One of the synergies of combining 3D scanning with 3D printing is the ability to create physical replicas of real-world objects with true likeness to the original. In this tutorial, we are going to demonstrate the 3D scan to print process by taking a squirrel skull and making it twice the original size. The intention is to enlarge the skull so it can be examined in greater detail.
Let’s take a closer look at what this process looks like and then look into the various applications that would benefit its use.
Video Demonstration
If you would like a condensed version of this tutorial, view the video here:
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Step 1: 3D Scanning a Part for 3D Printing (Physical to Digital)
The squirrel skull measures approximately 2.25 inches, which is a relatively small object to scan. If you need to capture small objects into 3D in fine detail, in terms of getting the best resolution and accuracy, using a macro 3D scanning would be your best choice. A macro 3D scanner is designed specifically for scanning small objects.
In order to obtain the best quality results, the Metron Macro 3D scanner was used in the scanning portion of the project. FlexScan3D 3D scanning software comes with the Metron Macro 3D scanner. It captured individual 3D scans and merged them together into a complete digital 3D model.
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Step 2: Preparing the Model for 3D Printing
Typically in our lab, we would use FlexScan3D for preparing the scan data for 3D printing by:
- Capturing 3D scans
- Cleaning up the scan data (post-processing)
- Converting the model into a watertight model
However, in this instance, Geomagic Design X was chosen instead for advanced post-processing the scan data.
Why use Geomagic Design X?
The squirrel skull contained lots of very thin walled sections as well as small intricate holes. These features are likely too complex and unnecessary for the 3D printer to replicate. FlexScan3D has great hole filling tools and could have done a fairly decent job. When it comes to thin wall data and intricate data selection, Geomagic Design X has a more comprehensive toolset.
Instead of just filling holes, with Geomagic Design X you can build up and create new materials that were previously flat or empty in order to make a good 3D printed model. FlexScan3D does not have the ability to create more materials. In this instance, Geomagic Design X has a slight edge for post-processing this particular squirrel skull 3D model. For objects simpler than the squirrel skull, FlexScan3D would have been more than sufficient.
What is a watertight model and why do we need it?
When we talk about getting a watertight mesh file for 3D printing, this means that the 3D model needs to be completely sealed. There should be no holes and all parts of the model have been connected properly to create a sealed solid.
The word “watertight” means that if you put water inside the model, water will not leak out. Geomagic Design X and FlexScan3D software can make watertight .stl models from 3D scanner data for 3D printing.
If you don’t have a watertight model, your 3D printing job will be unsuccessful. Since 3D printing sometimes can take hours to print depending on the complexity of your object, it is best to make sure your file is properly constructed before you enter into the final 3D printing stage. If you have a bad file, your 3D printing job will get messed up. Hours will be wasted and you would have to start all over again. Double-check that your file is watertight.
Squirrel Skull – Watertight Model -
Step 3: 3D Printing a Replica (Digital to Physical)
We are now ready for 3D printing. Airwolf Axiom 3D printer 3D printed the model in PLA material. Built on top of Cura’s open source slicing engine, Apex 3D printing software was developed exclusively for Airwolf printers and is optimized to make 3D printing a straightforward process. The software easily creates a customizable print job that allows for the most efficient printing of the skull. The 3D printer uses precise electronics that allow for accurate printing, getting the tiniest of details printed. Together, the combination produces a beautiful result that is dimensionally accurate and robust.
3D printing using Apex:
- Open APEX and select your Airwolf 3D printer.
- Load your model file.
- Choose your four simple Quickprint settings (Filament, Print Quality, Print Support, and Platform Adhesion).
- Save your GCode and you’re ready to print.
It is relatively simple to 3D print using the Airwolf Axiom 3D printer. It took about a little more than 10 hours to 3D print the skull using high quality settings. It slowed down the printing process, but it would produce better results than using normal settings.
Final Results
Overall, we are happy with the final 3D print. We are able to print the squirrel skull in great detail, especially around the eye socket, teeth, and the areas around the mouth. The jaw piece is also firmly attached to the model whereas the physical skull is in two pieces. The detailed model accurately represents all the features of the skull that is also robust and durable.
Applications for 3D Scanning to 3D Printing for Object Replication
Now that we gained a good understanding of the process, let’s examine how this process is put into real-life uses.
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Art and Cultural Restoration Efforts
3D scanning and 3D printing can be beneficial for restoration efforts, particularly for cultural and art preservation. Precious pieces that represent our history are often destroyed with time or destruction. They require special maintenance and repair to preserve our history.
