tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70593186355846441922024-03-18T00:35:32.686-07:00Cubify 3D Printing Fans & FunTom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.comBlogger360125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-49564829851672020182023-09-02T10:26:00.008-07:002023-09-02T10:36:02.892-07:00THREE 3D Scanner: Fourth Example - Miniature<p>Scalability in a 3D scanner is a hugely important feature. And, with their latest example, on the <b><a href="https://matterandform.net/blog/three-resolution-accuracy-and-price-and-a-gaming-miniature-scan">Matter and Form Blog</a></b>, we are able to get a glimpse of the scalability to be offered with the new THREE 3D scanner from Matter and Form. </p><div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper" style="text-align: left;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; xr-spatial-tracking" allowfullscreen="" execution-while-not-rendered="" execution-while-out-of-viewport="" frameborder="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/19541d2d4f184c12895211d42ef68e04/embed" title="Warhammer Ultramarine" web-share="" webkitallowfullscreen="true" xr-spatial-tracking=""> </iframe></div> <p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/warhammer-ultramarine-19541d2d4f184c12895211d42ef68e04?utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=share-popup&utm_content=19541d2d4f184c12895211d42ef68e04" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1caad9; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"> Warhammer Ultramarine </a> by <a href="https://sketchfab.com/drewshark?utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=share-popup&utm_content=19541d2d4f184c12895211d42ef68e04" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1caad9; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"> drewshark </a> on <a href="https://sketchfab.com?utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=share-popup&utm_content=19541d2d4f184c12895211d42ef68e04" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1caad9; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Sketchfab</a></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: center;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">This miniature is just a bit over 1" tall at 35.52mm. The blog says that this minature was captured at a distance of 220mm, which is the minimal distance that both cameras can focus on the same location. At this "Near" distance, the THREE can achieve 37 micron resolution and 35 micron accuracy. Keep that 1.4" tall size in mind as you check out the result! </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">None of the many 3D scanners we used at YouthQuest or Phillips Programs could come close to achieving this kind of resolution on such a small object. But, when we tried to go in the opposite direction, BIG, we faced similar hurdles. Our handheld scanners could nominally do it; but, lost tracking easily and it was a very frustrating process.<br /></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">However, when we put together all the scans we have seen so far from Matter and Form, we begin to see a different set of capabilities from the THREE. So, we wee have seen successful scans from the coin and minature at around 1.4" to the air intake of a Mustang at 22.5". </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">I created a fake 3D printer profile in Cura, with a <b><i>very</i></b> large print area, and brought all the scans onto the print bed to give us some idea of the scalability we have seen so far. That's very impressive.</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkhjbUjF6ylGmFDIOFlBIxGeX_60jCM1OIFw8rAIQftRQv-Ikgs6UOXO10GA9bYtS1EvsHgq4vFI8zjm-uIkUrFVoTNWHTpczXtHdihMgsAibs88RHrn-YMVu9QpUMzGX9tFI00l1_P9QKh3dZP92DxicWN9lGplJdF4gSnNroFxlur9YZfRNL7EP24PK/s1916/Scalable00_Sizes.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1916" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkhjbUjF6ylGmFDIOFlBIxGeX_60jCM1OIFw8rAIQftRQv-Ikgs6UOXO10GA9bYtS1EvsHgq4vFI8zjm-uIkUrFVoTNWHTpczXtHdihMgsAibs88RHrn-YMVu9QpUMzGX9tFI00l1_P9QKh3dZP92DxicWN9lGplJdF4gSnNroFxlur9YZfRNL7EP24PK/s320/Scalable00_Sizes.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THREE 3D Printer - Scalability Comparison<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">We also have to remember that the Mustang capture size was only limited by the actual size of the target. It was captured using multiple (13) scan passes that were aligned to create the final 3D object. It is unclear what the actual practical size limits might be; but, I have to believe that if we needed to do so, we could capture even bigger objects.</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">One of the reasons why we could do so is that the Matter and Form team decided NOT to make the THREE a handheld scanner, which requires an entirely different scanning strategy than the tripod mounted strategy of the THREE. The tripod mounted strategy allows for a much more methodical and efficient scanning approach. The capture involves selecting a specific target area, capturing and then moving the scanner to a position to capture an adjacent; but, overlapping area until the entire target is fully scanned. Only after capturing do we move on to alignment and consolidation. The primary benefit of this strategy, is that should we find that we missed overlapping an area, we can easily add a new capture to fulfills the missing area(s).</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">While I appreciate what ALL of the 3D scanners we used where able to bring to the educational experience in our work with students, I have to admit that losing tracking was never a favorite part of the experience with our handheld scanners. And, we just never even tried to scan anything as small as 1.4" tall. Most of our successful scans were around the size of the shoe.</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><b>ACCURACY & RESOLUTION vs DISTANCE </b></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">Scalability does not mean that the THREE 3D scanner can achieve 35 micron accuracy and 37 micron resolution over it's entire scan range. Like any projection based system, the White-Light system used by the THREE spreads out as distance is increased. In the blog entry revealing the miniature scan results, Matter and Form also provided a chart that depicts the varying ranges of accuracy and resolution at various distances from the scanner.</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><th>DISTANCE FROM SCANNER</th>
<th>Z ACCURACY IN MICRONS</th>
<th>RESOLUTION IN MICRONS</th></tr>
<tr><td>220 mm / 8.66" </td> <td>35</td> <td>37</td></tr>
<tr><td>400 mm / 15.74" </td> <td>108</td> <td>65</td></tr>
<tr><td>700 mm / 27.55"</td> <td>324</td> <td>114</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">In practical terms, this simply means that should the user desire more precise accuracy, they need to capture more individual scans at a closer distance over the same target area. Thus, the user is in control of the accuracy vs. number of scans that best fits their needs. Again, this is a hugely beneficial situation over that faced by handheld scanner users.</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><b>PRICE ANNOUNCED</b></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">For the first time, the price for the THREE was announced as expected to be <b>USD $2999</b>. This will include the THREE scanner, a turntable, a tripod, calibration card, power adapter (See Note), and a carrying case.</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> <br /></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">That puts it above what many, including myself, expected, considering the price point of their initial scanner. But, unlike some, I don't think we are, with the little information we have now, in a position to assess the true price/performance value. What I do know is that not a single scanner I have ever used, could be called an unqualified success for its cost. They were usable, useful and effective for our needs. But, each and every one had limits in one way or the other that left us wanting for more.</p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">It could be that $2999 (or less for those taking advantage of Kickstarter savings) just might be the sweet spot that breaks open a large percentage of the limitations sub-$2000 scanner users have faced and gotten us much close to the performance of scanners costing tens of thousands of dollars. </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">A $3000 scanner that is heavily used because it works is a LOT more valuable than a $1200 scanner that sits in a closet 90% of the time. It's all about results and productivity. The reason I am willing to wait before passing judgement is because I have come to know the company, its commitment to users and their already having created THE best workflow of any of the scanners we've used. I do not believe they set the price on a whim. I trust that the cost is based on what they believe it will take to guarantee the highest price/performance value. </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">Over a twenty-plus year period, I worked as part of a software team that created software that the allowed military and NASA to asses the sweet spot for purchasing spares for aircraft and space that allowed them to reach the most number of flying hours for the least amount of dollars. </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFVUG78XmgodSm1ghjvLB-qVOUoa7JbRBS-JHM_S6uPzbF6vIOMZLffJxzNaKB91IGC3djABUW7C0q07KzrKl5Euv35IwsLHr4t6o4i8cQrpueFv6OAv1O_1mWVtaM_URhXB_mf3IKx0p2VTTsiiYxHs3Sz5VZ7N7LMAe58ufkkRNVQnTy-oK4dmcXxWU/s474/Sustainability.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="474" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFVUG78XmgodSm1ghjvLB-qVOUoa7JbRBS-JHM_S6uPzbF6vIOMZLffJxzNaKB91IGC3djABUW7C0q07KzrKl5Euv35IwsLHr4t6o4i8cQrpueFv6OAv1O_1mWVtaM_URhXB_mf3IKx0p2VTTsiiYxHs3Sz5VZ7N7LMAe58ufkkRNVQnTy-oK4dmcXxWU/s320/Sustainability.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aircraft Sustainability Model (Target Budget)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;">And, in every case, until a threshold was reached, increased spending resulted in increased productivity. Beyond that sweet spot, spending more made little difference in increasing available flying hours. I'm guessing that we might be very pleasantly surprised to learn that $2999 becomes that threshold for 3D scanning when the TREE is released.<br /></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="color: #4a4a4a; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; text-align: left;"><br /></p></div>
Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-90590249145650473662023-08-26T10:22:00.012-07:002023-08-27T10:22:25.200-07:00Matter and Form THREE: Third Example Scan (Car Parts)<p> Matter and Form continues to reveal more examples as they continue to develop their new THREE 3D Scanner system. The first scan demonstrated scanning very small, shiny objects (coins) that demonstrated excellent detail of fine features of the coins. The second scan demonstrated scanning a typical turntable sized object, a shoe and demonstrated 360 degree scanning in ALL directions, including the sole. And, now comes the third example. The air intake on a Mustang.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sSJRV9_Scak" width="320" youtube-src-id="sSJRV9_Scak"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p>This example not only demonstrates how larger targets are captured; but, give us more insight into the entire scanning and post-processing workflow.</p><p>I have worked with the original Matter and Form scanner and it is the workflow of that scanner that lead me to be a huge fan of Matter and Form's approach to 3D scanning. So, this video was especially important to me. It demonstrated that the designers of the THREE have built upon their earlier excellent scanning process; but, also have given us even MORE control over the final outcome by adding manual alignment tools.</p><p>Putting the three demonstration videos together, we can begin to organize our thoughts into four categories to evaluate how the THREE will help those of us that believe their is an important place for 3D scanning in education. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Scan Quality</b></li><li><b>Scan Bandwidth</b></li><li><b>Capture Process</b></li><li><b>Post-Capture Process</b></li></ul><p>Each of these categories represent important advances demonstrated by the THREE and the processes presented by Matter and Form and their suitability for the classroom.</p><p><b>SCAN QUALITY </b></p><p><b></b></p><p>The first Matter and Form Scanner began life in 2012 and was introduced in 2013 as a crowd-funded project on <b><a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-matter-and-form-3d-scanner#/">Indiegogo</a>. </b></p><p>That means that they have had almost a decade of experience working with users and listening to what they wanted in the next generation of scanners. They also had time to evaluate not only their initial scanning strategies; but, the strategies of others, and have opted to move to using Fixed Position, white-light scanning for the THREE rather than being handheld. The result is vastly superior resolution and accuracy over first generation scanners. The details in the coin captures demonstrated this. But, the smoothness of the smooth areas of the air duct further confirm it. There is still a little noise patterning; but, may less than any of the 3D scanners we have used. It's very impressive.</p><p>Obviously, scan quality is at the top of everyone's list when looking forward to a new scanning platform. But, it is not the only consideration in an educational setting. As I have written before, the Einscan may have been able to obtain better results than the original Matter and Form in some cases; But, from an educational value perspective the Matter and Form's workflow was superior. And, our primary job is to provide the most valuable educational experience to the students in our care. With this new scanner, it appears we will get both very high scan results and an enhanced workflow in every respect.<br /></p><p><b>SCAN BANDWIDTH</b></p><p> I struggled with how to describe this category of evaluation<b>. </b>But, I settled on the term bandwidth to cover both the breadth of the <b>THREE's</b> ability to capture dark as well as lighter objects and the much wider range of sizes that can be captured.<b> </b>A scanner that is equally capable of capturing the details of coins and the expanse of engine parts has to be recognized as having pretty wide bandwidth!</p><p>But, special mention has to be made of the enhanced ability to capture darker objects than first generation scanners. We struggled with this issue with ALL of the scanners we used and I cannot wait to see the final performance of the <b>THREE</b> in this regard firsthand. The air duct scan looks awesome and shows real promise in this important area. While they did mention the parts were dusty, they did not have to spray the parts to capture an excellent scan.</p><p>The first Matter and Form scanner was married to the turntable. While the THREE benefits by being able to use a turntable, it is now freed from being locked to it. This video not only demonstrates how this new strategy increases the bandwidth for targets; but, for those of us that have experience using handheld scanners, confirms the wisdom of taking the fixed-position, tripod approach. It is MUCH faster and completely removes the lost tracking issues plaguing handheld users.. <br /></p><p><b>CAPTURE PROCESS</b></p><p>Where the first Matter and Form scanner excelled over all the other scanners we used was in the process they presented to the user.<b> </b>Giving the user control over quicker scan times vs. immediate quality is so much more important in the classroom than one might first believe.<b> </b>But, enhancing that ability by vastly improving scan speed is a real game changer for users.<b> </b>Scan time appears to be stunningly fast with the THREE.<b> </b></p><p>Thankfully, the THREE retains my favorite part of the Matter and Form workflow<b>... </b>multi-step scan projects.<b> </b> </p><p>With the low-cost handheld scanners we've used, the capture was an all or nothing proposition. You get what you get.<b> </b> Matter and Form projects, on the other hand, can always be amended and improved by adding scans.<b> </b></p><p>While it's easily missed, we see this, in action, in this video when Drew realizes that he did not capture enough overlap between two segments being captured and added a new scan covering the oversight.<b></b></p><p>Even if he had not realized this until MUCH later, he STILL could have saved the final scan by coming back and adding a new scan to the process!<b></b></p><p>While I won't get deep into the value of the feedback offered by the projection system as new scans are being considered, seeing it helps me in thinking about how I could use this feature in the classroom to engage ALL of the students in the capture process. We'll come back to this topic as new examples are released.<b><br /></b></p><p><b>POST-CAPTURE PROCESS</b></p><p>Being able to have a project where multiple scans are combined automatically to form a final product was one of the things I liked most about the original Matter and Form. But, sometimes, being able to control the alignment manually is of real benefit. I REALLY like the strategy we see in the above video where we see the use of color coding and large numeric targets being used to aid us in manually telling the software how we want individual scans aligned to complete the whole.