3D Scanner Goes Mobile

In the world of 3D scanning, a 3D scanner that is affordable and portable has usually meant that it can’t scan large objects or it can’t hold tight tolerances. However, Fuel3D, a developer of 3D scanning solutions and the company behind SCANIFY, made a recent announcement that may be signaling a change.

Fuel3D's SCANIFY Mobile Package. (Image courtesy of Fuel3D.)

A blog post on Fuel3D’s website announced that it will be showcasing two new products at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2016. The two products are a scanner mobility pack and a press-and-scan compound that can help with hard-to-scan objects, such as reflective or shiny objects. In 2015 at the same show, Fuel3D’s SCANIFY 3D scanner, which features two 3.5-megapixel cameras and three Xenon flashes, won the 2015 CES Innovation Award in the 3D printing category.

A 3D scanner is a device that can quickly capture real-world data on an object’s location, shape and possibly color, depending on the scanner. The data captured by the scanner can then be used to create an accurate 3D digital model in a CAD environment. This has changed the way the AEC industry gathers and confirms required measurements and site conditions. In my opinion, it has also helped move BIM forward as a proven methodology, especially with projects dealing with existing data.

The SCANIFY Mobile Package gives users the added option of mounting a tablet along with a 4200mAh lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery, which makes the entire scanning solution extremely portable. The ability to take an entire scanning solution about the same size of a laptop to a jobsite and verify site conditions or existing equipment is a huge benefit for those of us who need to gather that information and get it into a CAD model for design work. Being a self-proclaimed CAD and 3D printing geek, one thing that I thought was pretty cool is that instead of manufacturing and selling a myriad of mounting options for different tablets, Fuel3D is providing a customizable 3D print file so you can modify it to fit your specific model of tablet and either print it yourself or send it to an online 3D printing service.

Shiny objects can be difficult to scan, but their impression on the SCANIFY Press-and-Scan Compound can be scanned easily. (Image courtesy of Fuel3D.)

Some objects are inherently difficult to scan, such as translucent, shiny or reflective objects. The SCANIFY Press-and-Scan Compound addresses these challenges. Instead of scanning these types of objects directly, you can press them into the Press-and-Scan Compound. This creates a detailed reverse image that can then be scanned. The Press-and-Scan kit includes 0.5lbs/235g worth of compound.

The SCANIFY scanner sells for $1,490 plus tax and shipping. The add-on SCANIFY Mobile Package sells for $50 and the Press-and-Scan Compound is $14.99. To purchase or for more information, visit the Fuel3D website where you’ll be presented with an offer to receive $50 off a SCANIFY scanner just for entering your email address for subscription to the mailing list.

Fuel3D develops 3D scanning systems and solutions. Originally developed for the medical imaging sector and based on technology developed by Professor Ron Daniel, lecturer in engineering science at Oxford University, Fuel 3D now targets a much broader 3D market under the direction of Stuart Mead, CEO, a veteran of several successful global technology ventures, and supported by an expert team of hardware and software engineers and scientists.

About the Author

Jeffrey Heimgartner has more than 20 years of experience in the computer-aided drafting and design field. He manages the Lincoln, Nebraska-based drafting and design firm, Advanced Technical Services. His main responsibilities include managing the CAD team, sales, scheduling and coordinating projects, drafting and design, as well as marketing and all IT functions.

Jeffrey earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis in Computer Aided Drafting and Design from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. He has a background in farming and construction and has authored many published industry-related articles.