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How to 3D Scan an Object, Without a 3D Scanner

All you need is a camera and some software. Photogrammetry FTW

By Rain Noe - November 4, 2019

In this tutorial, industrial designer Eric Strebel shows you how to 3D scan an object, when you haven't got a 3D scanner. Using a camera and photogrammetry--in Strebel's case, Agisoft Metashape, as it runs on a Mac--you can get good results, provided you follow the preparation and photography tips shown here. From quickly salt-and-peppering the surface of the object to ensuring you're taking the right kinds of photographs, Strebel's tips should save you a load of time down the line.

His basic process:

1. Object set-up

2. Camera set-up

3. Lighting set-up

4. Run the software

5. Fix holes in the mesh

6. Export the data

7. Import into your CAD package

Here's the run-through:

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How to 3D Scan an Object, Without a 3D Scanner

Joe Babb

11 months ago

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Thanks very much for sharing this. I've looked at 3D scanners but this might work for me better.

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Renze Rispens

11 months ago

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For Windows / Linux users, I can recommend Meshroom. Youtube has some good tutorials to get you started.

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Rain Noe

I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.