LibGuides: The Foundry: 3D Scanners

3D Scanner Information

The Foundry has a 3D scanner, and can recommend several 3D scanner apps for iPhone and Android.

With 3D scanners you can:

Create 3D models of objects, which can be edited in 3D modeling programs.
Create 3D models of rooms or larger spaces.
Print copies of objects with our 3D printers.

NextEngine 3D Scanner
The Foundry has a NextEngine 3D Scanner.
Canvas Course
Join our Canvas course for more information on access, specifications, and policies.

Additional Resources

In addition to the 3D Scanners available at the Foundry, there are a number of 3D scanner apps. All of these apps can export to file types compatible with either our 3D printers or 4-axis mill (.stl and .obj). Some of these apps require a monthly subscription or payment in order to access certain features.

Polycam
Polycam is a very popular app that uses photogrammetry. Some features (such as exporting scans as .stl and .obj files) are behind a paywall, and you have a limited number of free scans. The app can sometimes be unreliable with uploads and renders. Even with those drawbacks, Polycam is a good entry point for 3D scanning.
Luma AI
Luma AI is a phone app that uses AI and photogrammetry to make 3D scenes, which can then be exported as 3D files. Luma AI’s user interface makes 3D scanning easy, and the scans can capture hair and reflective surfaces in high detail. Some detail is lost when exporting the scene as a 3D file and Luma AI can have long loading times. Luma AI is a great option for outdoor scanning and objects too difficult for other photogrammetry apps like Polycam.
KIRI
KIRI is a reliable, effective 3D scanning app. Many features are behind paywalls. You get unlimited scanning, but have a limited number of exports per week. KIRI also supports LiDAR scanning with the iPhone pro, but this feature is also paywalled. KIRI could be a good investment for 3D scanning, especially if you have an iPhone Pro that can use LiDAR.
Meshroom
Meshroom is an open source software that uses photogrammetry to turn photos and videos into 3D files. Meshroom allows for fine tuning and for pipeline customization. Meshroom is currently only available for Microsoft and Linux. The learning curve might be steeper than the learning curves for Polycam, Luma, or KIRI, but this is a feature-rich, free option.

Creative and Instructional Technologies Librarian

Carl Teegerstrom

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