the right screen ratio. My next idea is to get some kind of USB type device that is typically used to record real-time video from a video source. Hopefully the 100mw laser will not be too bright and damage the camera. I'm somewhat concerned about hitting a highly reflective surface on the part and damaging the camera, but for the cost of a cheap web cam, it's worth a try.

[krak]

Converting the obj file to a stl file should allow you to than create gcode file. What software are you using to create your g code?

[flyinchips]

cjjonesarmory

A 100mW laser is a VERY dangerous thing. You should be worried about your eyesight, not the camera. a brief exposure to the 100 mW beam will hurt your eyes. 5mW is more than enough to get your scans.