Hi Kristen,
I actually did a project really similar to the one you're looking to complete for my undergraduate thesis project. For mine, I 3D scanned an object at a local history museum using an iPad attachment scanner, and then worked with the digital model to create a 3D print that could be handled by visitors. Besides just doing the actual scanning, I also did a lot of research on 3D scanning/printing technologies, and how museums have successfully used it in the past.
First, I would definitely recommend reaching out to local universities like other people in the thread suggested. I luckily had my college's resources at my disposal for my project, but I'm sure there's students or programs who would be more than excited to gain hands-on experience through a collaboration. I specifically worked with Industrial Design students who had knowledge of CAD modeling, and faculty who had experience in 3D scanning for prosthetic creation, but I'm sure there are other programs that have the knowledge and tools to help you out. Collaborations are also a really great way to get assistance on more technical projects and allow students to have hands-on practice; my college had a lot of collaborative opportunities with local museums and businesses and the people in my program got a lot of benefit and experience from them.
As for the scanner I used, I borrowed one from the departments that I mentioned above. It was called a
Structure Sensor, and it's an attachment that you fit onto an iPad. Looking at their website, it seems like they retail for under $550, but are contingent on having an iPad at your disposal. The sensor was also great for capturing the general shape of an object with little or no fine details, but depending on what you're looking to scan it may not capture enough detail to be worthwhile. Another thing to consider with the quality of the scanner or scanning method is how much post-work you'll have to do to create a satisfactory 3D model. I had to tweak mine a bunch since the scanner struggled to capture some parts of the object, and teaching myself the CAD software was definitely a huge time investment. This might be where students would be useful again; if you were able to enlist the help of students who are practiced in this software it wouldn't be too difficult to create a good model even if the scanning itself doesn't yield perfect results.
Finally, I think the scanner and resources you'll need will depend a lot on what you're looking to digitize. Objects that are made of reflective materials (glass, metal, etc.) scan really poorly, since it's hard for the scanner to capture its surface easily. Objects with small or moving parts are also tough to get down right. I did a lot of research for my thesis on different scanning methods and considerations to have and I have those resources still if you'd like me to pass them along! Someone else mentioned
Photogrammetry which is definitely a viable option, but it does require a lot of post-work to get a good model from it.
If you want to look at any of my research more in-depth, the link to my thesis is here: https://scholarworks.rit.edu/theses/10139/ . Otherwise, if you want to reach out, my email address is elizabeth.carr098@gmail.com; I'd be more than happy to pass along my resources or help out in any way I can! ------------------------------
Elizabeth Carr
Rochester Institute of Technology, Museum Studies & Digital Humanities and Social Sciences
Rochester NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-02-2020 08:04 PM
From: Kirsten Tashev
Subject: 3D Object Scanning
We are exploring 3D scanning of objects in our collection to turn into online digital objects users can turn for 360 views. Has anyone done this before and have recommendations? It seems like you can purchase 3D cameras but we are wondering whether we might use a service as well. Thanks!
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Kirsten Tashev
VP Collections & Exhibitions
Computer History Museum
Mountain View CA
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