123D Scanner – Home made 3D Scanner

Hey – have a look at my new project HERE

In this project I built a 3D Scanner, that enables generating 3D models of physical objects.

The files can later be viewed in 3D software (GLC Player, Sketchup, Rhino, or sites such as http://3dfile.io)
and even manipulated into .STL file and 3D printed.

The software for this project is completely free, I am using Autodesk’s 123D catch, Link:123D catch
The 123D Catch is a great software, it requires taking many photos of an object all around it, and uploading it into the software, and it returns a 3D file.

Since I really liked the solution but did not wanted to take the photos myself – I built an instrument that does that –
description hence.

Please note that this document does not intend to explain how to use 123D catch (this can be found here)

123D Scanner - Home made 3D Scanner

Step 1: Operation principle (can be skipped)

(This part can be skipped, it explains the logics behind the structure, The scanner will wok without this part…)

The design of the scanner is quite simple, and consists of 3 main parts:

  1. Scanner chassis and stage
  2. Scanner arm (carries the camera)
  3. Scanning surface

Each parts has it roles –

  1. The chassis – this is the part that sits on the table and carries the scanning Surface and the scanned object on it
  2. Scanner arm – The arm has the camera in the end of it, and a servo motor that presses on the button and take all of the pictures, the arm rotates around the scanning surface and takes pictures every few degrees. Pay attention that there’s a weight to balance the own weight of the camera (*)
  3. Scanning surface – a round board, with colored stripes on it, carries the scanned object. (**)

(*) The reason that the arm rotates around the object instead turning the object around is in purpose to make the stitching algorithm work easier, since if the object rotates, and the surrounding stays the same, the software work becomes complicated and the model doesnt work so well, environment -same as light sources shadows and all. (I did built one model with turned stage but the results were awful)
(**) The color stripes on the base are also in purpose to help the  stitching algorithm – the help (colors, number of lines, orientation) to stitch.

Step 2: The chassis

The chassis is built from MicroRax (Link) profiles and parts, which is very easy to use and enables the arm to rotate almost 360 degreed around the object, it also host the rotation Servo (Full rotation servo – SpringRC SM4303)
It’s base is approx rectangular 30×30 [cm]

Step 3: The scanning surface

Made of cardboard, round, placed on the top of the chassis and carries the scanned object, colored stripes are painted on the cardboard (see step 1) approximate

Step 4: The rotating arm

123D Scanner - Home made 3D Scanner circuit
The role of the arms is to carry the camera and rotate it around the scanned object, it has 3 main components:
  • Camera (Nikon Coolpix L10), any camera will do as long as its optical features can take photos in approx 10[cm] otherwise the pictures will become blurred and the 3D model will not be able to built.
  • Small servo – that pushes the camera button, (any DX.com servo will work) I thought of hacking into the camera, but since it is my wife’s – i didn’t to it…
  • Balancer – Metal block that balances the own weight of the camera and the servo and maintain the center of gravity on the axis of the rotation servo

Step 5: Scanner assembly

Hardware assembly:
This is quite straight forward, assemble the parts as seen in the pictures, ensure that the wires are long enuogh and will not get stuck during operation.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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