</p><p>From a teacher's perspective, this presents the perfect platform for students to develop critical thinking skills as they have to compare parts presented in different spacial orientations looking for point pairs. Deciding the order in which individual scans are added to the combined project also provides valuable insight and experience.</p><p>But, I am wondering if this isn't an area where providing a hybrid approach to the post-processing interface might not be very valuable for classrooms.<br /></p><p>We are told that the <b>THREE</b> will be using an edge computing strategy where all of the actual work is being performed by the scanning hardware, itself, with a browser based user interface. If this remains true for every aspect of the workflow then it has some implications for the classroom.</p><p>It means that the post-processing must be done while the scanner is attached to the browser. As an individual, I have no problem with that. And, I can certainly appreciate it as a teacher.</p><p>But, to me, a hybrid approach would offer something special. Distributed engagement. By that I mean homework.</p><p>If, in addition to the onboard software of the THREE, there was an app that could handle post-processing independently of the THREE, then each student could be tasked with using those scans to create a final result. This presents an opportunity for ownership of each student over the entire capture process, even if they only observed the original scanning. And, it would give the teacher a better gauge with which to evaluate a student's actual understanding of the process.</p><p>If that app also included something like Tinkercad's classroom strategy, where teachers can easily bring up the work of individual student's for review, it would be even more beneficial. While this is probably not viable for the initial release of THREE, I think it is something that would make it even more appealing to educators.<br /></p><p>But, for now, I am just grateful that Matter and Form has not only kept the workflow we have come to appreciate; but, appears to be improving and refining it to give us even more control over our scans.<b><br /></b></p><p>. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-66799214238242904132023-08-15T11:07:00.001-07:002023-08-15T11:07:23.016-07:00Reverse Engineering Challenge - Calipers or Scan<p>Some months ago, I was asked by a <span>colleague, that knew I had some 3D scanners, if I could help him create a replacement part for a vintage </span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Allant%C3%A9">Cadillac Allanté</a>.</b></p><p><b>Reverse Engineering: Using Calipers <br /></b></p><p>Unfortunately, none of the scanners available to me at that time were really up to the task. So, I agreed to use Moment of Inspiration to recreate the part for him.</p><p>I used two methods for reverse engineering the part. The first step was to take photos of the part from every direction. I was able to bring these photos into Moment of Inspiration to use as guides.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRcS6_ZrR_89hdih-plGV4NX17RxQlNOQ7OjxjiNdNckQ8haxodcJqfqP_fuu0BLCP_dkgsg9B8SfomaWjaw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> None of these photos could be completely relied upon for accurate dimensions because of the distortions due to proximity and angles when using a handheld device. But, they were useful to help ensure I was at least close to the original as the part was designed.<p></p><p>Digital calipers were used to obtain accurate dimensions. But, even here, there were some difficulties because of the location of some of the holes in the part and because the original part's features were not consistent. It looked like the part has been modeled in clay or wax to create the original mold for the part made from some unknown resin or plastic.</p><p>Fortunately, we had the original part for comparison for with a few iterations we were able to finally arrive at a 3D printed part that accurately represented the original in a useful form.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwpXtXpJSYcviMoKaKV7eqqzu5KvRArLojJkq1GIIykg1cu5WY1ytFfi0YR4oOxOop1RlkBXurZueWqU7Ql_Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>While the final result was accurate and useful, the amount of cost, in terms of time expended, was probably WAY out of proportion to the cost of the original part were it available. But, the part was no longer available commercially and impossible to find even as a used part. But, being critical to the operation of the<span style="color: #444444;"><b> </b>Allanté,it was the only available option if I was going to be able to help my colleaque.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">But, what if I had had a different scanner available? What might we need and how might it have been helpful? <br /></span></p><p><b>Reverse Engineering: 3D Scanning</b></p><p>3D Scanners cover a very broad category with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to many tens of thousands of dollars. And, the technologies used by various scanners also cover quite a range from white-light to lasers. Any scanner tackling this job has to be able to accurately capture small objects. This part measures under 50mm in all directions.<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXCZG2QOmDR5xHuH_HLKFhKKmgvAGoRU_Czud8zuBcbNQJh9akaSeHPUJXB0hWuUpZYRA8UYuAoZ4nCMGtbLPpvKk5ZWmVmMWUT4g0rz7jsbRSVR-O-vHnn4qXWa4RqnmrPQr7zY1smfLc0JhqoSIIfPHvU8sHdkBIrh4ZpZEl4qbdUPupYyk-QTqow3x/s1113/Vintage%20Cadillac%20Part.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1113" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXCZG2QOmDR5xHuH_HLKFhKKmgvAGoRU_Czud8zuBcbNQJh9akaSeHPUJXB0hWuUpZYRA8UYuAoZ4nCMGtbLPpvKk5ZWmVmMWUT4g0rz7jsbRSVR-O-vHnn4qXWa4RqnmrPQr7zY1smfLc0JhqoSIIfPHvU8sHdkBIrh4ZpZEl4qbdUPupYyk-QTqow3x/s320/Vintage%20Cadillac%20Part.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cadillac Part Dimensions<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But, the greatest challenge to any scanner are the hidden cavities, strange undercuts, fillets and holes. <br /></p><p>I am not sure that any 3D scanner, of any price point, could completely scan all of the features of this part. But, could a high quality 3D scanner have been able to be helpful in speeding up the process. And, if so how?</p><p>The first requirement would be high accuracy. flat features would have to be flat and the general shape would have to be accurately captured so that ALL features were accurately located. If the output of the scanner could be brought into a CAD program, features hidden from the scanner could be added. All that would be necessary from the scanner would be accurate capture of the location and size of the entrances to the holes. The more well defined the edges, the better.<span style="color: #444444;"></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">To be a success, a scan does not have to 100% identical to the original in every aspect. It only has to cut down on the time it takes to reach the point where a replacement part is 100% functionally identical. If we can use a scan to accurately create the basic shape and locate holes, etc., enabling us to bring that shape into a CAD application for finishing, then that qualifies as a successful scan. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">At the very least, attempting to scan this part would be an extremely useful learning endeavor. It would most likely require some novel placement of a turntable and, perhaps, some 3D printed props, or clay, for holding it in positions for capturing the undersides of various features. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">If anyone has a scanner and would like to give it a try, here is a link to the .STL that could be printed on an SLA printer for scanning.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><b>https://bevelpix.com/creations/64dbbda577faaa04de50a66e</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"> I'd love to hear about your scanning attempt.<br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">By the way, it is possible to convert .STL files to .STEP files and bring them into Moment of Inspiration for editing.<br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-24069691528937243792023-08-11T11:46:00.008-07:002023-08-11T14:12:28.068-07:00Matter & Form THREE - Second Example Scan (Shoe)<p> Well before my interest in 3D, I was sometimes called upon by investors to help them determine the potential pros and cons of investing in a particular endeavor or product. This process is called "Due Diligence" and the skill most needed is observation to details. It is something I enjoyed doing and continue to apply those skills when examining new products entering the marketplace.</p><p>The goal isn't to find THE perfect product. They do not exist. The goal is to determine whether or not a product presents a good value for the investment to be put into it. That includes taking into account the people behind the product. Right now, my focus is on the Matter & Form THREE 3D scanner. And, the team behind this product is one reason for my interest. I have experience using not one; but, two Matter & Form scanners in multiple classroom situations. Moreover, I have had excellent response to my questions regarding the best practices using those scanners.</p><p>The original Matter & Form scanner is not a perfect solution. But, when compared to all of the scanners we owned at YouthQuest Foundation and Phillips Programs, including the Einscan, it was the easiest to use and provided the most educational value because of the scanning strategy utilized by Matter & Form. The software not only encouraged experimentation; but, provided the feedback students need in order to continually improve their results.</p><p>Now we come to the place where this same company has announced a new product offering much higher resolution and much higher accuracy. And, I have to believe that the solution and accuracy not only applied to the underlying mesh; but, with two 13mp Sony imaging chips, the material captures and wrapping as well.</p><p>But, for now, all we can do as pertains to performing our due diligence is to rely on the scan examples we have so far. And, neither, so far, have included capturing the materials. That's OK. Because, it lets us focus on the underlying mesh with no distractions. Here is a link to the original scan that Matter & Form uploaded to Sketchfab.</p><p><b><a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/three-hilfiger-shoe-mesh-b5275a878dfa4181b9dac44e3e436f56">https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/three-hilfiger-shoe-mesh-b5275a878dfa4181b9dac44e3e436f56</a></b></p><p>I downloaded the .STL version from Sketchfab so that I could evaluate the scan using <b><a href="http://meshmolder.com">MeshMolder</a></b>, a wonderful inexpensive application. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyg35IFVhJdAPAB2WUPNrzDrSyU-1MYKbEv6qSWxjkebTusafLutsXTaAcGwl6zWWg_JLLrAn-GPC2GaqrP7Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>Matter and Form also posted an image of the original shoe on the Reddit 3D Scanning forums. Without the original image we have no way to ascertain just how accurately the THREE 3D scanner replicated the shoe. I cropped the image to better zoom in on the details.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GnLYlCOK2QWrjgp49QLhlDlpej9irKPD5x6LA3zV1ceCTsJ972xFwmRk0vOJUy23j-tllzMe3rMExL_AoUYNVqENUWRy31N2CrzVq0_F65cEhus03t2W5hc_zzzCBSos79XXLbMeyZTwA4vfP3DVqfxwT5-UWiDnB1VR9Yvr0ohqDUdMMt4GqFZgXqFD/s2838/Shoe01%20-%20Turntable.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="2252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GnLYlCOK2QWrjgp49QLhlDlpej9irKPD5x6LA3zV1ceCTsJ972xFwmRk0vOJUy23j-tllzMe3rMExL_AoUYNVqENUWRy31N2CrzVq0_F65cEhus03t2W5hc_zzzCBSos79XXLbMeyZTwA4vfP3DVqfxwT5-UWiDnB1VR9Yvr0ohqDUdMMt4GqFZgXqFD/w318-h400/Shoe01%20-%20Turntable.png" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Scanned Show<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Having the image of the original immediately cleared up one of my reservations at first glance. It was not a smooth leather shoe; but, a cloth shoe, which accounts for some of the texture along the sides. But, even so, there appears to be more texture than actually existed. Fortunately, when I pointed this out on the Reddit forums relative to some artifacts in the coin scans, I immediately got this reply.</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>CubifyFan<br />6 days ago<br /><br />I did notice some noise in places that are smooth in the coin. I've always been a bit bothered by smooth surfaces not being scanned as smoothly as they are in real life. Accurate capture of NON-features should be just as important as capturing detailed features.<br /><br />I suspect this is capture device noise, which we also face when using high ISO in digital cameras. Experienced photographers sometimes use layering or stacking of multiple images to reduce noise by pixel averaging across the layers. I'm wondering if we could be given a choice to use a similar 'layered multi-scan' technique to cancel noise in a 3D scan to smooth flat areas without compromising actual detail.<br /><br />drewshark<br />6 days ago<br /><br />Yes it's noise from the cameras, you're right. We've identified three major sources of noise in our scans. And your idea of multi layering is something we want to explore to compensate for one of the sources. Thanks for the great idea!<br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>That shows me that they are already on the issue. So, for now, I'm not too concerned about it.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">So, let's look at some specific areas of the shoe to see what we can gleam from this example.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>THE SOLE</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">A good place to start in evaluating the accuracy of the scan is the are around the front of the sole.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1v6_9DnpdYoLqp_TG3wh5sRbz6eqKA2rCX5YebOmVrgOwzxmdyrEq0x3GT4IeJeYO46poaIuLLQ5kOHyHKhfG3PcUEgJGvt_fObgGej_vJSncdGKVDSIqzYmIGVAWIpsCtaaXLFAWbJNZuOHWW5rDbcEBgaIhOpjZ75NlSyac8Iun3gQ3glN_mjuUYWV/s1154/Shoe04%20-%20Sole.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1154" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1v6_9DnpdYoLqp_TG3wh5sRbz6eqKA2rCX5YebOmVrgOwzxmdyrEq0x3GT4IeJeYO46poaIuLLQ5kOHyHKhfG3PcUEgJGvt_fObgGej_vJSncdGKVDSIqzYmIGVAWIpsCtaaXLFAWbJNZuOHWW5rDbcEBgaIhOpjZ75NlSyac8Iun3gQ3glN_mjuUYWV/w400-h191/Shoe04%20-%20Sole.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image of the Shoe Sole</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_9Qy0btD8ZyExYyKEHQw4G2WnZJAs2xR1cFjnkMnKqZDyjnQORyCw9zZjsR1hPWuElv5Q4i4Tl8l2kI-XbLgAZQiuYsZsSA1gD2MI69F01xoOvbwUYaUY9PwXdMxLVNiYoHaD9HvJo_mfxDrSMd-Tlt1P4Nr1U2iMufiRx3mypTzY9ouXJ7c09-bZB1v/s1922/MM%20-%20Mesh04%20Sole.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1922" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_9Qy0btD8ZyExYyKEHQw4G2WnZJAs2xR1cFjnkMnKqZDyjnQORyCw9zZjsR1hPWuElv5Q4i4Tl8l2kI-XbLgAZQiuYsZsSA1gD2MI69F01xoOvbwUYaUY9PwXdMxLVNiYoHaD9HvJo_mfxDrSMd-Tlt1P4Nr1U2iMufiRx3mypTzY9ouXJ7c09-bZB1v/w400-h213/MM%20-%20Mesh04%20Sole.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scanned Result - Shoe Sole<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>When we compare images, it's plain to see that the THREE was able to capture the texture of the sole better than any previous scanner we'd used. There is some roughness around the area of the black stripe; but, look at the capture of the end of the shoe string! And, the transition ridge around the top where the fabric meets the rubber sole! Those are excellent results. </p><p><b>SHOE LACES</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDAUFqyNVdG56g-y0oER3zDjYmw7vqWCwnuauQYbBq-jgZeLMeqIf-C5RsvHBxdYOwTNksupyHiZJ02j1nI6R48d3Q6haoaRlGYsvrTFY0zV8Xxb93lH_dCQBIwRBlpsdV9oobRF8AWx6H5V9sJN5B3eVrhTFGc7RyCrYIgYvQRqDO_hEAOzz6AigJhRh/s775/Shoe03%20-%20Laces.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="775" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDAUFqyNVdG56g-y0oER3zDjYmw7vqWCwnuauQYbBq-jgZeLMeqIf-C5RsvHBxdYOwTNksupyHiZJ02j1nI6R48d3Q6haoaRlGYsvrTFY0zV8Xxb93lH_dCQBIwRBlpsdV9oobRF8AWx6H5V9sJN5B3eVrhTFGc7RyCrYIgYvQRqDO_hEAOzz6AigJhRh/w400-h374/Shoe03%20-%20Laces.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image - Shoe Laces<br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqgfiIxI8vxYzbiqzdzzKFIJXmSsW40ee6H39keXhDi4WPhdVBuoi_5UvoqpSEkC__kp1-_69mSQFX1hP7X4F5utFhM7pCe7ToZwkCCB7dub5BVyitrjq1mKxC20Vj4qv5Fsf2biMvq2Op0LkmdLMOneAmrKNfNFI8rYBujfwkUDQMzSriQ9Z2jPbJSo3/s1922/MM%20-%20Mesh03%20Laces.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1922" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqgfiIxI8vxYzbiqzdzzKFIJXmSsW40ee6H39keXhDi4WPhdVBuoi_5UvoqpSEkC__kp1-_69mSQFX1hP7X4F5utFhM7pCe7ToZwkCCB7dub5BVyitrjq1mKxC20Vj4qv5Fsf2biMvq2Op0LkmdLMOneAmrKNfNFI8rYBujfwkUDQMzSriQ9Z2jPbJSo3/w400-h213/MM%20-%20Mesh03%20Laces.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THREE Scan - Shoe Laces<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><p>The THREE made a valiant effort to capture the texture of the shoe laces. But, the movement of the laces during the scanning process conspired against it. Here are the notes from the Sketchfab upload.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b><i>Captured with MAF THREE
Using a Turntable twice.
Once with the sole down on the turntable, 360 degree, 9 captures
Once with the sole facing out, 180 degree, 5 captures.
Aligned in software.
Because our cleaning tools aren’t finished yet, this was slightly cleaned in meshlab.
