Here is a link to a freeware laser scanner that has been done very professionally. You need a cheap laser with a spread beam, and a usb camera. You also print out a target pattern which allows the camer to be calibrated. You perform the actual scan by sweeping the laser plane across the object by hand.

http://www.david-laserscanner.com/

I've toyed with it a bit, but haven't really been successful yet.


Joe Dunfee

I've toyed with it a bit, but haven't really been successful yet.

Umhmm, I've heard that before. LOL

Can't beat the price, but you'll find the hardware limits you quite a bit.

This software is rubbish!

The pro version has better capabilties. But I am working on a setup using the freeware to improve things a bit. The main thing I found with this ware is to give it the best most stable input possible, results are better. For example, build a laser mount with indexing and sweep, also a degree indexed turn table, along with a high res firewire camera (not just a crappy webcam) helps alot, and a good focused laser unit with a edge silohette barrier. You get out what you put into it. This ain't n.a.s.a. ...LOL....most people just wanna good base to build off in cad/cam. It's free ....cain't complain. Now, where's that Matlab script.....8^S

Is there any system out there for 3D scanning using Y axis pulses(3 axis router), Laser and a webcam as a reference for 3d scanning, It sounds both accurate and possible, to me. Of corse there is scanners for cnc machines, but I'm thinking as affordable as the David...

I have used the free David software with success to document in 3D, a series of hand held ergonomic tool prototypes that have complex organic forms. The meshes are sufficient for me to use as a guide to build finished surfaces over and have confidence that I am maintaining design intent of shapes that would otherwise be difficult to recreate accurately in CAD.

I determined early that my laser line generating level from Home Depot was inadequate. I ordered a line generating laser from AixiZ on eBay. Good prices on the lasers and power source. I made a shutter to tighten the laser line width as the line was still a bit wide for small parts.
A tripod helps to support the laser for hand scanning. Now I would like to automate the sweep of the laser for better control.

I plan to buy the full version, heck it's cheap, and should improve future results. You will not likely get results to rival the expensive systems. You have to be able to calibrate off the background pattern that David uses, which can limit certain scanning operations. Still, I think it's a great product at an unbeatable price, that helped my product development process tremendously.

-independent- (http://www.independentdesignsolutions.com)

Hi

Just thought i would share the milled results of my head scanned using David Laserscanner. It is milled out of 2inch brass using a 2mm ballnosed tool to finish.

Flannman

http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/data/500/medium/head11.jpg

You guys should check out the NextEngine 3D Scanner video on the Jay Leno Garage site. They have a low cost, but high performance unit that allows creation of just about any file type needed for machining from.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=944641

I am just starting out with david and almost have my setup completed. I plan on making things stable using the sweep method being motor driven. Black and white sony machine vision camera. A aixiz green line laser. I just have a few more things to set up and then try my first scans.

Laser.. $49.00
camera...$28.00 e-bay
video input card $9.00 e-bay japan.
WDM Driver for card free on the web.
other parts around shop FREE.

Not having to pay $2500.00 for a scanner that will do semi acurate scans for my needs.

PRICELESS!