A lot of people think 3D printing is something new and many are not even aware of 3D scanning. But 3D scanning and printing have been around for a while. 3D scanning was in use when I began my career as an automotive designer in the mid 1970s. I received my first training on 3D graphic software in the early 1980s. My introduction to 3D printing was in the late 1980s.

Initially, 3D scanning was done by coordinate measuring machine (or CMM). The CMM consisted of a bed on which to set the part you wish to check and a probe that was able to move in all directions. It required a large amount of time to clamp the part in place and set up a starting point to measure length, width and height (x, y, and z). The result was a printout with the x, y and z dimensions of points on the part, which were used to verify that parts were the way the designer intended. Early CMMs were manual and required an operator to move the probe from position to position. Later CMMs were computer controlled and only required the operator to do the set up. Modern versions of CMMs are still in use. Today’s scanners use lasers or structured light to scan the entire part which can be used for reproducing parts.

By 1980 the auto companies were moving toward the use of computer aided design (or CAD). I was fortunate to get trained fairly early and then to have the opportunity to train others. Most of the systems in use early on were 2D systems which basically moved what had been done on paper to a computer screen. Although there were 3D systems available, they were more complex and therefore more expensive and harder to learn. By the late 1980s 3D was becoming predominate. The software was also becoming better and the computers more powerful. What once required a main frame computer could now run on a laptop. There are many types of 3D software depending on what it’s used for i.e. art, engineering, movie production or other things. We will be concentrating on software used in engineering. In engineering there are two main types. History based keeps a record of each step of the design process and is what most engineering uses. Direct edit allows you to make changes more easily but without a record of how the design was arrived at.

Early 3D printers used Stereolithography (or SLA) technology. A laser cures a thin layer of plastic from a tray of liquid and the part appears to be pulled out of the tray. The system most people are familiar with is Fused Deposition Modelling (or FDM). An ejector head lays down a thin layer of material and builds up the part layer by layer. In the mid 2000s open source 3D printing technology was introduced. Open source allows anyone access to the technology to design and build their own system. There are many startups on the funding sites with different versions of 3D printing systems. Open source also allows for less costly systems so an individual can afford one. FDM is the least expensive and easiest system to use, which is why most of the entry level systems, with few exceptions, are FDM.

When I first began researching 3D scanning and printing, I was surprised at the number DIY systems that were posted online. For those of you who enjoy building things, and have the time and inclination, you may want to try this approach. You must remember your results will be dependent on your ability to build and set up the system. The amount of money you have to invest will also affect your outcome. In addition, there are kits available, but results will be similar to those of DIY systems. I will be giving DIY systems limited coverage.

What I hope to do with this blog is to show the scanners and printers that are available and to review as many as I can. I will be covering some of the software used for scanning, printing and design as well. I plan on attending as many events related to 3D scanning and printing, that come to the Detroit area, as I can. I will bring you as much news on 3D scanning and printing as I can get from the events I attend and the internet. I may add a few interviews if I get some good ones.