Photon 3D Scanner
Matterform's Photon caters to people who want to get in on the 3D printing action, but have no existing computer modeling skills, and no desire to acquire any. A desktop-sized 3D scanner, the Photon will convert any physical object into a 3D model on screen. From there, users can print the file on any 3D printer or, in absence of that costly hunk of tomfoolery, through any online printing service. Alternatively, they can opt to transfer the rendering to an animation or video game.
Developed with anyone, anyone at all in mind, Photon use entails 4 steps: 1) Unfold it; 2) Plug it in; 3) Place a GI Joe on the scan bed; 4) Press go. Amazingly, almost as if by an act of 21st century technology, the physical object turns virtual. Apply the Photon to reverse engineering projects, prototype development, object duplication, existing product modification, archiving, and, my favorite, experimentation. Now let me ask you this Matterform: I know the scan base has some size limitations, but do you think that if I scanned in segments I could achieve a respectable replica of my butt? I don't ask because I'm a perv or a narcissist, but because I truly believe that perfection should be preserved.
The Photon scanner's copy-and-transfer capabilities stem from its high definition camera and dual laser lines, which capture 3D scans in as little as 3 minutes. Objects up to 7-1/2" in diameter x 9-3/4" high are fair scanning game, and the Photon's (free) software was designed in conjunction with its hardware, so their integration is seamless and the process straightforward. Currently, models developed from the Photon are storable as .STL, .OBJ, and point cloud .PLY formats, but Matterform aims to establish 3D file compatibility with all major CAD packages, 3D modeling software, and 3D printers.
The Photon runs as an Indiegogo campaign through April 30, 2013.
Muchas danke to The Awesomer.
December 2013 Update: The Photon far exceeded its crowdfunding goal and is now available for direct purchase through the Matterform website--follow the link below.
LIX 3D Printing Pen
Paperless pens and drawing in 3D. True, we've seen it in the 3Doodler, but LIX is the first 3D printing pen to condense this technology into a writing instrument of normal proportions. You know, rather than one that looks...
3Doodler - 3D Printing Pen
Bring your doodles to life. Well, except for the animation and biological functionality parts. So more like, give your doodles 3 dimensions, without the added concern of feeding or sending them to private school. WobbleWorks'...
$100 3D Printer
July 2016 Update: I received the following email from a Dude reader this week: "Hey, just a heads up, I just checked their page and the inventor says that the business partner stole people's money whom invested in this...
Structure - 3D Sensor for Mobile Devices
Occipital believes the future of computer vision is mobile. That means the company's forthcoming Structure Sensor for iPad has 3D depth--the camera attachment captures accurate, all-dimensional measurements and models...
/MakerBot-ThingO-861.jpg?mode=crop "MakerBot Thing-O-Matic 3D Printer Kit")
MakerBot Thing-O-Matic 3D Printer Kit
If you're not familiar with 3D printers yet, it's time to start familiarizing yourself. A 3D printer actually "prints" an object you design on your computer by laying down successive layers of material. This offers the...
Mycestro 3D Mouse Ring
Controlling objects through abracadabra gestures seems to be a hot trend right now. So can someone please make me a Mycestro 3D Mouse ring or MYO Armband that, in addition to manipulating my PC, will also abracadabra...
/twinkind-3d-printed-me-8310.jpg?mode=crop "Twinkind - 3D Printed Me")
Twinkind - 3D Printed Me
A miniature exact replica of mine own self, scanned and 3D printed to order? Hmmm. How about a gargantuan, like 10:1, 3D-printed twin that I can fill with air as I would a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ballon and float...
Orbit1 Electroplater - Coat Anything in Metal
The Midas Touch: now available for as little as $2 per gram. 3D printing is still cool and all, but in technology years it's getting to be an old man. Between hobbyists being able to print their trinkets on desktop models...
Shark Hologram LED Night Light Lamp
If they'd given Joseph an Amazing Technicolor Dream Shark instead of a Dream Coat, this holographic LED lamp is probably what it would have looked like. It would've been a way better gift too--I bet Joseph's brothers...
Lumi - Sunlight-Printed Fabric Kit
My brother used to screen print T-shirts. He made me one with a Charlie Brown-looking assembly of twigs and a lone ornament that said, Merry Christmas Plant a Tree. And another with Danielle Fishel's face that said, Topanga...
/eora-3d-smartphone-powered-19680.jpg "eora 3D - Smartphone-Powered 3D Scanner")
eora 3D - Smartphone-Powered 3D Scanner
eora 3D says they've created the first 3D scanner that is as precise as it is affordable. And they might be right. eora 3D scans an array of physical objects and surfaces to sub-100 microns, with scans captured in full-color...
/nike-fit-digital-foot-scanner-39194.jpg?mode=crop "Nike Fit Digital Foot Scanner")
Nike Fit Digital Foot Scanner
Oh boy, sneaker shoppers. Nike Fit, an app-based scanner that uses computer vision, machine learning, AI, and recommendation algorithms to find your perfect Nike shoe size, is about to hit the Nike app online store. Let...