Create an Affordable 3D Laser Scanner with a Raspberry Pi

There are plenty of 3D scanners on the market that can produce high resolutions of 3D objects, but that high-level detail usually comes with higher costs, even for handheld units. If a super-high resolution isn't a requirement, then maybe this low-cost Raspberry Pi 3D scanner could fit the bill. Cornell University students Michael Xiao and Thomas Scavella designed the tabletop scanner around the versatile Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, a Pi Camera V2 Module, and a line laser, which the team states can scan objects with "decent precision."

The 3D scanner employs a stepper motor and round surface to digitize objects into .obj mesh files, which can then be used to print. As the team explains, "The device does this by utilizing a line laser and an integrated PiCam to perform computer vision. The laser is positioned 45 degrees askew from the laser and projects a bright red line on one vertical slice of the object. The camera detects the slice's distance from the center to give a mesh slice. The object is spun on the rotating tray, and the process is repeated until the full object is scanned."

The 3D laser scanner's precision isn't top-notch, but objects' features are distinct, recognizable, and easily produced. Of course, after a little tuning, the team was able to adjust the resolution by factoring in the stepper motor's rotational speed (400 steps in total), which is adjustable but increases the amount of time needed for a scan the higher you go.

Regardless of resolution, the Pi-powered 3D scanner is a great educational tool for those looking at trying their hand at building their own, and the team makes that easy with a detailed walkthrough on the project page.