Soft things like shoes don’t hold their shape when rotating, so the laces moved and needed to be deleted.</i></b></p><p>That also accounts for the missing data under the shoe laces in one place. While not absolutely perfect, I'm very impressed that multiple scans on flexible shoe laces was able to deliver this result. I'm guessing these are shoes in actual use. Had they been prop shoes, this issue might have been able to be fixed using Super Glue to ensure the laces could not move. This isn't a scanner's problem. This is a target's problem.</p><p><b>THE SEAM STITCHING<br /></b></p><p>The one area in which I do see some issues would be with some of the seam stitching.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5fp9bO3Ejznuv9tgpd6gxn4Q0X11c2yR7TtUWYeSAQCtzGbAz8hzSuCQVEtFGPZHGe2CdZs9TW2-hkbcX9ojyXdXSJU16lnGEtjK7OSqv4-hNgvua9Jr360oZW7_uBkJD-GOV-VS274iVL3enJYwv55DwZy3Lsb1DjR9SFXDM6L-W7-Rv1D3SDgjNfGD/s973/Shoe05%20-%20Stitching.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="973" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5fp9bO3Ejznuv9tgpd6gxn4Q0X11c2yR7TtUWYeSAQCtzGbAz8hzSuCQVEtFGPZHGe2CdZs9TW2-hkbcX9ojyXdXSJU16lnGEtjK7OSqv4-hNgvua9Jr360oZW7_uBkJD-GOV-VS274iVL3enJYwv55DwZy3Lsb1DjR9SFXDM6L-W7-Rv1D3SDgjNfGD/w400-h145/Shoe05%20-%20Stitching.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image - Show Stitching</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu5u5Hqw-a5hYCpRVf7r4qexCbaaFp6Ti6vtKYzmp-WpKWSDXRiTcKoUAUuv5q9XMDjk_1ca427_FP7Mr3pg9j4zkExlDUecycLCsX3rkl0XIVKN6Y6pSziwkK9fzzZj8LURlHfR_vTEEuxyiTIVPzwBCoHI23nKwBgPXLfXw5aCeyLVIkVeOeELThYey/s1922/MM%20-%20Mesh05%20Stitching.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1922" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu5u5Hqw-a5hYCpRVf7r4qexCbaaFp6Ti6vtKYzmp-WpKWSDXRiTcKoUAUuv5q9XMDjk_1ca427_FP7Mr3pg9j4zkExlDUecycLCsX3rkl0XIVKN6Y6pSziwkK9fzzZj8LURlHfR_vTEEuxyiTIVPzwBCoHI23nKwBgPXLfXw5aCeyLVIkVeOeELThYey/w400-h213/MM%20-%20Mesh05%20Stitching.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THREE Scan - Shoe Stitching<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>The stitching where the toe and sides are joined was captured perfectly. But, the stitching right above that<b>,</b> along the side of the laces and around the opening are less well defined.<b> </b> Even so, they CAN be seen when we click on the above image to bring it to full size. I believe that the stitches, themselves, are black. And, black is notoriously hard to capture.<b> </b> I don't know if this is a clue as to how well the THREE handles Black or not. But, it is something to note as we make our observations. But, In this case, it seems to matter very little. The stitching WAS able to be captured. It just is not as pronounced as the original.<br /></p><p><b>THE UNDER SOLE AND SCAN SEAMS.</b></p><p>I am going to go back to my original capture of my examination in Meshmolder for this one.</p><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVwSsMqatuuH3VzIcwLZHS5RIY4UdvzZBd74uPliwlJH1ACIvTgoZH7CU-jJDpzpGQiRDWOuwjPWb2Fb2PBQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></b></div><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><b>I COULD NOT FIND ANY SCAN SEAMS!</b></div><p></p><p>Remember, what we are looking at is a mesh created by combining 14 different scans. And, the result appears to be seamless. <b> </b>The<i><b> MIGHT</b></i> be a hint of a seam where the underside of the sole and sides of the sole meet.<b> </b>But, I don't think so.<b></b></p><p>And, the sole, itself, is wonderfully captured! The detail is very, very encouraging for those of us potential;y looking to upgrade our scanning capabilities from a company we admire and trust.<b></b></p><p>I hope looking over my shoulder as I do my own "Due Diligence" in trying to assess the Matter and Form THREE is as useful to you as the process has been for me.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><b></b></p><p><b>Fun with Scans </b><br /></p><p>By the way, one of the reasons I use Meshmolder to evaluate the mesh is that it is a sculpting application. First, it allows me to examine and manipulate the mesh in a variety of ways. And, secondly, I want to be sure that output from the THREE is suitable for mash-ups and sculpting manipulation. Here is my vertex view in Meshmolder.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO07if-UgBqkZ5RozOYyStkDOvQKG0ocXMXw69j3dc1wuCPTpaP57xMpD2V7BQuuka9MXj042fn7lEQUJ5n7gkQueZzHnKPKgnYZJM8x4J72zC33cmwMGf6jAo19k075htPXb44cPcPqAdrHL0J0vTqEWwzj3w5xYnoQB9flq77nMFWpVknCOyITm-KbKu/s1928/MM%20-%20Mesh00%20Vertex.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1928" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO07if-UgBqkZ5RozOYyStkDOvQKG0ocXMXw69j3dc1wuCPTpaP57xMpD2V7BQuuka9MXj042fn7lEQUJ5n7gkQueZzHnKPKgnYZJM8x4J72zC33cmwMGf6jAo19k075htPXb44cPcPqAdrHL0J0vTqEWwzj3w5xYnoQB9flq77nMFWpVknCOyITm-KbKu/w400-h224/MM%20-%20Mesh00%20Vertex.png" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /><i>Download this image and zoom in to see the quality of the vertex mesh.</i></b><p>The developer f MeshMolder also has a very low cost product called Meshrender that is a<i> LOT</i> of fun. I couldn't help myself. I had to see how the THREE 3D Scanner scan looked in Meshrender as a light blue plastic shoe. Here is the result:</p><p></p><p><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU53wbV6f7riCpiY6LodywxJdvNSPLJan9zDegOy0oKqpXzvbgDAgreXfOv-Vq4zdVjAcf6i2FuLZghsbnaokd3UNWlEYbrufuYcxKRLQM6nkcJu-fK4euPRd2oUlnUK-bAFaPPK4WTFh_Imap_L9xM3JEL0lLDIkGzTZR_euwMF4erlZL1ZvgwSWgpf9/s1392/Shoe00.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU53wbV6f7riCpiY6LodywxJdvNSPLJan9zDegOy0oKqpXzvbgDAgreXfOv-Vq4zdVjAcf6i2FuLZghsbnaokd3UNWlEYbrufuYcxKRLQM6nkcJu-fK4euPRd2oUlnUK-bAFaPPK4WTFh_Imap_L9xM3JEL0lLDIkGzTZR_euwMF4erlZL1ZvgwSWgpf9/w400-h294/Shoe00.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Meshrender - Light Blue Plastic (THREE Scan)</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b>The surprising thing is that the image is<i> MIRRORED </i>in Meshrender. I don't know if it's something I did, reorienting the mesh, or a natural Meshrender behavior. In any case, it does not matter. I simply flipped the image to correct the orientation.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkt3F67SXGin0Dkvwlw3-FGWw1knlh-dUd_xORqJTKQNNPgDdcrBSjYGgqbFsPgKelp4_niACiiXAX5M31DGDEpAm4lZgWzlTGqzXG17GkVd2ld8XwG8r24oKRAAiI9dskTUW3xTQYl4t7S216HU17Iqmr6XNueIO5gnNTLduJC6ShBLUYYHtKaQ9gwBC6/s1392/Shoe00R.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkt3F67SXGin0Dkvwlw3-FGWw1knlh-dUd_xORqJTKQNNPgDdcrBSjYGgqbFsPgKelp4_niACiiXAX5M31DGDEpAm4lZgWzlTGqzXG17GkVd2ld8XwG8r24oKRAAiI9dskTUW3xTQYl4t7S216HU17Iqmr6XNueIO5gnNTLduJC6ShBLUYYHtKaQ9gwBC6/w400-h294/Shoe00R.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Meshrender Output Flipped</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b></b><p></p><p>As we move forward, I hope to experiment with Meshmolder and Meshrender with future test scans. <b> Scanning offers us a LOT of potential.<br /></b></p><p><b>ADDENDUM:</b></p><p><b>I found out what I did wrong when I brought the shoe scan into Meshrender the first time and re-oriented it. Here is a new render that did NOT mirror the mesh. Cinderella meets Star Wars with a glass tennis shoe in space.</b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRA6ONIfL3FQUM6mDlv4RFPRyQ0RMpSgSeCPUmGehCVvARvprfIJytGk8apO1hDZmG2i74jpruftgkwNqOHVpGixUQAVuCgyftgE5ws1d3rasAgKyodWi5-jqTK1_KWnz8lGp6x9lB6ry8v4-JMegSY3Lnf8A63jO3fklw-S1gd4FDBtsPeOqRu8qt6AO/s1392/ShinyShoe01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRA6ONIfL3FQUM6mDlv4RFPRyQ0RMpSgSeCPUmGehCVvARvprfIJytGk8apO1hDZmG2i74jpruftgkwNqOHVpGixUQAVuCgyftgE5ws1d3rasAgKyodWi5-jqTK1_KWnz8lGp6x9lB6ry8v4-JMegSY3Lnf8A63jO3fklw-S1gd4FDBtsPeOqRu8qt6AO/w400-h294/ShinyShoe01.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matter & Form Scanned Shoe - Meshrender<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Obviously, I am easily amused! <br /></b></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-36253684275339115232023-08-09T09:22:00.000-07:002023-08-09T09:22:25.803-07:00Matter & Form THREE 3D Scanner - Update on the Coin Scans<p> Matter and Form added a new blog article that sheds a little more light on the capabilities of their new THREE 3D scanner now in development.</p><p>I refer to this image: Click to see the full size image.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fw7PopYgWKGk5MXXso8TtKwcHSkT1Bo5hikLXocFcQkEEwvuNFdG1-IYesUgT0-3OprEaymqOGGTC54RLhicBv1_qE3Zhn2N_FIQHcEwYNb7THNftL0ZopsWV5U9v4r4-yfoPaUsY2x6CxRKHB28lbj0RH_ZzNC9Vpn22-RNIpAJ7-_hNbhqgWDrRaDn/s824/CoinCompare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="824" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fw7PopYgWKGk5MXXso8TtKwcHSkT1Bo5hikLXocFcQkEEwvuNFdG1-IYesUgT0-3OprEaymqOGGTC54RLhicBv1_qE3Zhn2N_FIQHcEwYNb7THNftL0ZopsWV5U9v4r4-yfoPaUsY2x6CxRKHB28lbj0RH_ZzNC9Vpn22-RNIpAJ7-_hNbhqgWDrRaDn/w400-h215/CoinCompare.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coin Scan (Left) compared to Coin Source (Right)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>It is important to point out that the coin was first sprayed with a powder to reduce specularity. This is a common and necessary practice when trying to scan shiny objects. The powder does have the affect, although minimal, of reducing the sharpness of features. <br /></p><p></p><p>That said, there are two things to note when evaluating a scan.the first is the ability to capture small features accurately. We can see by the quality of the lettering and the fact that all of the coins embosses features were accurately captured that the THREE has great resolution.</p><p>But, there is another to note. FLAT features should be FLAT. Without the side-by-side view, it could have beeb assumed that the THREE had picked up artifacts, due to digital noise, where the coins was assumed to be completely flat. Having the image of the source demonstrates that flat areas are, indeed flat, and the tiny bumps in the scan are accurate captures of even finer features.</p><p>This is an impressive scan and I, for one, am really looking forward to more samples.<br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-50746648128832072792023-08-06T16:05:00.012-07:002023-08-06T16:28:31.479-07:00First Video Demonstrating the THREE 3D Scanner from Matter & Form<p>Matter & Form has been seeking interaction from the 3D scanning community on the<b><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/3DScanning/"> Reddit 3D Scanning forums </a></b>as they continue to develop the THREE 3D Scanner I mentioned in my earlier post. It's tough crowd. And, rightly so. Most of us with experience with scanners costing less than $10,000 have wanted more out of our scanners than we've gotten.</p><p>That is not to say that we haven't gotten some value out of our scanners. At Youthquest, our at-risk students enjoyed using the 1st generation Cubify scanner and the inexpensive xyzPrinting handheld scanner even with these scanners limited resolution and loss of tracking issues. And, they were able to gain valuable experience in problem solving as they learned how to improve scans. Even so, quicker, more reliable scans would always have been appreciated.</p><p>The Reddit 3D scanning community rightly demanded visible proof of the new scanner's capabilities by asking for tough scanning challenges. One of the challenges was a pile of coins.</p><p>Now, a pile of coins, it turns out, is an excellent demonstration of a scanner's abilities. Specularity, or the shininess of coins, is a big challenge to any 3D scanner. And, the low depth of the features of a coin require a very high level of resolution cloud point to be able to discern a coin's tiny features. The Matter and Form team took them up on the challenge and created this video.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I8-xBXBZfXY" width="320" youtube-src-id="I8-xBXBZfXY"></iframe></div><p>While the results, for the most part, are self evident that this new scanner has excellent resolution, there is even more to see in this video for those of us who have longed for a scanner that could be successfully used in a variety of classroom situations or that could produce the fine detail required for accurately capturing things like antique auto parts for 3D printing.</p><p><b>50 Micron Resolution & Accuracy </b><br /></p><p>Along with the video itself, Matter and Form provided links to download the results of the scan. To help me better analyze the actual resolution, I uploaded the scans in Meshlab and painted the scan in various colors. Here are two GIFs I captured as I explored the output.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbgn-GDKfsfp8V-oSKiNIwXtCjRSlibjog0Q8QF59jdvsi-0Q4KLbhnvkDsfroJTyPYmBPwXo_3bHzix-rKi3tFdfYDD95vuj7GALTXTG1auiEW0Yqg3MEBLTlpTddzWstEv6VGTZMexDzy8_72yal6tV6LdWtt5NwLOAtqQ4Fe31t_3Lr_rDdDTtm4RV/s640/Scan03%20Coin.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbgn-GDKfsfp8V-oSKiNIwXtCjRSlibjog0Q8QF59jdvsi-0Q4KLbhnvkDsfroJTyPYmBPwXo_3bHzix-rKi3tFdfYDD95vuj7GALTXTG1auiEW0Yqg3MEBLTlpTddzWstEv6VGTZMexDzy8_72yal6tV6LdWtt5NwLOAtqQ4Fe31t_3Lr_rDdDTtm4RV/s320/Scan03%20Coin.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90IJ-IH4nO1OSMfXeDricUuNp56pkjuzM659NDp52d7hiT6CVR4FI-Fq5XbQZ4KPD7UDyaG6Vg7Ne9SB_JCT-DYMsHRDmptr5cR1C77w_GrSpAMIFkh0RUvBQCxCBnvQihp6WhiucX363NaGD8ouXK5lKRrVBYmZdcyFFv9VsQb7SMY04T27mgqNhZo6P/s640/Scan03%20Coin02.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90IJ-IH4nO1OSMfXeDricUuNp56pkjuzM659NDp52d7hiT6CVR4FI-Fq5XbQZ4KPD7UDyaG6Vg7Ne9SB_JCT-DYMsHRDmptr5cR1C77w_GrSpAMIFkh0RUvBQCxCBnvQihp6WhiucX363NaGD8ouXK5lKRrVBYmZdcyFFv9VsQb7SMY04T27mgqNhZo6P/s320/Scan03%20Coin02.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coins captured by Matter & Form THREE 3D Scanner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>When you consider how low the relief is in this coin, the detail is remarkable! And, we have to consider that some of the original detail has to have been lost because the coin had been sprayed with a dulling powder to reduce specularity. But, another way to evaluate the scan is by looking at the quality of the mesh as demonstrated when only the triangles are observed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGsuTpbViYX8CnH8DkixWMYR8F_nNkU_3MXgxIH15PCezRFpjjD90j618hNomlmBWditGvvLbHp81aUXQWbovxJ5Lf-a-5tfLEBP2JoSPMUmkdLNo1eGStE9LzH1rx3yZMTtwL2w_xAWG0JuULj4zBfQMAAOFIMO1LEn_m2kalbiawzRhFNK8YllAeBn3/s1603/Coin%20Triangles02.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1603" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGsuTpbViYX8CnH8DkixWMYR8F_nNkU_3MXgxIH15PCezRFpjjD90j618hNomlmBWditGvvLbHp81aUXQWbovxJ5Lf-a-5tfLEBP2JoSPMUmkdLNo1eGStE9LzH1rx3yZMTtwL2w_xAWG0JuULj4zBfQMAAOFIMO1LEn_m2kalbiawzRhFNK8YllAeBn3/s320/Coin%20Triangles02.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesh Triangles Captured By Matter & Form THREE<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I first used Meshlab's measurement features to get an idea of the size of the coin. <b> It was about 30,8mm across</b>. What jumps out<b><i> immediately</i></b> is the density of the mesh. But, if we click on this image to zoom to a larger view, we can also see the uniformity of the mesh. This is a great quality mesh! And, that is important with scanned output, since we usually plan to bring it into 3D design processing for mash-ups, touch-up and other enhancements before printing.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQ-j5hmdy5LNLouWdpkvAVTNAA0T8c8BZuUD2LqEJMbNTfRAWs5jySkv2VOgC8RQVvaNN0xTXvmH6s--hABlF7D9BQIJ3RFfHhFtrkbp4-UIBkJx-FPkVhIDzvl3n7RpUsP-uupSufqOgq37XCq-g96Id2shG6hJ_YaOLc4-3ORdmpYCyPUAurcZCKE3g/s1560/Coin%20Triangles00.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1560" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQ-j5hmdy5LNLouWdpkvAVTNAA0T8c8BZuUD2LqEJMbNTfRAWs5jySkv2VOgC8RQVvaNN0xTXvmH6s--hABlF7D9BQIJ3RFfHhFtrkbp4-UIBkJx-FPkVhIDzvl3n7RpUsP-uupSufqOgq37XCq-g96Id2shG6hJ_YaOLc4-3ORdmpYCyPUAurcZCKE3g/s320/Coin%20Triangles00.