MakerBot Digitizer™ (MP03955)

The MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner uses Laser Line Triangulation to scan an object to produce a ready-to-print 3D file in as little as twelve minutes, without requiring any post-processing. It creates a digital 3D model of a physical object by taking a rapid sequence of pictures with a built-in camera as the object rotates automatically on the turntable. Two lasers, mounted on the left and right corners, create laser lines that profile the object as the camera takes photographic sequences. The MakerWare for Digitizer software provided combines the photographs of the laser lines to create a point cloud. When the scan is complete, the software generates a viewable 3D mesh file that can be sent immediately to a MakerBot or other 3D printer, or modified in almost any 3D modeling software.  The software creates industry standard stereolithography (STL) files which can be imported into or modified with most 3D modeling software.

Important additional information about the Makerbot Digitizer

Entry-level digitizers will always have limitations, and this one is no exception.  Its value is in rendering a file which in some cases will be good enough for a close reproduction, and in other cases will give the user a file which can be modified to produce a better reproduction, thereby saving the time required to build a file from scratch in a CAD program.  We recommend this unit for early adopters and those with some experience in 3D scanning and printing.  The digitizer will have difficulty scanning certain types of objects.  Based on our testing of the digitizer, here are some things you should know:

• Textured surfaces may not reproduce in the detail of the original
• Very shiny objects may not scan
• Objects with high contrast may not scan well
• Note that the scanning process tends to fill in dimples or holes in an object
• Keep in mind that the digitizer cannot see the top or the bottom of an object on the turntable

The note about objects with high contrast needs some additional information.  Light settings on the digitizer can be adjusted for light, medium or dark objects.  Consequently, white objects, dark objects, and objects with moderate contrast can usually be scanned effectively.  However, objects with high contrast will usually not scan well no matter which light setting is used.  On the light object setting, dark areas are not properly recorded.  On the dark object setting, light areas are not properly recorded.  And on the medium setting for a high contrast item, neither the dark or light areas will record well.  One solution which may be applicable in some cases:  Paint a high-contrast object with a flat water-based paint.  Use a paint which remains water-soluble after drying in case the paint needs to be removed later.