Library Guides: 3D Printing: 3D Scanner

New! 3D Scanning Available

The HPD Library now has a David Systems SLS-2 3D Scanner available for use.

3D scanners create a 3D computer image of a physical object. Those images can be edited and printed on a 3D printer.

The David SLS-2 consists of a projector, a camera, a tripod (or mounting arm), software, a turntable, and calibration plates. Structured light scanning projects a pattern of light and shadow on an object. The camera reads distortion in the light pattern as it is projected onto the object, and the software converts those distortions into an image. The object is rotated on the turntable to capture all sides of the object. The software merges all the images into a 3D representation of the object, which can then me exported into a variety of software formats, including .stl files for 3D printing.

The scanner is a high-end technical device. It requires some set-up and calibration for good results. If you watch and follow the tutorials, you should beady ready to scan in less than an hour.

Equipment Specifications

• Size of objects that can be scanned: 60 – 500 mm (2.4 -19.7 inches)
• Resolution/Precision: Up to 0.1% of scan size (up to 0.06 mm)
• Scanning time: a few seconds per scan
• Mesh density: Up to 1,200,000 vertices per scan
• Export formats: STL (for 3D printing), OBJ, PLY

System Requirements (the scanner must be connected to a computer and monitor/laptop)

• Standard-PC (32/64 bit - Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10)
• 3D graphics adapter
• Available VGA or HDMI port (the library has adapters)
• Two available USB ports
• Recommended: Dual-core processor, 64bit, 2 GHz, 4 GB RAM, NVIDIA or AMD graphics processor

Resources

User's manual and setup instructions
Tutorial Videos (REQUIRED)
Follow the steps in these tutorials from Growshapes and you'll be scanning in less than an hour.
Stanford University's David SLS-2 Tutorial
HPD Library has different 3D printers than Stanford, but this is a very helpful guide.

3D Scanner Projects

This flexible box for transporting frozen rat kidney's for microscopic photography was created with the HPD Library's David SLS-2 3D Scanner. Download and create your own from the NIH 3D Print Exchange - here.

Borrow the Scanner

The David SLS-2 Scanner can be used in the HPD Library Studio, or borrowed and used in your lab, home, or other location.
The scanner and accessories are in a large, rugged, wheeled, Pelican case.

The scanner is checked out out on your NSU Library account and is subject to the following borrowing agreement:

The scanner may be checked out only to HPD students, faculty, & staff.
The scanner may be borrowed for a 3 day period.
No renewals allowed.
Borrowers agree to pay replacements costs for any lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged equipment.
Borrowers agree to pay repair and shipping costs for damaged equipment.
- Replacements costs are as follows:
  - David Cam 3.1: $800
  - Acer LED 132+ Projector: $900
  - David Automatic Turntable TT-1: $1200
  - DAVID 5 USB Software dongle: $750
  - David Vision Systems Calibration Panels (cardboard): $150
  - David Vision Systems Calibration Panels (glass): $250
  - David Desk Scan Lever DSL-1: $625
  - Pelican 1660 Case: $350
  - Black tablecloth/backdrop: $15
  - Various cables and cords: replacement cost from an approved NSU vendor
  - If entire package is lost, stolen, or destroyed: $5,000

Tutorial Videos

Set Up

Calibration

Scanning

Fusing Scans with Shapefusion