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesh Uniformity from the M&F THREE 3D Scanner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>And, while you may not have noticed while the video was playing, this was scanned at the <b>MEDIUM</b> settings for scan quality!! (<b><i>10:15 in the video</i></b>)</p><p><b>SCAN SPEED</b></p><p>While Drew, from Matter & Form, specifically mentions that they have not yet turned their attention to optimizing scanning speed, the next thing I noted in the video was that even in the non-optimized state, the THREE 3D scanner seems infinitely faster than any other scanner I have used in the past. Consider this clip I grabbed from the Youtube video.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy6h1ZEAWDxJZ2w7AN5BstRPUUHcaFcsZZvN3NVIAabDEM1KBN-lCb5-wVxunNSwQRINP-BNh4LOQpQiPOz2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>As this clip demonstrates, it only took around 4 seconds to capture and about 5 seconds to process the scan. This is all done in the scanner, itself. The speed is NOT dependent on the computer being used to show the interface. This means we can expect uniform speed performance regardless of the platform we used to connect to the scanner. Since we use everything from multi-processor i7 computers to Google Kids Tablets, this is an intriguing capability. </p><p>While it remains to be seen how this performs in highly complex multi-pass turntable scans with full texture, it certainly shows promise.</p><p><b>THE PROCESS</b></p><p>The scan process, itself, is visible in the small window at the top right of the Youtube video. Here is another grab from the Youtube video to help us focus on the process. <b><i> (There is no sound and it's best to click and expand the view before viewing.)</i></b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2MapHtNsF7ggRY52-1-g0noGi3w6Lu4_o_msCEyIAKhGvCmTi1ShstvM9SGz0ywt0pUB5CkI1nvA-m5OdLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>As you can see, a series of images are projected onto the target objects using a white-light DLP projector. The two Sony 13mp cameras capture the deformations in these patterns to calculate depth. But, if we stop here when evaluating a scanning solution, we miss the real heart of the benefit of a great scanning process. And, that is in how much can we, as users, control the parameters.</p><p>The reason why this is important is that the process we see in the above image is only a micro-process. The REAL process has to do with the evolution of our understanding of all of the factors that go into a successful result in any given situation. We need to be able learn more and more with each scanning session so that it takes less and less time to capture a successful scan in each subsequent session.</p><p>And, here is where Matter & Form's software has excelled relative to all of the other scanning solutions with which I've had experience. They provide a by-the-numbers approach with excellent visual feedback. Consider this short clip. <b><i> (Click for larger view. This clip has sound)</i></b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3pclDFFWZAW3ABdrogCoGpttLFjXyuSKJWWzDCuxI37I5jc91pbVVqW-VCMp6cbNAh2UQpRzgvsg8h6YFgw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />By saying Matter & Form provides us with a "by-the-numbers" approach, I am talking about the use of sliders with clearly documents values. And, when I talk about feed back, I mean the real-time updates of the images showing how changes to the sliders affect the work area. It was this approach that made the original Matter & Form the most effective scanner in the classroom of all that we used., including the Einscan. <p></p><p>I'll go back to my video game days with Astrocade to explain why this is so important. The reason we were rated #1 by consumer reports, even though our console was much more expensive than the Atari and others, was that our game designers understood the nature of failure. That was because they had also designed the original coin-op versions. They knew that it was important that every level increased the challenges, making failure a design feature. But, when a person failed, the worse possible outcome was that they believed that it was because the system, itself, made it impossible to succeed. Players would not put another quarter into a machine unless they believed they understood how they could do better the next time they tried. People need to know they can improve.<br /></p><p>Each time we scan with a specific setting, remembering the visible feedback we got from that setting, we have the basis for a new starting place should that scan not turn out as we had hoped. Precise numbers allow us to bracket values until we get the optimal result no matter how many tries that might involve. Our students learned from each scanning pass and, ultimately, were able to come up with the best starting place for every situation. This was not true of most of our other scanners which left student puzzling when a capture lost tracking or failed.. </p><p></p><blockquote><i><b>NOTE: I actually would like to retain the image during the scanning process. But, I suspect that it might reduce the processing load by removing it during heavy calculations.</b></i></blockquote><p></p><p><b>BOTTOM LINE</b></p><p>Matter & Form seems to be retaining the best aspects of their proven user interface while delivering a much faster scan at an even much higher resolution. There was a lot of skepticism about the edge computing strategy where the workload of the scanning process is performed entirely in the scanner and does not rely on the power of the attached computer. But, at least we know that single scan sessions are quick and the resulting mesh is fantastic quality with very, very impressive resolution. So far, I am very excited about the potential.<br /></p><p><b>STILL TO BE ADDRESSED </b><br /></p><p>This video is impressive. But, it only addresses the depth resolution. The other aspect of scanning is material capture. None of my previous scanning experience has been with having scanner based on such high resolution imaging cameras. The two 13mp imaging cameras used by Matter & Form in the new THREE 3D Scanner have two positive characteristics. The first is that they are based on chips made by Sony. I have been a fan of Sony video products snce 1967 or 1968 and if any company knows how to capture clean video it's Sony. And, the 13mp size is in a sweet spot for great dynamic range and low noise. So, I'm very helpful that we will see surprisingly great material capture as well as depth capture. It's going to be fun seeing what come next as more videos are released in the coming days, weeks and months.<br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-50238260811877806712023-08-03T10:27:00.001-07:002023-08-03T10:28:44.500-07:00New Promising 3D Scanner Announced by Matter & Form<p>For almost as many years as this blog has existed, I have been interested in the promise of 3D scanning for a variety of reasons. The first scanner that I owned was the 1st generation Cubify scanner from 3D Systems. </p><p>We actually got a lot of use out of that scanner in our work with at-risk young people at YouthQuest Foundation in combination with our full-color Z450 powder printer. In fact, we were able to scan dozens of cadets and produce 3D prints. While not the highest resolution color scanner, it was something our cadets and their families really appreciated.</p><p>Over the years we added the 2nd generation Cubify 3D Scanner, the xyzPrinting 3D scanner, the Einscan from Shining 3D and a few scanners based on the Intel Sense. But, one of our favorites for scanning objects was the Matter and Form tabletop scanner. It was, and remains, the easiest scanner for our students to use and we relied on it to teach the concepts of using 3D scanning for historical preservation and sharing of rare artifacts. It's a great scanner for the classroom.<br /></p><p>It was the Matter and Form scanner, along with our cooperative work with the students of iTech Preparatory school in Vancouver, Washington that convinced me that having students cooperate with local historical sites by scanning the site's artifacts would be a wonderful addition to a school's educational program.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qTp69A7f7WQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="qTp69A7f7WQ"></iframe> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p>Now, Matter and Form has introduced a new scanner that promises to be a breakthrough product toward making this a reality.</p><p><b><a href="https://matterandform.net/blog/celebrating-10-years-of-innovation-introducing-three---the-most-capable-3d-scanner-ever-made">MATTER AND FORM THREE 3D SCANNER </a></b><br /></p><p>The first thing to note about this new scanner is that it does NOT require a computer with a heavy duty GPU processor. Note that it can be used with ANY computer or tablet.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZGHpHUB7arrgymIOJoQiAEzg5hYDo9pfIt5rQd8GUQeof3OQUMCnopejdH31Y0nqfxBXPUzScNZF_DjEVFBvgpD1xwUzD_R82Vk6Z1TyNJ6o2jHOumcuYO0G7DKBZGhn-qO8xziEWp4U_mG5sZ-ZGxnc7WXnte06Qs7U5_cfZMHjpR_jojqOT7y1cJBO/s652/three_still_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="652" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZGHpHUB7arrgymIOJoQiAEzg5hYDo9pfIt5rQd8GUQeof3OQUMCnopejdH31Y0nqfxBXPUzScNZF_DjEVFBvgpD1xwUzD_R82Vk6Z1TyNJ6o2jHOumcuYO0G7DKBZGhn-qO8xziEWp4U_mG5sZ-ZGxnc7WXnte06Qs7U5_cfZMHjpR_jojqOT7y1cJBO/s320/three_still_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THREE 3D Scanner using a Tablet<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The reason for this remarkable capability is that the software is integrated into the THREE 3D scanner and interfaces with any computer via a browser using edge technology. As far as I know, this is a first in the industry. Moreover, Matter and Form indicates that an API will make controlling the scanning process available to end-users for those that wish to customize the capture process. </p><p>The new scanner includes a 13 mp Sony sensor (or sensors?) and a white-light DLP with something they call ChromaSpec™ technology capturing geometry in full color. They promise "metrology-level resolution." The only scanners I know that have made that claim were well out of reach financially for most of us. But, while Matter and Form does not yet specify a price, they do claim all this power will come as "and unmatched value" and based on the price-performance of their existing 3D scanner I expect that they are not exaggerating. </p><p>Apparently, they will be introducing the new scanner through a Kickstarter campaign at a 50% one-time discount.</p><p>In the meantime, they will be releasing new announcements via email to those who sign up to keep informed. You can sign up at <b>MatterAndForm.com.</b></p><p><b>I know and trust this company from the many years they supported our work at YouthQuest. And, I am VERY excited to learn more about this new product that offers so much promise. As I learn more I will keep you posted.</b></p><p><b> </b><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-22878354828074523982023-06-29T14:15:00.007-07:002023-06-30T09:40:14.797-07:003D Printed Action Cameras to Microscope Adapter Now on Thingiverse<p> The first upload to Thingiverse in the series of action camera to microscope adapters can be accessed on Thingiverse.com.</p><p>Search for Thing #<b>6101113</b></p><p><b>Action Camera Cradles</b></p><p>We've uploaded two different cradle versions to be used with a single thread insert for mounting the microscope sleeves. <b></b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNlmD1tdKR1l4LSvCQ0Mdhub7iGawJRhB-PayW7xVnKc-lpQomsdaYH8ZwLpDtltAgLC5K6AgnRqyDKgcGFpkg5zKvhlOA-Ri18mMaS1ptI0__QYmAbaYLimNJ7B8iLopoZLMNRbiYw_KQHHrqWyxwvrf5svE5eYuC73R_RxhydKh-u7ue8Ci9yNgEFnt/s1115/AC%20Cradles.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1115" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNlmD1tdKR1l4LSvCQ0Mdhub7iGawJRhB-PayW7xVnKc-lpQomsdaYH8ZwLpDtltAgLC5K6AgnRqyDKgcGFpkg5zKvhlOA-Ri18mMaS1ptI0__QYmAbaYLimNJ7B8iLopoZLMNRbiYw_KQHHrqWyxwvrf5svE5eYuC73R_RxhydKh-u7ue8Ci9yNgEFnt/s320/AC%20Cradles.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ActionScope Cradles (V3 & X6)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b></b><p></p><p>The <b>ScopeAction V3 </b>cradle has been tested with the following action Cameras. <b><br /></b></p><ul><li><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Touch-Underwater-Waterproof-Accessories/dp/B07B2W96JH">DragonTouch Vision3</a></b> ($69.99 on Amazon at the time of writing)</li><li><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Xilecam-Waterproof-Underwater-Multifunctional-Accessories/dp/B0B51Q794B">Xilecam 4K 30fps</a></b> ($35.99 on Amazon at the time of writing)</li></ul><p>Cradle V3 possibly fits many more Chinese made action cameras; but, we have not tested more than these two cameras for now. Both of these cameras are available on Amazon. The Xilecam did not come with a remote trigger. But, both allow for setting a "narrow" field of View of 70 degrees, which is the best setting for using with a microscope.</p><p>The <b>ScopeAction X6</b> cradle has been tested with the <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Xilecam-4K60fps48M-Control131FT-Waterproof-Accessories/dp/B0BK3DJDZY">Xilecam X6 60fps</a></b> camera. It was purchased for $49.99 from Amazon and does include a remote trigger. <b><i> (More about this camera below)</i></b><br /></p><p>The cradle threads are printed as a separate "thing" and simple insert into the cradle. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6VMkkkGTzaxxvLs0De83IwUXj7lyC9SCVMDqYbn0AGOgDLhe4LndnbyUKvb7WFQ-V7cBWJq-DNV3JKQM4TUgN6IF4o8u9cI37xkInBKcsMMD4tPtVSW9YqafBSEbG-dPPsl1N4opBL2l8saMdjgoz2cti6-KhxHdh-a-9pEWRw85_VWb8By3d7euNfDy/s1115/AC%20Threads.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1115" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6VMkkkGTzaxxvLs0De83IwUXj7lyC9SCVMDqYbn0AGOgDLhe4LndnbyUKvb7WFQ-V7cBWJq-DNV3JKQM4TUgN6IF4o8u9cI37xkInBKcsMMD4tPtVSW9YqafBSEbG-dPPsl1N4opBL2l8saMdjgoz2cti6-KhxHdh-a-9pEWRw85_VWb8By3d7euNfDy/s320/AC%20Threads.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ActionScope Cradle Thread Insert<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>While the threads can be glued, there is no need to do so as the sleeves are designed to hold the threads into place. Just be careful to align the locking clips of the threads into the cradle to ensure the back of the thread insert is flush with the cradle.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhNj_DcxGQY-Y7dofRPFxte6hFXTZmjpeHONF6mYfkV_9GclzaHYN7NG_i_XWCyZe7Uhsfms0XlvK5xaEMokRCUVhQEPwkmaAq9RSwMdqHreORbuMyorUWhnLHS-FG1mk5L4OoitWMsLWdqhguuWHcXY4FLrqRKkmbiHi_unQ4tU7XmKe-3jjPpXPJeUZ/s821/AcionCam%20Complete.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="821" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhNj_DcxGQY-Y7dofRPFxte6hFXTZmjpeHONF6mYfkV_9GclzaHYN7NG_i_XWCyZe7Uhsfms0XlvK5xaEMokRCUVhQEPwkmaAq9RSwMdqHreORbuMyorUWhnLHS-FG1mk5L4OoitWMsLWdqhguuWHcXY4FLrqRKkmbiHi_unQ4tU7XmKe-3jjPpXPJeUZ/s320/AcionCam%20Complete.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action Camera to Microscope - Complete<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><p><b>Microscope Sleeves </b><br /></p><p>Our plan is to create sleeve sets for a wide variety of microscope types and sizes. But, <b>Thing #6101113</b> includes just the sleeves that fit microscopes having 28.00mm diameter lenses. Sleeve sets for 27.80mm and 28.85mm will follow. While only one, or perhaps two, sleeves will be suitable for any camera/microscope combination, we have uploaded fifteen (15) different sleeves for eye relief distances between 9mm and 23mm.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahGTCMbDTtEJXG-xnI_0B4XP-L38Uxxb6zEeuLsRlm2mEiQIwVhCULbVTHxi8Pbr_QMArpZnA6YFcAMl0lBNhalfQnbF1AWajrDae7ouoioYTp6G3ghddyYy394RlwlO5gJa0R1nU_cXQT2TkUzT72M2iR3nC2G-YDQ2SUZ9tzEXJ2FPFLCBQpJXE2aBm/s1115/AC%2028_00%20Sleeves.