Where to find 3D scanners and scan software

Manufacturers of 3D scanners and 3D scanning software

We supply these links to assist all (potential) DeskProto users in selecting their optimal system configuration. Next to that we trust that these links on CNC milling will prove to be a useful source of information for many others as well. For each listing we absolutely do not pretend any completeness: many more suppliers of valuable products do exist. So do not feel offended not to be listed: please feel free to email any updates, suggestions and/or remarks to webmaster@deskproto.com
Disclaimer: we are not responsible in case any information is invalid, missing or otherwise false.

3D Scanners and Reverse Engineering software

An interesting possibility to obtain 3D geometry data for DeskProto is scanning an existing object. Many laser scanning systems are now available, some (lowcost) systems based on plain photo prints as well. DeskProto does combine very well with this type of geometry: a scanner does produce point cloud data (a bunch of measured points) that in most cases can be saved as polygon data (points converted to triangles), for instance in an STL file. DeskProto can directly machine based on this polygon data (very large files), without first having to reconstruct NURBS surfaces (which is a complex task). For DeskProto the STL file even does not need to describe a perfectly closed solid geometry.

Wikipedia - 3D scanners	Wikipedia offers a good explanation of all scanning technologies.
www.simple3d.com	Website about 3D measurement technologies: links to many system suppliers.

www.3dMD.com	Specialized in scanners for human heads and bodies.
www.3shape.com	3Shape is specialised in scanners for dental applications and hearing aids, though they can be used for other small parts too.
www.artec3d.com	Artec: handheld (camera-like) scanner, captures up to 15 times per second.
www.egsolutions.com	The LEIOS software by Enhanced Geometry Solutions in Italy offers point cloud processing and surface reconstruction.
www.3dsystems.com/software	Geomagic Wrap: surface reconstruction software, now sold by 3D Systems
www.gom.com	GOM: ATOS white light scanner with two cameras
www.imodeller.com	Imodeller: creates 3D models from a series of 2D images (digital photos).
www.lmi3d.com	LMI Technologies offers various 3D scanners.
www.makerbot.com	Makerbot digitizer: desktop device with turntable to scan small objects.
www.meshlab.net	MeshLab: free open source software for point cloud processing.
www.minolta3d.com	Minolta 3D laser scanners
www.nikonmetrology.com	Nikon Metrology: Reverse Engineering software and various 3D scanners.
www.photomodeler.com	PhotoModeler: software to construct 3D models from plain photos.
www.polhemus.com	Polhemus produces a handheld 3D scanner.
www.3dsystems.com/software	RapidForm by Inus Technology: software forscan data processing, now sold by 3D Systems.
www.intricad.com	TriAngles by IntriCAD is an ultra lowcost 3D scanner.