The restoration process involves scanning the remaining artifact, reconstructing the missing pieces using 3D modeling techniques, and finally recreating the missing pieces physically with 3D printing.
Step 1: 3D Scanning Step 2: 3D Modeling Step 3: 3D Printing Capturing 3D images of the authentic piece. Recreating missing fragments to create complete artifact. Sometimes, a duplicate or similar object can be used as a reference for scanning and modeling the missing pieces. Missing parts are 3D printed and adhere to the original piece to make it whole again. Case Study: Damaged Stone Sculptures Receive New Life Through 3D Printing
Photo credit: Chris Warde-Jones, The Telegraph Funeral Busts dated back to the second century AD were severely damaged with hammers when Isis terrorists rampaged through the archaeological site and museum. The busts, one man and one woman, was taken back to Rome where cultural heritage experts from the Italian Institute of Conservation and Restoration spent time repairing the damaged bust. The restoration efforts involved using a 3D scanner to capture the shattered faces into 3D and 3D printer to print the prosthetics.
“The resin prosthetics were coated with a very fine layer of stone dust to make them blend in with the original stone. It was a great honour for us to be able to restore such extraordinary artefacts, which were so brutally damaged by Isis.”
Gisella Capponi, director of the Italian Institute for Conservation and Restoration.
The prosthetics are removable and can be replaced with the original missing piece if they were ever found.
Read more about the restorative efforts: Stone sculptures smashed by Isil in ancient city of Palmyra restored to former glory by Italian experts
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Gain a Better Understanding of Our Past
Artefacts and fossils are often fragile, irreplaceable, and priceless, which makes it impossible to be handled on a constant basis. Researchers can use 3D scanners to capture the original specimen into 3D digital form and then 3D print them for a thorough in-depth analysis.
We as humans are tactile in nature. Once an object is 3D scanned into a digital 3D model, the way we interact with a physical model is completely different than interacting with the model on screen. We can gain more insights by seeing and touching a physical tangible 3D printed model because it is often easier than looking at digital scan data.
Case Study: 3D Printing Makes Its Way Into Online Courses
At the University of Southern Queensland, Professor Bryce Barker in the Department of Anthropology gives off-campus students the opportunity to get practical hands-on lab experience which is essential to learning the course. Students will be able to handle the 3D printed specimens in their home while getting a guided tour from the professor through online course materials to improve the way students learn. The cost of 3D printing the specimens and shipping to their homes would be much cheaper than bringing the distance and online students physically into the university (in terms of cost of travel, accommodation, etc.).
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Making Large-Scale Sculptures
Sculptor Jamie Lester scanning one of his clay sculptures using the Artec Space Spider The art of sculpture making can be further enhanced with the use of 3D technologies. Object replication using 3D scanning isn’t just restricted to the use of a 3D printer. To expand the list of material choices for producing the final sculpture, 3D scanned data can be exported for use on a CNC machine (using wood or plastic) or for a molding process (bronze casting). Typically, artists choose to work in clay first. Once the sculpture is complete, it is 3D scanned, scaled to the appropriate size (enlarge or reduction), and produced in the finishing material.
Step 1: Creating the Physical Sculpture Step 2: 3D Scanning Step 3: 3D Printing, CNC, or Molding Process Sculpting the piece in clay. 3D scanning the sculpture into 3D digital form and making any necessary modifications. Produce the final sculpture in the desired materials as specified by the artist. Case Study: Making CNC-Carved Wooden Statues from Clay Sculptures
Commissioned by the Schweizerholz (Swiss wood) initiative and the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, figurative artist Inigo Gheyselinck created wooden figures of famous Swiss people to make history come alive and to show what a great material wood is with the #WOODVETIA campaign. The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness of the benefits of wood, which is biodegradable and an eco-friendly material for construction and furniture production.
Photo credit: Artec Gheyselinck modeled the famous heads in clay. He scanned the clay sculptures and found human models which was also 3D scanned to compose the body.
Photo credit: Artec After scanning his clay sculptures using Artec Eva, the digital 3D models were then exported to CAD-compatible CNC milling machine for creating the sculpture in wood. CNC has the ability to machine soft woods at high speed.
Photo credit: Artec Read more: Making CNC-carved wooden statues of historical Swiss personalities
3D scanning broadens the use of 3D printing by expanding the number of things you can do with a 3D printer. Hopefully this will give you a better understanding of the 3D print to scan process and inspire you to find more commercial applications that can benefit from the use of these technologies.