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1115" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahGTCMbDTtEJXG-xnI_0B4XP-L38Uxxb6zEeuLsRlm2mEiQIwVhCULbVTHxi8Pbr_QMArpZnA6YFcAMl0lBNhalfQnbF1AWajrDae7ouoioYTp6G3ghddyYy394RlwlO5gJa0R1nU_cXQT2TkUzT72M2iR3nC2G-YDQ2SUZ9tzEXJ2FPFLCBQpJXE2aBm/s320/AC%2028_00%20Sleeves.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28.00mm Sleeves with Eye Relief (9mm, 13mm & 23mm)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> We recommend starting with the 13mm eye relief for the DragonTouch and Xilecam 4K 30fps and the 9mm eye relief for the Xilecam X6 camera then bracketing find the sharpest and largest image without light flare.<p></p><p>We hope to compile a chart with recommendations for sleeve diameter and eye relief distance for each action camera/microscope combination and post them here.</p><p>Here is an image captured with the Xilecam X6 mounted on a Wolfe Student Microscope.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K4LasPblvnur6Sv5Omei52R5ZgFHM6GStUoZjm5qe3O_9WQTHP7N4aJayW6aH304_y0-i_dwCFryLFo45wxoQgfUJq83E9734gKvb_Jc4x94YxXMgCvKtYtdplqqXVKybznru-xoY80B3zhBqwJtIIBQX7yJOgf0cZC2VI6jqJDwnftW393rZ241myCn/s3499/Xilecan%20x6%2048mpx_01.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3499" data-original-width="3474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K4LasPblvnur6Sv5Omei52R5ZgFHM6GStUoZjm5qe3O_9WQTHP7N4aJayW6aH304_y0-i_dwCFryLFo45wxoQgfUJq83E9734gKvb_Jc4x94YxXMgCvKtYtdplqqXVKybznru-xoY80B3zhBqwJtIIBQX7yJOgf0cZC2VI6jqJDwnftW393rZ241myCn/s320/Xilecan%20x6%2048mpx_01.png" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xilecam X6 camera at 48mpx<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /> But, what is really nice is the Xilecam's 4K 60fps speed in capturing live video and playing it back using the VLC viewer. By slowing down the action and zooming in using the VLC viewer features, it is easy to see the details of protozoan locomotion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SVHxaLSTTCE" width="320" youtube-src-id="SVHxaLSTTCE"></iframe></div><p></p><p>This capture was created using the Xilecam X6 at 4K 30FPS with an older Wolfe Student microscope at 40X. The camera's field of view (FOV) was set to 70 degrees rather than the default of 170 degrees for most action camera photography.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-18774133234967230492023-06-19T14:07:00.002-07:002023-06-19T14:09:09.292-07:002. The basics of Designing an Interface Between an Action Camera and Microscope<p>There are many imaging devices that can be successfully mated with one or more types of microscopes.</p><p><b>3D printed Smartphone to Microscope Adapters Are Available </b><br /></p><p>While I have, over the years, been modestly successful at creating 3D printed interfaces between a smartphone and the microscopes I own, Here is an image taken with a Sony Experia in 2017 using one my 3D printed interfaces.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtB9kZkcXscSa565L2Oypk2m-5ZKaIWYDsVCUoBsS8Jwc23b7OwEtIshBwj1blwaAfjfIOHFJNyUNlg-9mO8I4Yc59rJA-7rxwpBNdTlGnHgC2kgErV5hMWw0Ng-bk4BBwq7lwD45x58FJKFmbSsYDzD_PeNVArdoH3PzgcRt71cs2C1b8wMDas5MyH1dB/s5504/Sony_Wolfe_0008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5504" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtB9kZkcXscSa565L2Oypk2m-5ZKaIWYDsVCUoBsS8Jwc23b7OwEtIshBwj1blwaAfjfIOHFJNyUNlg-9mO8I4Yc59rJA-7rxwpBNdTlGnHgC2kgErV5hMWw0Ng-bk4BBwq7lwD45x58FJKFmbSsYDzD_PeNVArdoH3PzgcRt71cs2C1b8wMDas5MyH1dB/s320/Sony_Wolfe_0008.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sony Smartphone to Wolfe Scope<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>However, the most brilliant design comes from <b><a href="https://www.openocular.com/designs">OpenOcular.com</a></b>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOI9fdnyPU3qtBCY_iDML46lNrZjFqrIBJAGz4mG_yCPiSzaqvzDc2GdTY7QkKpUh5mmgNNeuO9MhxhVtotUdlC5W1s1JYNJXQwtE2xCt5SCqvzZ2EKodgZFwCVwDCcoBYhcveYv382M-ARdhpA48woTfye5J4dDy3f37pzqc2vGq7f3D1wPKsJRKcaJa/s500/OpenOcularv2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOI9fdnyPU3qtBCY_iDML46lNrZjFqrIBJAGz4mG_yCPiSzaqvzDc2GdTY7QkKpUh5mmgNNeuO9MhxhVtotUdlC5W1s1JYNJXQwtE2xCt5SCqvzZ2EKodgZFwCVwDCcoBYhcveYv382M-ARdhpA48woTfye5J4dDy3f37pzqc2vGq7f3D1wPKsJRKcaJa/s320/OpenOcularv2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OpenOcular Smartphone to Microscope<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Josue Gimbernard, the designer, has developed an absolutely beautifully engineered product. And he has done so purely for the purpose of enhancing the experience of owning and using a microscope. His design is freely available on Thingiverse.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5186470"><b>https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5186470 </b></a></span></span></p><p>He suggests printing in PETG. But, for a nominal fee ($22), you can purchase a printed version at his Etsy shop.</p><p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpenOcular"><b>https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpenOcular</b></a></p><p>Believe me, it is well worth the $22 because an interface that works with just about any smartphone and microscope combination requires many parts and a great 3D printer. Josue does a fantastic job of printing the pieces and assembling the most complex parts in PETG. </p><p>I wholeheartedly endorse the OpenOcular device for mating smartphones to heavier microscopes. I have one and admire both the design and the execution. It has to one of the most clever 3D printed designs I've ever used.<br /></p><p>Lighter microscopes can be mated with smartphones. But, action cameras are a better, and easier, alternative. </p><p><b>Action Camera Interfaces are simpler to design and Print</b></p><p>Due to their small size and light weight, action cameras require a far simpler interface and can be successfully mounted on even the lightest of microscopes. There are just 3 parts necessary for a successful design.</p><p><b>Part 1: Camera Cradle </b></p><p>Because the action camera will be oriented face down, there is no need for an elaborate mechanism for holding the camera steady. We simply need to design an open cradle into which the camera will sit. <b></b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_tgP0X_NNevoQslnmQGTXSIgZhGFoWaMWdKXH6Xd22t_cXaz7HEW_86GkIvUft7Q_WG6nKJ0O229oUadYtcwatNqom7WNoPDfEG7tsGbzeVbA3o9gb_X0HwB9yDpBHcfsfT-wDhnpD9p9RBJ8SwjxbXqWtJIl8EAyO08FpE5ZUg8cYY5XEHjzW2v8DBV/s1112/ActionCamera%20Cradle.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1112" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_tgP0X_NNevoQslnmQGTXSIgZhGFoWaMWdKXH6Xd22t_cXaz7HEW_86GkIvUft7Q_WG6nKJ0O229oUadYtcwatNqom7WNoPDfEG7tsGbzeVbA3o9gb_X0HwB9yDpBHcfsfT-wDhnpD9p9RBJ8SwjxbXqWtJIl8EAyO08FpE5ZUg8cYY5XEHjzW2v8DBV/s320/ActionCamera%20Cradle.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part1: Action Camera Cradle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The basic measurements for this part are length and width, making sure that the corners that hold the camera in place do not interfere with any buttons on the top and sides of the camera.<b> </b>We also need to provide a hole for any buttons located on the front of the camera.<b> </b>The design above accommodates <b><i>both</i></b> the DragonTouch Vision3 and the Xilecam 4K 30fps camera<b> </b>buttons. <p></p><p>The most critical measurement for the cradle is the center of the camera's lens. It must be accurate to a tiny fraction of a millimeter to be used successfully. The rectangular inset provides a stable way to glue the eyepiece connector base to the cradle. </p><p><b>Part 2: Threaded Eyepiece Connector Base</b></p><p>The part of the interface that gives us the ability to accommodate a variety of microscopes is the threaded eyepiece connector base.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq4q0kW9BnViC0XT6VS_Y8dD3AvEBXefDcgd3T1utyQhJndJQeEaYi83OsgaKxtvPW-PkXE9R_K62mb-jeXFD8i2KZCZD-BZhVbmiHLCBque-UVZliO0CLECLRmPmzSTGBJU7cOFPOFAOYyLWUgk39md2TPi5UWyKav5N-sRta8uhUJxQLv3UyIW9lMc2/s1103/ActionCamera%20Part2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1103" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq4q0kW9BnViC0XT6VS_Y8dD3AvEBXefDcgd3T1utyQhJndJQeEaYi83OsgaKxtvPW-PkXE9R_K62mb-jeXFD8i2KZCZD-BZhVbmiHLCBque-UVZliO0CLECLRmPmzSTGBJU7cOFPOFAOYyLWUgk39md2TPi5UWyKav5N-sRta8uhUJxQLv3UyIW9lMc2/s320/ActionCamera%20Part2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part2: Threaded Connector Base<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The inside diameter of the base must be at least wide enough to accommodate the camera's lens shroud. It can be larger since the cradle, itself, ensures centering. The inside diameter of this particular design exactly matches the outside diameter of the DragonTouch Vision 3 's lens shroud. But, is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the Xilecam.</p><p>Since we must rely on glue (Gorilla Super Glue Gel) to join parts 1 and 2 and the actual eyepiece mount screws onto this base, we need to ensure that part 2 is securely locked into place. This is accomplished using two tabs that resist turning the base as the eyepiece connector is screwed on and off.</p><p>The threads have a pitch of 1.6mm allowing us to adjust for differing eyepiece relief heights in very fine increments if necessary.</p><p>When joined together parts 1 and 2 look like this.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKR0Xfli6cA6ouRkiqeU-lRChJkk2ZSKfOzpMmDZx_FyWM2I-d8QuAk7bc-GNLUNvjo6ladpcX8iS0INrQxPyDPvEEoeG2z16-4ybZujBC_asTgqY67b-_n4U87EyqEPNqhwQenB936hYyBY0D8IZDcDp4HqLDEJuR1cOYJ8-dQLxZTYfIA_K-EEywjXhS/s1095/ActionCamera%20Part2B.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1095" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKR0Xfli6cA6ouRkiqeU-lRChJkk2ZSKfOzpMmDZx_FyWM2I-d8QuAk7bc-GNLUNvjo6ladpcX8iS0INrQxPyDPvEEoeG2z16-4ybZujBC_asTgqY67b-_n4U87EyqEPNqhwQenB936hYyBY0D8IZDcDp4HqLDEJuR1cOYJ8-dQLxZTYfIA_K-EEywjXhS/s320/ActionCamera%20Part2B.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cradle and threads Combined<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />With the cradle complete, we now have a platform that can be mated with an eyepiece connector for any specific microscope we would like to use.<p></p><p><b>Part 3: Threaded Eyepiece Connector</b><br /></p><p>There are three critical criteria for a successful microscope eyepiece connector for a camera interface. The connector must hold tightly enough as to not move, it must automatically center the microscope eyepiece every time and it must place the camera at the precise location of the lenses eyepiece relief distance. Here is an illustration that shows what we mean when we talk about eyepiece relief distance. From: https://planetfacts.org/eye-relief/ <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wNVyYFjIV00BFH5g9FFypwWptPrBZYIlpuFMVDSELFuPWViSVrxx_cH8aT7HcrSKK5Jn_VeXbH3srCyfA2U-KqzMCaMZbjE-w95ZZ4oFTQxduew3aFMKonX26qZqGy65KOew5fEBrUuJC97Wli5zZFhypXN6IgVJ0A8WRJX-4rChAbIxMtWV5VdBS7uO/s450/Eye-Relief.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="450" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wNVyYFjIV00BFH5g9FFypwWptPrBZYIlpuFMVDSELFuPWViSVrxx_cH8aT7HcrSKK5Jn_VeXbH3srCyfA2U-KqzMCaMZbjE-w95ZZ4oFTQxduew3aFMKonX26qZqGy65KOew5fEBrUuJC97Wli5zZFhypXN6IgVJ0A8WRJX-4rChAbIxMtWV5VdBS7uO/s320/Eye-Relief.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eyepiece Relief Distance<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Among my microscopes the eyepiece relief distance can vary as much as 10mm. The MSK-01L, from C7 A Scientific has the longest relief distance. I suspect that this is to make it easier for students to use. For our connectors, we measure the distance from the face of the cradle to the face of the lens. We use a distance of 23mm for the MSK-01L and a distance of 13mm for the Wolfe Student Microscope.</p><p>In addition to the differences in the eyepiece relief, we find a great variety of differences in the outside diameters of eyepieces. While nominally fitting the same size lens tube (23mm), we find some lens diameters might range from 27.80mm to 28.85mm. One of my stereo microscopes has an outside eyepiece diameter of 34.2mm. So, the range can be quite wide.</p><p>The OpenOcular solution to address the wide variety of sizes was to use an iris approach.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvC_tFtY2rYds8n75kgmYeo_cq-dFdxPTI795fxM2BFyprg5mHzB35oLoXp5fugzlVkNvwccxUcEgmYB8KGS7qMXzNRl7eDmYCmcJb8ds9STqGoS4wb6Y3WJz12ALizFJelWJdYs2OalTUaAxvSLYiD9jRROeYZkmeaVo3dfEH_X7pUQaO-KXTSbwCWLY/s800/OpenOcular%20Centering-p-800.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvC_tFtY2rYds8n75kgmYeo_cq-dFdxPTI795fxM2BFyprg5mHzB35oLoXp5fugzlVkNvwccxUcEgmYB8KGS7qMXzNRl7eDmYCmcJb8ds9STqGoS4wb6Y3WJz12ALizFJelWJdYs2OalTUaAxvSLYiD9jRROeYZkmeaVo3dfEH_X7pUQaO-KXTSbwCWLY/s320/OpenOcular%20Centering-p-800.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OpenOcular Iris Style Centering<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>It works very well. But, it require a bulky and heavy mechanism. To keep our design as light as possible, we have adopted a multi-connector approach. We create a new connector for each eyepiece diameter / Eyepiece relief combination. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GzG16GDhV9jaKR3LAbOzKqWxk55myiwH2ZrP18YlL-zFlA8kM8UIiLy24X5AKgRol3Yxi6VJ8vkYaGhRfvNVyQvBpAzUYVxVRFrV8zvcvq7RB8AM2y_T9HgdQl9Zl955werCsjHp-X2bYoi3sKIpQNG6RlkdCpB2X6_2o7BIYsjfAVOR0XHwMiNYXuKa/s1112/Part3%20LensConnector.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1112" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GzG16GDhV9jaKR3LAbOzKqWxk55myiwH2ZrP18YlL-zFlA8kM8UIiLy24X5AKgRol3Yxi6VJ8vkYaGhRfvNVyQvBpAzUYVxVRFrV8zvcvq7RB8AM2y_T9HgdQl9Zl955werCsjHp-X2bYoi3sKIpQNG6RlkdCpB2X6_2o7BIYsjfAVOR0XHwMiNYXuKa/s320/Part3%20LensConnector.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lens Connectors by Diameter and Eye Relief<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn7rwrrDlBRy9bQizmprLmXPibGHk3IAXi3sflWJ1X930PR1Wo0SsuvG04D9MJwsiSUYuSdj6gSSBjdge93IHrDo0SIrdAU3GJMrxNzt5S28koCiLvEJJTjhqpzE32qHfUCc-6eDhFmwEs5QkRG1h151Yh8MCIkNJxuDmhGlXnfpGHKSiUIWxNE3c1YGo/s1041/Action%20Eye%20Relief.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="1041" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn7rwrrDlBRy9bQizmprLmXPibGHk3IAXi3sflWJ1X930PR1Wo0SsuvG04D9MJwsiSUYuSdj6gSSBjdge93IHrDo0SIrdAU3GJMrxNzt5S28koCiLvEJJTjhqpzE32qHfUCc-6eDhFmwEs5QkRG1h151Yh8MCIkNJxuDmhGlXnfpGHKSiUIWxNE3c1YGo/s320/Action%20Eye%20Relief.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Differences in Eye Relief Distance<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> By relying largely on a revolve technique to design the connector, scalability is relatively easy. The screw threads are exactly the same for each connector. <p></p><p>The most difficult part is determining the exact eye relief distance when approaching a new eyepiece. These connectors simply screw onto the cradle/ connector base combination. Each size is labeled for quick identification.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl4MpaBd2ZnDaRbFlnKiRPGXXmpS3m5qv3Qa1zyLaxETVwn31oyZA7-gOEZ9jpLOI_ZVRUuMWucMUdW1RvrZgdN1GUuyONbcq_HN24DMhgd2oYze-V-MOgUsKwc49yUXmdFqCREuoxEzUNJsCNu4etSojL-tYcS5Opk9jBZsKYknvjzqcF3EF_E_NjvKb/s821/AcionCam%20Complete.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="821" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl4MpaBd2ZnDaRbFlnKiRPGXXmpS3m5qv3Qa1zyLaxETVwn31oyZA7-gOEZ9jpLOI_ZVRUuMWucMUdW1RvrZgdN1GUuyONbcq_HN24DMhgd2oYze-V-MOgUsKwc49yUXmdFqCREuoxEzUNJsCNu4etSojL-tYcS5Opk9jBZsKYknvjzqcF3EF_E_NjvKb/s320/AcionCam%20Complete.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action Camera to Microscope Interface<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The result is a very light weight camera attachment to just about any microscope.