3D technology is something that is functioning nowadays at the core of engineering and other creativity-related fields. However, with a band of functions available with this technology, its coverage area is widening day by day and is including areas like entertainment and décor. As a further innovation, this technology is now being used for creating 3D figurines of humans using methods of body scanning. It even can bring to the substance the best of poses that you might have recorded in photographs using image scanning. Here are these two methods for 3D figurine printing explained.
Using Body Scanning Booths
This is the technology that is developed primarily for the purpose of body scanning. As they are in a booth form, they can easily be used for an all-around capture of the details of the human body. These scanning booths are equipped with sensors and 3D scanners into the pillars and corners. The person that is the subject for the figurine has to stand in the middle of the booth and make and maintain a certain pose for a few seconds to a minute until the scanners capture the full details from all the vital angles. This scanner then creates a 3D scanned image or file for the person with the associated color and contents. These scanning booths can be of different types some of which are.
- Closed body scanner: This booth is a circular cabin that is fitted with 3D scanners and cameras for scanning purposes. This is the primary and most basic design for the scanning cabinet. It allows the subject to be in the center and be captured from a three hundred and sixty-degree perspective.
- Full-body 3D scanners: In this type of scanning booth, the subject person has to stand upon a turntable that is rotating while the person aligns himself facing the 3D scanner placed vertically in front of him or her. In this method, it is the rotation that allows the full capturing of the details from the different angles and not the camera positions. The scanned file is generated when the rotation completes one cycle.
There can be different scanning technologies that can be used in the scanning process for 3D figurines for the specific purpose that they are required for. They can be:
- Photogrammetry: This is the 3D scanning process that involves capturing multiple images of the subject at once from multiple angles. Then these images are further enjoined together using algorithms to create a 3D model of the subject person or object. This technology is helpful in generating colored, textured, and high-quality scans of the body.
- Structured Light: Another method used for the purpose of scanning bodies for 3D figurines is the use of structured lighting. In this method, a number of linear patterns of light are cast upon the object or the subject person. Then the scanner uses the triangulations created for generating the 3D model. The technology of structured lighting brings sheer accuracy but demands the subject to be extremely still.
Using Image Scanning
There is no specific need for a person to stand subject to a 3D figurine as a mural; in fact, people can have some of their favorite poses captured in photographs recreated without the need to repose. This is possible via scanning the image for the recreation of the object. Here are the steps for creating the model using pictures.
- Getting a digital imprint: On a very primary basis, one will need to have the actual photograph scanned for a digital file if it is in a hard copy. Only once the picture gets into a 2D scanned file mode, the further process for the 3D figurine can be started. It can be very facilitating if the picture already exists as a digital copy and contains all the essential components on a prior basis.
- Using extrude tools: Getting a 3D model printed from a 2D image will require completing the absent factors of the third dimension for the image. This is where extrude tools can help the creators. It creates the third axis using the significant geometry obtained from other aspects of the image. It adds volume to the 2D-based model.
- Using AI: Artificial intelligence is indeed a very powerful tool for the day. It can recreate any image into a 3D design by making use of the appropriate software in the minimum possible time.
- Using Lithophane: This is a tool for getting information upon the thickness of areas in a 2D image so that they can be used for 3D printing with a sheer level of accuracy. It uses shades of the color grey for determining those areas. Darker ones will be thicker while the thinner places will show more illumination. Once after the scanning and the generation of the model, it requires slicing for the model.
Once the conversion-based processes are completed for the 3D design, then only the file can be sent to CAD-based applications for final analysis. This software checks the dimensions, symmetries, and accuracies and their compatibility for the printers.
CAD Process
The final step comes in the form of the Computer Aided designing process. It works upon finalizing the digitally created model. The software removes the inefficiencies based upon a calculative basis and measurements and makes the design compatible enough for printing with the available machinery and materials.
The Benefits Of Having 3D Figurines
- They can help in materializing great memories and moments.
- They can be perfect gifts for people, describing their selves.
- They can be used as souvenirs for special events, places, persons, and times that can always be accessed to and sensed in a tangible form.
- 3D figurines can have an entire story captured in them and therefore can serve as a prime source of attraction and decoration in guest rooms and studies.
