Design and Fabrication of 3D Scanner and 3D Printer

The process of replicating and creating new objects has always been one of the most significant trait of mankind; but this process has never been so easy to implement as it is money and time consuming and usually requires expertise in that particular field. This project of 3D scanning and 3D printin

Project Title

Design and Fabrication of 3D Scanner and 3D Printer

Project Area of Specialization

3D/4D Printing

Project Summary

The process of replicating and creating new objects has always been one of the most significant trait of mankind; but this process has never been so easy to implement as it is money and time consuming and usually requires expertise in that particular field. This project of 3D scanning and 3D printing simplifies the long and troublesome process of manufacturing and prototyping. The project consists of two basic modules that are 3D scanner and 3D printer. The 3D scanner scans the given object by detecting the 3D geometry of the object and make a 3D model out of it. The 3D printer with the help of some software, prints that 3D model and gives us the replica of that object. Moreover, after having the 3D model the user cannot just only print it but can also customize it. So with respect to engineering this project simplifies the process of rapid prototyping and reverse engineering to design and produce any object. This project can have a huge impact in many fields including medical, industrial, construction, and architecture. From a layman trying to fix anything up to a scientist experimenting in his laboratory the project can be used for designing, replicating, customizing and manufacturing purpose.

Project Objectives

In this era of development, the demand of object reproduction is rising so as to fulfill the stipulation of the target market. On a large scale, product replication is done by heavy machinery which faces the time and money constraints. Similar is the case when there is a need of replacing the damaged parts of a gadget i.e. it is time consuming to find the part as it might not match the model or might be unavailable in the home country; for that case, by virtue of the globalization, the desired part can be ordered online from another country but that would still be time consuming due to the fact that delivery procedure takes time and would be expensive due to the custom taxes etc. Hence it can be inferred that replacing damaged parts or getting new parts is both; costly and time consuming. With 3D scanning and 3D printing technique, the object can not only be replicated but also customized. The procedure followed is not only simple and convenient for an individual, but is also comparatively cheaper, time efficient, and safer for the environment (as it usually doesn’t pollute the environment and mostly it is not noisy). The main objective of this project is to become self suffiecient and do not relie on imports or heavy indutries for replicating or customizing any 3D object for prototyping or any educational or commercial use.

Project Implementation Method

The procedure is divided into 3D modules i.e. Scanner module, Computer (Software based) module and Printer module as exhibited by figure.

The scanning procedure begins by placing the object on the turntable. The laser is projected on the object to be scanned and it is in the on state at every time. The object is rotated 360? using stepper motor while the laser is being projected. At each step, the camera takes the picture of the object and distinguishes between the dark and the brightest pixels.The brightest pixels are ones on which line laser is being projected, hence those pixels will be diffrentiated and their x,y and z coordinates will be calculated. This process will go on untill all required points are calculated.The 3D model thus obtained contains point cloud images and have to be refined, smoothened and calibrated before the complete 3D model is acquired. Using the 3D modeling software like CAD, Autodesk, MeshLab and Cura, the parameters like length, height, object, depth and color can be adjusted and customized. These software are also responsible for slicing the object and creating its G-code. The G-code is basically a language which directs the machine to perform some action or movement ; particularly used by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and 3D printers. The G-code is sent to the microcontroller which interprets the data and on the basis of the G-code, drives the motors of the 3D printer to print the required 3D model by melting down the filament and layering them successively to create the 3D printed object.

Benefits of the Project

The 3D scanner which has been made in this project works in an enclosed environemnet and external light sources cannot creat hindrances during the 3d scan. It also does not get effected by the background distortions during 3d scan as it works in an enclosed environment. It gives a well detailed complete 3D scan in exact 22 minutes of all the objects that fall under the specifications of 3D scanner. It also does not require any extra graphics hardware for scanning unlike other 3d scanners in the market. 3D scanners have innumerous versatile applications in the growing industry. Some of the most common uses are given as follows:

• • Used in entertainment industry in production of video games and movies.
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Prototyping
  • Quality Control and Inspection
  • Documentation of Cultural Artifacts
  • Topographic Maps
  • Fashion Industry
  • Full Human Body Scanning
  • R&D

A 3d printer is capable of printing any object that one can imagine. May it be the biological organs or heavy machinery parts, food or clothes, common household items or the entire house, the 3D printer can print it for less cost and in less time. Doctors and biologists have created 3D printed kidneys, bones, skin and even 3D printed heart. The best part is, that one can make a 3D printer from a 3D printer. Here are some other 3D printer applications:

• Medical Field and R&D: To manufacture 3D printed body parts.
• Customization: To print any object with desired and customized features on public demand.
• Construction Industry: To 3D print entire houses economically, effectively and efficiently with less labor force and in less time.
• Food Industry: To 3D print geometric 3D cakes and other food items.
• Art and History: To create reproducible 3D printed versions of artefacts or for archiving and curating is one of the major uses within this industry.
• Aviation and Aerospace: To replicate and manufacture the parts of aircraft using metal 3D printer.
• Better GDP and Economic Growth: Many countries including Pakistan rely on imports due to lack of industry. With 3D printers, a country can manufacture its own goods and won’t rely much on the imports. Such installments would also result in job opportunities and hence better economic growth and GDP.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Printer Specifications:

Configuration: Delta Configuration

Technology: FDM

Supported Printing Material: PLA, ABS

Object Dimensions: 180mm × 180mm × 300mm

Components Used:

3D

Component

Mechanical Frame

Stepper Motor

Stepper Motor Driver

Microcontroller Platform

Shield

Power Supply

Heat Rod

Thermistor

Fans

LCD

Limit Switches

Build Plate

Pulley System

Filament Tube

Carbon Fiber Tubes

Filament

Wires, Nuts, Washers, Bolts and Hex Key Set

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Type of Industry

Manufacturing

Technologies

3D/4D Printing, Robotics, Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com