<br /></p><p><b>The Tri-Wall Centering Technique</b><br /></p><p>The most critical aspect of designing any interface to a microscope eyepiece is that of centering. One of the lightest and most reliable methods we have found is what we call Tri-Wall design where we grip the eyepiece in a triangular fashion.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRKKxezNjxmLJGLGFc3hN4F-rVSgBWR3lGo_VjtGnUo3r9JQ9_oj2hVuPMVCouBP2gz3t_GqoOhISGCJ6LL2CsCq0c1d3e8P5MSjmF-_5MD6rlu-hEbCdELc01_gDY2m_RsKbo3mH-c5P_aQgqM9JSVL_YvQYxHX3sD_Sg9YJwl9t88jNBG5SevRs48zZ/s1000/ActionCamera%20Tri-Wall.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1000" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRKKxezNjxmLJGLGFc3hN4F-rVSgBWR3lGo_VjtGnUo3r9JQ9_oj2hVuPMVCouBP2gz3t_GqoOhISGCJ6LL2CsCq0c1d3e8P5MSjmF-_5MD6rlu-hEbCdELc01_gDY2m_RsKbo3mH-c5P_aQgqM9JSVL_YvQYxHX3sD_Sg9YJwl9t88jNBG5SevRs48zZ/s320/ActionCamera%20Tri-Wall.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri-Wall Eyepiece Centering Technique<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The outside diameter of the 3D printed eyepiece connector is a perfect circle. But, the inside wall is a rounded triangle. This results in some parts of the wall being thin and flexible while alternate parts of the wall are thicker and more stiff. Three triangular shafts are attached at the thickest parts of the wall. These shafts grip the microscope's eyepiece. <br /></p><p>This design lets us grip the eyepiece tightly while still providing flexibility when attaching and removing the holder. The eyepiece is always centered. The flexability allows us to use hard PLA plastic without damaging the eyepiece. While either TPU (Flexible filament) or PETG can used, there is no requirement for perfect fit and strength.</p><p>Over the next few blog entries, we will provide instructions and videos that demonstrate the steps we take in Moment of Inspiration to create a cradle to attach an action camera to a low cost stereo microscope and a typical student microscope used in high schools. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-39482545441134503882023-06-18T21:55:00.017-07:002023-06-18T22:31:11.429-07:00A New Series: Article #1: 3D Printed Action Camera Interface to Microscopes<p>In this upcoming series of articles I want to combine my love of 3D design with my love of microscopy.</p><p>Actually, microscopy has held a place in my heart and life a LOT longer than 3D printing. It goes all the way back to 1958, when I was in the 8th grade and my parents gave me a child's Tasco microscope with some of the world's worst optics!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHNyCXGv1iUKcGZDorJKQ8VuZa-uaHddT4GY5QCgdhPPWkwUgc1UQr_y28IDcqhA1G237sPYFXzfntpnTY7x1SBjbwXyPX09oqq5na00iB4QQBJxks8TxJBzavwoIvSNCq2kNQwfyzuWJVwwnrnc81u0VtAD4uye7cuxpfYbCP_mEYOdUCCdNdsAdxg/s1524/TascoMicroscope.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="976" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHNyCXGv1iUKcGZDorJKQ8VuZa-uaHddT4GY5QCgdhPPWkwUgc1UQr_y28IDcqhA1G237sPYFXzfntpnTY7x1SBjbwXyPX09oqq5na00iB4QQBJxks8TxJBzavwoIvSNCq2kNQwfyzuWJVwwnrnc81u0VtAD4uye7cuxpfYbCP_mEYOdUCCdNdsAdxg/s320/TascoMicroscope.png" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TASCO Microscope circa 1958<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>To me, the lack of quality mattered a lot less than the fact that I was able to see a whole new world of fascinating creatures that lived in the swamps near my home. That little scope planted the seeds of a lifelong interest in protozoology and discovery that stays with me more than 60 years later. I enjoy watching protozoa like others go bird watching.</p><p>I've had many more microscopes in my life since then. But, I still have a deep fondness for introducing low cost microscopes to children in a way that might instill in them the same love of discovery that my parent's gift sparked in me.</p><p>I do think the concept works. If you have followed this blog for any length of time you will know that my favorite scope for younger children is the low powered stereo microscope. At the time of this writing, <b><a href="https://amscope.com/collections/student-microscopes-iqcrew/products/se100-led">this one is available for under $27 on AMScope.</a> </b>But, if this one is sold out, AMScope.com carries many more at very reasonable prices.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidB6r4LP6Ph6pAUglvTM1eMLPqxdCmH56FvhTiOAUzKEL05sX3VLOAtPNjF6v57FH3X_7XRso7lwWFSGZ_QVA-Ewd3Ujn08qhRNFOQhPego4A_G-SgPZObDNEVDQOUSs9CB40EZLgG1Rp8IQD4aukrL2Fsx-lfXKoFCAoXrACR22yXB_Y2cYf3Y4mDW1R5/s540/AmscopeStereo.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidB6r4LP6Ph6pAUglvTM1eMLPqxdCmH56FvhTiOAUzKEL05sX3VLOAtPNjF6v57FH3X_7XRso7lwWFSGZ_QVA-Ewd3Ujn08qhRNFOQhPego4A_G-SgPZObDNEVDQOUSs9CB40EZLgG1Rp8IQD4aukrL2Fsx-lfXKoFCAoXrACR22yXB_Y2cYf3Y4mDW1R5/s320/AmscopeStereo.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I gave each of my granddaughters a similar scope when they were very young, and both ended up graduating as the valedictorians of their respective graduating high school classes. The oldest graduated from William & Mary college and is now serving a two year lab program at NIH.</p><p>Action cameras are so small and light that they are perfectly suited for mating with student microscopes including those that might normally be considered toys. While I would always encourage parents to buy the best microscopes they can afford, the reality is that many cannot afford high cost microscopes with high priced dedicated microscope cameras.</p><p><b> Consideration #1: Dedicated Microscope Cameras are extremely extremely expensive.</b></p><p>While it is possible to find a dedicated microscope camera in the $50 range, at this level they have very limited resolution and brightness capabilities. In this price range, 1.3mpx or 5mpx still images are the norm. But, where these cameras suffer the most is in their frame rate for video capture. As resolution goes up, the frame rate goes down dramatically.</p><p>Here is the typical YUY2 frame rate table for a dedicated microscope camera in the under $100 price range.</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="a-list-item">2592 x 1944@2FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">2048x1536@2FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">1920x1080@4FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">1600x1200@4FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">1280x720@4FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item"> 280x960@4FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">1024x768@6FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">800x600@15FPS</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">640x480@30FPS </span></li></ul><p><span class="a-list-item"> This is fine for static slides; but, can become a bit frustrating when trying to capture fast moving protozoa.</span></p><p><span class="a-list-item">The least expensive 4K dedicated microscope camera I could find on Amazon was $190 and above. Compare this cost with a 4K Action Camera that goes for as little as $33 at the time of this article and it's plain that more people should be able to afford to add an action camera to their microscopes than a dedicated camera of the same quality.</span></p><p><span class="a-list-item">Here is my first quick demonstration capture using a typical student microscope and the <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Xilecam-Waterproof-Underwater-Multifunctional-Accessories/dp/B0B51Q794B">Xilecam 4K action camera</a></b> that costs just $33.99 on Amazon that arrived this afternoon. I immediately noticed a lack if lag and ghosting typical of my dedicated microscope cameras, caused by slow frame rates. I'm very impressed!<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JryObD7Bey4" width="320" youtube-src-id="JryObD7Bey4"></iframe></div><br /><span class="a-list-item"></span><p></p><p><b> Consideration #2: Dedicated Microscope Cameras fit a specific size of Microscope</b></p><p>Almost all dedicated microscope cameras <span class="a-list-item">fit just 3 sizes of microscope tubes.. 23mm, 30mm and 30.5mm. They do not, generally, fit children's microscopes. While I am not a fan of these super low cost microscopes, I have to remember that my own love of microscopy began with just this type of microscope. If that is all a family can afford, then I still want to find a way to enhance their child's experience with their microscope and that means finding an equally low cost way to capture and share what they can see with the scope they have.<br /></span></p><p><span class="a-list-item"><b> Consideration #3: Action Cameras offer a wide range of educational benefits</b>.</span></p><p><span class="a-list-item">As a science teacher, many decades ago, my ultimate goal for my students was that they not only learn how to observe; but, attain a passion and love of the very process of observing. My basic method was to start big and continually focus on finding ever smaller details. We started simply using the naked eye, moved to magnifying glasses and through a series of microscope observations from low to high power. </span></p><p><span class="a-list-item">A dedicated microscope camera is useful in only a small widow of that journey. But, an action camera can be used at every step of the way. Even the lowest cost action camera I have tested (Under $34) has a variety of settings for Field of View, including "close". This provides views from wide to narrow that provide students with the ability to gather ever increasingly detailed information about the world around them. And, unlike dedicated microscope cameras, they can be dunked under water in the special housing that comes in the action camera package. Getting an up close and personal view of tadpoles is well within the capabilities of an action camera. That can't be said for a dedicated microscope camera.</span></p><p><span class="a-list-item"><b>Consideration #4: It's very easy to design a 3D printed interface between an action camera and microscope<br /></b></span></p><p><span class="a-list-item"> In the next few blog articles, we will cover the processes of discovering what it takes to create an interface between an action camera and various types and sizes of microscopes. We'll discuss ways to adjust for the different eye relief distances between various eyepieces. It's actually quite easy once we correctly measure the center of the lens of the the action camera relative to it's overall size and shape. It turns out that most brand names follow the same basic design and may even be manufactured in the very same plant as other brands. </span></p><p><span class="a-list-item">We'll go over each step of the design process in <b><a href="http://moi3d.com">Moment of Inspiration</a></b>, which is available as a fully functional 90-day trial so that anyone that desires can follow along and create their personally designed interface for the action camera of their choice. And, because we are passionate about microscopy ourselves we promise to make time available for those that might be interested in following along and need a bit of help here or there. </span></p><p><span class="a-list-item">In the end, the goals is to create designs for a wide variety of camera and eyepiece combinations that can be freely downloaded. We will start with designs for two cameras, the<b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Touch-Underwater-Waterproof-Accessories/dp/B07B2W96JH">DragonTouch Vision3 ($69 on Amazon).</a></b>..</span></p><p><span class="a-list-item"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hyp2_iGZNQ0gMFmrpVhjYLK_Lf0C31HudwC1Z5jO0oRlkeuMJLGcRWHwlGIFHMYuQzIcSuB_83hsfmHyczOpLzjD_m2H4xaZ3e4jgmR-Vbn6OE5S6s0E_I6FGwsxcc6U3dexmRU62h0S8v5p6QgqOuTYVByz2915R3Vc7EK8vUR3MSj9Qi2vXEIln4KZ/s927/DragonTouchVision3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="787" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hyp2_iGZNQ0gMFmrpVhjYLK_Lf0C31HudwC1Z5jO0oRlkeuMJLGcRWHwlGIFHMYuQzIcSuB_83hsfmHyczOpLzjD_m2H4xaZ3e4jgmR-Vbn6OE5S6s0E_I6FGwsxcc6U3dexmRU62h0S8v5p6QgqOuTYVByz2915R3Vc7EK8vUR3MSj9Qi2vXEIln4KZ/s320/DragonTouchVision3.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DragonTouch Vision3<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span class="a-list-item"> and the<b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Touch-Underwater-Waterproof-Accessories/dp/B07B2W96JH">Xilecam 4K 30fps ($33 on Amazon)</a></b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Touch-Underwater-Waterproof-Accessories/dp/B07B2W96JH">.</a> </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUz5cL5GYiyCkPKLCxOY9SuSJhA_vKXLYxVokjqYJHUHpwVyxWuaQ5nnDokUWtjxAXh9f3QhyIrohiSPeuzFBrvRMzmjaAmQNio7eVLx_X1-F0wxMmwDbnlz_kU15z-lTb9wM5uRapJLx6C3aR6-rSIt-cD9F4k0plQtpAuf2iBXKNK4qJP-sQQ6CoKy5/s1500/Xilecam4K30fps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1500" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUz5cL5GYiyCkPKLCxOY9SuSJhA_vKXLYxVokjqYJHUHpwVyxWuaQ5nnDokUWtjxAXh9f3QhyIrohiSPeuzFBrvRMzmjaAmQNio7eVLx_X1-F0wxMmwDbnlz_kU15z-lTb9wM5uRapJLx6C3aR6-rSIt-cD9F4k0plQtpAuf2iBXKNK4qJP-sQQ6CoKy5/s320/Xilecam4K30fps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xilecam 4K 30fps<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="a-list-item"> </span><p></p><p><span class="a-list-item">I'm hoping to be able to experiment with the Xilecam 4K 60fps camera as well. DragonTouch and Asako are related brands, so it should be easy to adapt to the popular Asako EK7000 series as well. So, if you have a brand of camera that you already own, I look forward to working with you to expand the community's resources. I'm even interested in seeing if the unique PROGRACE children's cameras can be successfully used with a microscope. </span></p><p><span class="a-list-item"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJX-ejqEy7nH2Mgouq1Gwh5LwefNsf2d75krHV95E_iinXrdVMZib-4upNeKW1pzIDBsG6F2BemISi3FChkcJAFn8ma6kruM4IJ4u_W7bj2UGElk8Xy-n9i4EGoDbHVFk9FpzwanaM85UZcIhojKQxNRl4Puvq2JLySybpWrj5PA4uaZQY8r60EQr_fIf/s1175/Prograce_AC_SL1200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1175" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJX-ejqEy7nH2Mgouq1Gwh5LwefNsf2d75krHV95E_iinXrdVMZib-4upNeKW1pzIDBsG6F2BemISi3FChkcJAFn8ma6kruM4IJ4u_W7bj2UGElk8Xy-n9i4EGoDbHVFk9FpzwanaM85UZcIhojKQxNRl4Puvq2JLySybpWrj5PA4uaZQY8r60EQr_fIf/s320/Prograce_AC_SL1200_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PROGRACE Children's Action Camera<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> It will be a fun adventure!<br /></span></p><p><span class="a-list-item"> </span><span class="a-list-item"> <br /></span></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-31674417856497805052023-05-23T11:09:00.005-07:002023-05-23T11:14:44.809-07:00D-Day: The Bedford Boys Tribute Center<p> We are coming up on the month of June.</p><p>There are two significant dates for our family in the month of June; but, this particular year our interest was brought into even sharper focus by what I had expected to be a rather mundane visit to a small town museum. It turned out to be very significant.</p><p><b>June 3rd</b></p><p>Some years ago, we donated the diary and personal effects of Lt. Benjamin Draper, of Milford, Delaware</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zqX4_9QyxQIUVxzW_l_JUg9b0Q-MBlfsRQfWjFrl50_EhgIescQiWAqNf-QLX-TdjDybOjKvypv7RdgJU-AS9Mn0-y358KOlcS6ChRpz5KBT9SO_ckcxsLp_XrKbrC6e4OKw4uKxNnyPxCC9_4NLY1dQfkOqMp7U50oUIHS9BdCmMEbkBvS6dxkcSg/s515/DraperBen.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zqX4_9QyxQIUVxzW_l_JUg9b0Q-MBlfsRQfWjFrl50_EhgIescQiWAqNf-QLX-TdjDybOjKvypv7RdgJU-AS9Mn0-y358KOlcS6ChRpz5KBT9SO_ckcxsLp_XrKbrC6e4OKw4uKxNnyPxCC9_4NLY1dQfkOqMp7U50oUIHS9BdCmMEbkBvS6dxkcSg/s320/DraperBen.png" width="314" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt. Benjamin Draper and Fiance from Milford, DE<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>If I remember correctly, there is a handwritten note in his possessions that indicate that his fiance never married. Soldiers are not the only casualties of war. While none of my family are directly related to either, we feel a special responsibility to keep the memories of their sacrifice alive. <br /></p><p>Lt. Draper was killed on June 3, 1864 at the battle of Cold Harbor.<b> </b>He is buried in the Cold Harbor National Battlefield Cemetery. That is why June 3rd continues to have a special place in our hearts.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><b></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYJ5y09K2Gg6Sp1nNLPEflqntcZl4uAki33tseYK6L6KjOS8yWbsb9xFLwgxpwicTiXGb5sctUdjSir5aOaHd7pnyj2m8H23ab8zeDkFjfAFzadIlV0gpqMPnqLRKe2NiCAH2xmqlTHXmfsQfKI_J9CizdcgUC-jbGWy2hQDhXrpwwp17fE8U7FkYRw/s397/BejaminDraper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYJ5y09K2Gg6Sp1nNLPEflqntcZl4uAki33tseYK6L6KjOS8yWbsb9xFLwgxpwicTiXGb5sctUdjSir5aOaHd7pnyj2m8H23ab8zeDkFjfAFzadIlV0gpqMPnqLRKe2NiCAH2xmqlTHXmfsQfKI_J9CizdcgUC-jbGWy2hQDhXrpwwp17fE8U7FkYRw/s320/BejaminDraper.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><b></b><p></p><p><b></b></p><p><b>June 6th</b></p><p>As a child born during World War II, D-Day has also occupied a special place in my memory. I have visited the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia many times over the years. <b></b></p><p>I live in the Washington, DC area. And, in the 1970's I was hired by the National Park Service to produce videos in many of the nations national parks and historical sites. So, I have seen many impressive national monuments to those who fought in our nation's wars.<b> </b> But, none are as impressive to me than the Natonal D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. It captures the experience like no other monument I have seen.<br /></p><p>My mother-in-law was born and raised in Bedford. And, this weekend, I traveled once again to visit the town for a memorial service for her brother and his wife who passed earlier this year. <b></b></p><p>We had some time between the service and a family dinner later that day and decided to use that time touring a local museum in town called the<b> Bedford Boys Tribute Center. </b> My back was giving me some issues so I wasn't all that keen on going and, frankly, didn't expect much from the visit. </p><p><b><i>It turned out to be one of the most moving and significant experiences in my life.</i></b></p><p>June 6 will never be the same for me. While significant before, it now holds a very special place, with a whole new meaning. And, that is all due to the way the founders ans curators have told the story with so many personal effects, letters and images of the very first casualties of the D-Day invasion and built upon that to tell the stories of others in every branch of the service who served in WWII. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBV6kcAOVAyIuH8CLdGjaiTxj7aOmaLGzPPrJW9tMNb1SangHK9ezLJ1sWB_WVsuqTMjAdRLPK340PUruoxvGGBNcELxIZRXhISP16Xu3HhQBKKQs242nFjnpn-ZgQPBbXNbI84opGN7uT-UcXw3QElMmetYg05sC57Tgl9F_JYcw68vKgzWOUzfF7A/s1200/bedford-boys-tribute.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBV6kcAOVAyIuH8CLdGjaiTxj7aOmaLGzPPrJW9tMNb1SangHK9ezLJ1sWB_WVsuqTMjAdRLPK340PUruoxvGGBNcELxIZRXhISP16Xu3HhQBKKQs242nFjnpn-ZgQPBbXNbI84opGN7uT-UcXw3QElMmetYg05sC57Tgl9F_JYcw68vKgzWOUzfF7A/s320/bedford-boys-tribute.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green's Pharmacy - Bedford Boys Tribute Center<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p>The Bedford Boys Tribute Center is located in the former Green's Pharmacy. The site, itself, is significant because this is where, as teenagers, the Bedford boys would take their dates for sodas and icecream. But, it is also significant for it's role in receiving the news, on June 17, of the tragedy that had hit the town on the beaches of Normandy in the first hours of the invasion of June 6th.<br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJv8oIt9UiPz7sJUV3_wSyr4SK0D_A4f2_wa2EPLi5HL6lB4fjJAWNtuXczgxEkT4d0sAfRNVdaDXLZMmMwdF8WbYrBXwkr8kfLeKMxrjvkjJj4xb8nTtusR0IW8DbtvhoKjuZY5hFxUlAGJDA-sERtFeczHgz7_2Q5mNs08wAiDD5rEN0IS4qg_paA/s1653/BedfordTeletype.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="1100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJv8oIt9UiPz7sJUV3_wSyr4SK0D_A4f2_wa2EPLi5HL6lB4fjJAWNtuXczgxEkT4d0sAfRNVdaDXLZMmMwdF8WbYrBXwkr8kfLeKMxrjvkjJj4xb8nTtusR0IW8DbtvhoKjuZY5hFxUlAGJDA-sERtFeczHgz7_2Q5mNs08wAiDD5rEN0IS4qg_paA/s320/BedfordTeletype.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Teletype that broke the news<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny0Wzmr9ALJHCc9P3tKFm-h19PhHP-ilzTK_wrCxePS-9o2uumgm1Gwer77BbYGdRUStFuf98xrxbKWJJhD_ItI7rZMQrf2g3dYE7tCcQlrMFlJXva1ZDMuIeqH3Zwaty0gGN9eDW40iJC1fypDtq6Z4Wsq3nbSGGfIlJHkp6qHLEJxX8n55SWQP4tw/s1200/BedfordBoys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny0Wzmr9ALJHCc9P3tKFm-h19PhHP-ilzTK_wrCxePS-9o2uumgm1Gwer77BbYGdRUStFuf98xrxbKWJJhD_ItI7rZMQrf2g3dYE7tCcQlrMFlJXva1ZDMuIeqH3Zwaty0gGN9eDW40iJC1fypDtq6Z4Wsq3nbSGGfIlJHkp6qHLEJxX8n55SWQP4tw/s320/BedfordBoys.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bedford Boys Images and Personal Effects<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Imagine being a 23 year old woman who is suddenly faced with message after message bearing the news of the death of someone that she knew well. Bedford is, and was, a very small town and suffered the greatest percentage of casualties than any other town in America. Nineteen were killed in a single landing and one was killed in a different location.</p><p>Because of the wonderful way the curators have told the stories of these men, the families of other soldiers, sailors and marines have entrusted them with the artifacts of others that have served in every theater of operations in WWII. And, in fact, I plan to donate the Cruise Book for the USS Bataan, on which my uncle, James Willard Simpson, endured the constant threats of kamikaze attacks. Like Lt. Draper, my uncle had no children, and it seems fitting that he be remembered for his service in a place that knows how to tell his story so well. </p><p>I am grateful that I agreed to make that visit in spite of my initial reluctance. It was a highlight that I shall never forget and I hope that others will have that same experience. You will not come away the same as you entered. Kenneth and Linda Parker have done something wonderful. </p><p>Please take the time to visit the <b><a href="https://www.dday.org/">National D-Day Memorial</a></b> and the <b><a href="https://www.bbtcva.org/">Bedford Boys Tribute Center </a></b> <br /></p><p>P.S. While you are in the area I would also encourage you to visit <b><a href="https://www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm">Appomattox Courthouse National Park</a> </b>where you can see the restored Plunkett-Meeks Store, owned by Albert Francis Meeks, my great-great-grandfather at the time of Lee's surrender.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CeKaqCkMJZ0xGUDUd_WmDhZBXtvEot4cCgCH2PVC4fB0gMI1IAvPAfzFtSRT01utce1MtuyQXOiehjYPkgHLcYXLuvTU1xpS_4yhEI5Jm_jsX2Qo0SgQkUVHWnHAxBkus4UJwn-TmHvVT6JefDOLv7E-Y_iqatwf7j7RKi7AaWT4BBofS9VqCjgYrg/s3872/Appomattox_Court_House_NHP_-_Plunkett-Meeks_Store_Interior.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3872" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CeKaqCkMJZ0xGUDUd_WmDhZBXtvEot4cCgCH2PVC4fB0gMI1IAvPAfzFtSRT01utce1MtuyQXOiehjYPkgHLcYXLuvTU1xpS_4yhEI5Jm_jsX2Qo0SgQkUVHWnHAxBkus4UJwn-TmHvVT6JefDOLv7E-Y_iqatwf7j7RKi7AaWT4BBofS9VqCjgYrg/w320-h214/Appomattox_Court_House_NHP_-_Plunkett-Meeks_Store_Interior.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plunkett-Meeks Store Interior - Appomattox Courthouse<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Memorial Day is coming up on May 29. But, please keep the days June 3rd and June 6th in mind to remember that the sacrifices people made were individual and personal. And, not only for those that died; but, for those that loved them dearly.<br /></p><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-1830699041705274302023-05-11T11:18:00.003-07:002023-05-14T10:51:02.417-07:00Impressed by the Mingda Magician X <p> I was recently contacted to fill in for someone that was to teach a 3D printing intro class; but, now could not make it due to a medical condition.</p><p>As part of my preparation, he sent me a printer by a manufacturer that was completely new to me, Mingda. The printer is the Magician X.</p><p> This isn't a review of this printer. I simply thought it worth alerting the readers to an excellent printer at an affordable price that can print flexible materials. I've loved using it the short time I've been able to test it.<br /></p><p><b><i>https://3dmingdaofficial.com/products/mingda-magician-x-new-auto-leveling-3d-printer</i></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GN_FSkdB-KHSA4IXlMsAMacs5fYAfr7V0YqMAqfRdIBchD9Xv1w--VApwkZEXhKAymsbFhq-fjMCdXegOqxfv4A3NE7ufHkNch9gRxJCaOodHFptTucOpTRwFoqbU8esYcjIyaPkWSDpDL3jQVij_B3Igq3hKt-Y0SZgAglQIrx9YYW1R1LPAuCoLA/s547/MingdaX.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GN_FSkdB-KHSA4IXlMsAMacs5fYAfr7V0YqMAqfRdIBchD9Xv1w--VApwkZEXhKAymsbFhq-fjMCdXegOqxfv4A3NE7ufHkNch9gRxJCaOodHFptTucOpTRwFoqbU8esYcjIyaPkWSDpDL3jQVij_B3Igq3hKt-Y0SZgAglQIrx9YYW1R1LPAuCoLA/s320/MingdaX.png" width="211" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mingda Magician X<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>My day-to-day printer is a Creality. I have tried other Chinese built brands, like Geeetech, but non of them equaled the value of the Creality until I tried this printer for the first time.</p><p>What immediately set it apart was (1) it came with automatic leveling that actually works, (2) it was a direct drive printer and (3) it includes not only a full size SD reader; but, a port for using a USB drive for storing prints. And, all of the ports are on the front of the machine.</p><p>I have been successfully printing with both PLA and Polymaker Polyflex materials. </p><p>The printer is exceptionally quiet in operation. And, I especially like the ease with which fine adjustments to the printing height can be made during printing. The Z-Axis "baby-step" process is the easiest I've used so far. <br /></p><p>The only criticism I have of the machine is that loading filament can be a bit finicky. Because it is direct drive, it is very important to cut the filament at a 45 degree angle before loading. I am going to link to Mingda's video about loading and unloading the filament because it is different enough to be a potential problem for those used to loading most printers in this price range.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GrkPTenbeB8" width="320" youtube-src-id="GrkPTenbeB8"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p><p>The Magician X currently is currently available for $219 in the USA. But, they offer a newer version, the Magician X2 for $289.00. The big innovation in the X2 version is an easily removable print head assembly. </p><p><b>https://3dmingdaofficial.com/collections/magician-series/products/magician-x2</b></p><p>That is a <b>HUGE</b> upgrade to any 3D printer<b>. </b>ALL 3D printers can and will become clogged at some point. <b> </b>Over and over I hear teachers and librairians talk about their school, or library, having a printer; but, they cannot use it due to a clogged head.<b> </b> Having a print head specifically designed for swapping surely helps this situation.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b><i>The only other printer we've owned with this capability is the Jellybox 3D printer. from iMade3D, specifically designed for educational institutions.</i></b></p><p>Considering that my first 3D printers were all above $1000, either of these Mingda 3D printers offer real price/performance value that are worth serious consideration. I've been quite impressed so far.<b><i></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: red;">Addendum: Now that I have the time to print several dozen TPU prints, and an equal amount of PLA prints, without a single failure of any type, I can confirm that THIS is THE printer brand I have now placed at the top of my recommendation list of FDM printers. I can confidently load multiple parts for printing without fear that one or more part might fail. </span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: red;">For libraries, in particular, that allow the public to use their machines, the Magician X2, with the easily swapped head makes a lot of sense. <br /></span></i></b></p><p><b><i> <br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-2416082980984184732023-04-27T14:18:00.008-07:002023-04-27T16:29:50.194-07:00Finally! A 3D Rendering Application I can Afford and Use.<p>This began as embedded, non-transparent, solid objects in a CAD application.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYbifYNJdUfUZg0dflI8nL4JprzVpFakgPw1W3yArkTeY6kTPQ0YzM8ghVemWNyKM-kknAzHvB-i2XKziIF5nHDp3GJUvVjLzsYew2d30AxEkKGMQgy_kj2hYEYxqYyfbvA-eYqk2EENUAH4hIGJxvdziPubNYXVD5BZl7k3VvyLTSrAJwAkJiGnGyA/s1392/MeshrenderTest01.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYbifYNJdUfUZg0dflI8nL4JprzVpFakgPw1W3yArkTeY6kTPQ0YzM8ghVemWNyKM-kknAzHvB-i2XKziIF5nHDp3GJUvVjLzsYew2d30AxEkKGMQgy_kj2hYEYxqYyfbvA-eYqk2EENUAH4hIGJxvdziPubNYXVD5BZl7k3VvyLTSrAJwAkJiGnGyA/s320/MeshrenderTest01.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi-color Glass Marble Created in Moment of Inspiration & Meshrender</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> For years, I have drooled over images in the Moment of Inspiration Gallery that users have rendered. But, as I explored the options to do the same, I was hit with (1) the cost or (2) the complexities of the 3D rendering options I could find.<p></p><p>But, this week, I got a huge break.</p><p>The creator of Meshmolder, a sculpting application that I have used for some time, released a brand new product called Meshrender. I stumbled across a video announcing the release several days ago.</p><p><b>The Cost</b></p><p>Karlay Souza, the creator of Meshmolder and Meshrender has a unique approach to pricing. In both cases, there is a free 'shareware' version and a full version for which he asks a small donation. In the case of Meshrender, that is $20.00. In both cases, the products are a true bargain.</p><p><b>The Ease of Use</b></p><p>I have no idea how easy the Blender rendering engine might be to learn and use. The reason for my ignorance about the rendering engine is that the whole Blender interface sends me running in the opposite direction. The same is true for the other rendering engines I have considered in the past.</p><p>Meshrender stands alone. Every single button, widget or dialog applies to one thing and one thing only... rendering a 3D object in the simplest steps possible., Yet, it also offers advanced features that we can grow into as we use it.</p><p>I instantly found it comfortable to use. </p><p>As could be expected by an early release, I had some startup glitches that were quickly address by Karley with a single email. Now, it is working very smoothly.</p><p><b>An Excellent Companion to Use with Moment of Inspiration</b><br /></p><p>One of the first things I teach new Moment of Inspiration (MOI3D) users is to name objects. When MOI3d exports to a .OBJ file, a multi-part design is exported as a single file containing multiple components using the names we give to them.</p><p>When brought into Meshrender, each component is listed and we can assign materials and colors independently.</p><p>Here is a video of the process beginning with creating in Moment of Inspiration and ending in the rendered image.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-48xiQBPzuI" width="320" youtube-src-id="-48xiQBPzuI"></iframe></div><p></p><p><br /><b>Impact on Education</b></p><p>As most of you already know, I have a passion for teaching at-risk young people 3D design. While I love 3D printing, the time it takes to print and the reliability of most 3D printers in school situations is a huge impediment to making 3D design available to the broadest spectrum of students. A low cost rendering engine that is easy to use, it seems to me, has a lot of potential for greatly increasing the viability of teaching 3D design for ALL students. Not just a select few.</p><p>And, this really has me excited!</p><p>Here are some variations....</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHUTvwJKtwsPadvQzn6cNaY9Kc6_zgNbnr7GEicqDW_B_j5loFBbKiboirUUDvv1bH_XD8DglUwO6zfUGWSsX5DiffpDZp4DMwd8qsojb0DtRgueK2BrYt-mtCQR-g4N9Jvdx982x_Z9SJRsSQa8uXH9ZZkyFdzuC9sCYNMQIc_Je0yXGIpINaOk0Gw/s1392/Beads06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHUTvwJKtwsPadvQzn6cNaY9Kc6_zgNbnr7GEicqDW_B_j5loFBbKiboirUUDvv1bH_XD8DglUwO6zfUGWSsX5DiffpDZp4DMwd8qsojb0DtRgueK2BrYt-mtCQR-g4N9Jvdx982x_Z9SJRsSQa8uXH9ZZkyFdzuC9sCYNMQIc_Je0yXGIpINaOk0Gw/s320/Beads06.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MeshRender - MOI3D Beads Variation 1<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKjtQLJ5x_Dyq4yRroIJPEWV730duhoUR0gWJHMs2xA5aEZQjtg_9w28SoOoKJaAuAmz9zbMXA7juM3dqnvyj71Ulgcfix25U6YQVVy6VCCRzxwGwlExdcVaC0JdTaAKt3xnpDcxF0ZWSmhmI3CfkQGdZho_JGFiMwkkBw8v_y7Ve76NVjlLBCh1IrQ/s1392/Beads08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKjtQLJ5x_Dyq4yRroIJPEWV730duhoUR0gWJHMs2xA5aEZQjtg_9w28SoOoKJaAuAmz9zbMXA7juM3dqnvyj71Ulgcfix25U6YQVVy6VCCRzxwGwlExdcVaC0JdTaAKt3xnpDcxF0ZWSmhmI3CfkQGdZho_JGFiMwkkBw8v_y7Ve76NVjlLBCh1IrQ/s320/Beads08.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MeshRender - MOI3D Beads Variation 2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqf7mXrL9xf1jJ6v7dXZO-LAasY7zZt-o8FFTIbmpRz3mpOIR9vdze2KTE_FZpAw0S-EaMiHAEx4yybyRMVQijtMquNaV9KA-OBBCv6PWv_7Z-cNhI-NQuToRjliKPCXKH0u_ih3bfTOzBOcQqPQIbLiSUlpBmXI0TjEVm1xx2fys6jeweWU5L_q1IA/s1392/Beads09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqf7mXrL9xf1jJ6v7dXZO-LAasY7zZt-o8FFTIbmpRz3mpOIR9vdze2KTE_FZpAw0S-EaMiHAEx4yybyRMVQijtMquNaV9KA-OBBCv6PWv_7Z-cNhI-NQuToRjliKPCXKH0u_ih3bfTOzBOcQqPQIbLiSUlpBmXI0TjEVm1xx2fys6jeweWU5L_q1IA/s320/Beads09.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MeshRender - MOI3D Beads Variation 3</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHqBlpzuALYPPidBwpgqkWY7wqsDuZOda1L_Ao-TIyPJ5afrdyfeZD3f74PwVcFMWLaXkTY_-JpH7IKA-Ay5gozHKLo3IyZ7FEKlBeuFXUesm0KzqVYn9A0txZmB0W1dPlX5ekfLl_O0Gycs_WaIEMBYHvagtDtDxwbJuvWCfkgdltUh1Q3UIiBtCoQ/s1392/Beads10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1392" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHqBlpzuALYPPidBwpgqkWY7wqsDuZOda1L_Ao-TIyPJ5afrdyfeZD3f74PwVcFMWLaXkTY_-JpH7IKA-Ay5gozHKLo3IyZ7FEKlBeuFXUesm0KzqVYn9A0txZmB0W1dPlX5ekfLl_O0Gycs_WaIEMBYHvagtDtDxwbJuvWCfkgdltUh1Q3UIiBtCoQ/s320/Beads10.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MeshRender - MOI3D Beads Variation 4</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As you can see, this could become addicting!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-8807822627056079482023-04-24T14:14:00.001-07:002023-04-24T14:19:16.357-07:00AI Voices & the Current AI Controversy<p>Little did I know, when I started to create the new Moment of Inspiration training series that the decision to use AI voices would change my release plans so dramatically.</p><p>From the beginning, I had planned to upload the Moment of Inspiration Course onto Udemy. But, little did I know that including AI voices to supplement my own narration would be cause for rejection by the Udemy team.</p><p><b>The reasons for Turning to AI Voices</b></p><p>Ten years earlier, when I created my first Moment of Inspiration Curriclum, my voice was strong enough to complete hours of video. By the time I started on the new curriculum I was ten years older and, as it turned out, was having age related heart issues. My voice simply no longer had the stamina to smoothly narrate all the videos required to teach Moment of Inspiration effectively. </p><p>I did not want to give up on the project because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that at-risk young students' lives have been radically altered through the 3D design and printing classes we taught at YouthQuest. So, I wanted to continue that work if at all possible.</p><p></p><p>The first attempts at finding suitable voices to use didn't go all that well. While Descript allowed me to use my own voice, I never really seemed to evoke the right tone behind the words. Speechelo was OK. But, again, I was not able to control the voices to my liking.<br /></p><p>Fortunately, I found<b> <a href="https://wellsaidlabs.com/" target="_blank">WellSaid Labs</a>.</b></p><p>The voices I ended up using not only conveyed the pronunciation; but, the way WellSaid Labs Studio worked, allowed me to tailor both the pronunciation and the inflection to a point where the narration is 95% or above exactly as I would have spoken it.</p><p>I am not trying to fool anyone by using voice other than my own. I simply needed a script to be narrated at the lowest cost possible while still being effective.</p><p><b>The Controversy</b></p><p> The rejection of a course simply because it includes AI voices, has to be seen in the broadest context. We have jumped into AI so quickly that the full ramifications of the technology are totally a mystery and the potential for harm, in the broadest sense, are certainly there. I assume that Udemy is simply trying to get ahead of the Intellectual Property curve and it's easiest to simply develop a blanket ban while the technology is being sorted out.</p><p>But, from this one small corner, I would like to address my own experience with using WellSaid Studio as part of the workflow of my course development.</p><p><b>Using AI Voices Improved the Content</b></p><p>I have been creating video content since 1969, when I begin with a used Sony TVC-2010.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2n7eVHItx0E-eTPOiqI_oQ-_MgkfBggImPvIvLaBw187nNCgbyFdNKn7zyLvu7NNkf2qHBk6ovrozxPquYsN1tdiVPve7FLnRxYaezQI0RrD2edawGqWbMYG2bye3W0nTKyCJYsHkkTntOnyiuhO7gX4xdfXznDN5rrIDiQ0mYVkcZdpj0HtE3ZpDQ/s1280/Sony%20CVT-2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2n7eVHItx0E-eTPOiqI_oQ-_MgkfBggImPvIvLaBw187nNCgbyFdNKn7zyLvu7NNkf2qHBk6ovrozxPquYsN1tdiVPve7FLnRxYaezQI0RrD2edawGqWbMYG2bye3W0nTKyCJYsHkkTntOnyiuhO7gX4xdfXznDN5rrIDiQ0mYVkcZdpj0HtE3ZpDQ/s320/Sony%20CVT-2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>One of the realities that has remained the same in all of those years was how difficult it has been to match sound levels between takes. It was a <b><i>VERY</i></b> pleasant surprise to discover just how seamlessly it sounds when new AI material is inserted into previously recorded segments. This allows for improvements and additions to scripts in a way unmatched by live recording. I found my narrations getting better in the editing process because I could reflect on what had been there and make it better and more clear so easily.</p><p>The other aspect of using AI voices that I believed helped the content is that it put me into the role of director, rather than simply writer/narrator. Hearing the words I had written in a voice other than my own allowed me to refine what I written and work harder on getting the inflection to convey my thoughts. It was a remarkable experience.</p><p><b>Using AI Improved the Flow</b></p><p>Designing in 3D is a multi-step process. Being able to change narrators to indicate a new series of steps or a new focus of the course content was another benefit of using AI voices to augment my own narrative. </p><p>The two voices I most used were identified as Ava M. and Wade C. But, even within those voices I was able to select different styles based on the subject matter being delivered. The only issues I had as I switched from voice to voice is that Wade C., using the "Conversational" style was considerable louder that the other voices. But, this was easily dealt with using the Limiter and Loudness Normalization effects in Audacity. </p><p><b>Summary</b></p><p>Quite frankly, it was a big bummer for me when Udemy would not allow my course simply based on the fact that I had used AI voices. But, in the grand scheme of things, that loss pales in comparison to the benefits that AI voices brought to the project as a whole. I don't know how negatively AI might impact society in the long run; but, I can attest to the terrific value of AI voices in helping me overcome a disability to allow me to complete something very important to me.</p><p>The new <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9-2ZJ1kyEk&list=PLUilfM8GEmrS3yRLygdFOGJjRZHOzLnkM" target="_blank">3D Design for Fun and Life Course</a></b>. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-87150348872233096222023-04-24T09:46:00.001-07:002023-04-24T09:47:30.074-07:00Published a New Series of Moment of Inspiration Lessons<p>I completed the first phase of a new Moment of Inspiration, Version 4, course for public release. </p><p>It can be found at:</p><p> <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9-2ZJ1kyEk&list=PLUilfM8GEmrS3yRLygdFOGJjRZHOzLnkM">3D Design for Fun & Life</a></b><br /></p><p>Most of my readers know that ten years ago, while with YouthQuest Foundation, I created an original 3D design curriculum, around Moment of Inspiration (MOi3D), specifically intended to change the trajectory of young at-risk lives in National Guard Youth ChalleNGe programs we served. We started with MOI3D Version 2.<br /></p><p> 3D Systems made a huge contribution toward that initiative with the donation of 32 Cube2 printers. </p><p>The combination of creating a 3D design, seeing their design printed and then refining that design to make it better, brought a powerful and much needed message to the population we served. <i>"Your failures are not final." <br /></i></p><p></p><p>Along the way, we ended up using the curriculum to a much wider base of at-risk students, across four states and the District of Columbia, including those on the autism spectrum.</p><p>I am very thankful for having worked at YouthQuest and having seen so many young lives impacted.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RLyNOATXjQc" width="320" youtube-src-id="RLyNOATXjQc"></iframe></div><br /><p>But, YouthQuest was a very small not-for-profit that lacked the resources to expand its reach. A little over two years ago, it ultimately lost its primary funding and made the decision to shut down, transferring its property, including the 3D curriculum, to another not-for-profit.</p><p>At the time, we had hoped our relationship with the many groups we served would continue. But, the successor organization had more localized interests and a very restrictive view of "intellectual property rights". </p><p>Based on the above video. I am sure you can understand the sadness I feel about that loss. <br /></p><p>I absolutely loved what I was doing through all of those years. </p><p>But, in the back of my mind, I always thought that more should be possible. I know the impact of Youth ChalleNGe programs and I know the impact that learning 3D design has on at-risk students. But, I always felt many more could be helped if the curriculum were released to a wider population. That feeling became even stronger as 3D printers dropped in price from above $1200 to under $200.</p><p>The additional capabilities introduced with the release of Moment of Inspiration Version 4 makes it an even better fit for the classroom. And, which makes it a great time to bring the experience of learning Moment of Inspiration to, hopefully, many more at-risk young people.<br /></p><p>I have been committed to creating an even BETTER 3D curriculum around the wonderful Moment of Inspiration V4 to be released on online learning sites at a very low cost. It has been being designed from the ground up, taking into consideration all of my experiences learning and teaching 3D design and printing since 2012.<br /></p><p>The course design is intended to allow <i>ANY</i> learner to become very proficient well within the free 90 day trial period for Moment of Inspiration. The unique session organization takes into account those that need sparse information as well as those needing very specific step-by-step directions.<br /></p><p>But, I immediately ran into a hurdle! </p><p>At 78, I'm ten years older than the first video series. And, that means my voice has a lot less stamina than the first time around.</p><p><b>Well Said Labs to the Rescue</b></p><p>The handwriting has been on the wall for a fairly long time. So, I began to look into using AI Text-to-Voice to take some of the load off of my own voice about two years ago.</p><p>Of course, I immediately ran into the reality that most computer voices are just plain boring and annoying. <br /></p><p>I first subscribed to Descript. In fact, I even recorded my own voice using their "Overdub" technology, hoping that it would capture my emotion and inflections. </p><p>It got the tonality right. But, I never was able to get it to deliver the inflections so critical to holding onto interest in the content.</p><p>I then tried Speechelo. Same result.</p><p>If push came to shove, there are some voices in both Descript and Speechelo that could be used in a pinch. While it might be better than my tired old voice droning on and on, I don't think I would ever really be happy with the result.<br /></p><p>Fortunately, my sister remembered an online site she had used during the Covid lockdowns.</p><p>It was <a href="http://WellSaidLabs.com"><b>WellSaidLabs.com</b></a>.</p><p><b><i>I have finally found some text-to-voice voices that come very close to expressing my thoughts very closely to how I would express them. </i></b></p><p>While I wish every minute of my training could come from my own mouth, that is just not feasible at this point in my life. I feel very blessed that I can still deliver the content that I feel could be so crucial in changing the trajectory of the lives of at-risk young people despite the limitations of my voice.</p><p>I am very grateful to WellSaid Labs for giving me the ability to complete this project and continue to add more content in the future.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i> </i><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-28191569647405254762021-06-08T18:16:00.008-07:002021-06-09T08:17:30.103-07:00Sovol SH01 Double Wide Filament Dryer & Storage<p>This article is about a new dual-spool filament drying system from Sovol that has extra features that also make it useful for safe storage of filament between prints. It's the Sovol SH01.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKytMLI3RUCiflWlu38RLACaRNcYlQEJ7z9Nz249epCeSFjwJ9QHnTNCvYNgkv2-o0Ruk4W-7XTYf9QxtQUhDl0y7O_ZWTmL0ighiPJqPJrLcGTQQsiXjy9hRJlQZncLrfM-aPGwnvThlg/s1000/Sovol+SH01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKytMLI3RUCiflWlu38RLACaRNcYlQEJ7z9Nz249epCeSFjwJ9QHnTNCvYNgkv2-o0Ruk4W-7XTYf9QxtQUhDl0y7O_ZWTmL0ighiPJqPJrLcGTQQsiXjy9hRJlQZncLrfM-aPGwnvThlg/s320/Sovol+SH01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sovol SH01 Filament Drying/Storage System<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><b>Background </b><br /></p><p>If there is any group of people that appreciate the critical role that quality filament plays in the success or failure of a 3D printer to deliver it is those who own(ed) the Cube series printers from 3D Systems.</p><p>And, one of the factors in maintaining filament quality that we, as users, can control is making sure that our filament is dry. While this is true of PLA, it is even more true for water-soluble support materials and nylon.<br /></p><p></p><p>Over the years we have tried various devices for drying and storing filament. Our first dryer was a DIY modification of a food dehydrator that we used with both Cube2 and Cube3 cartridges. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI3g-efWjoT711XzJSF60IT5UB6ogWi_14_7XUDp8jn1WepDHkDI2RxaDt6T01Ncw1cW-J3lq1U47oCQHwh98KldhweOATmwrFA5csIrMskQXHZvbmBqm8h88QpQHyEDUcAKQi3FNia4D/s218/Presto+Dehydrator_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI3g-efWjoT711XzJSF60IT5UB6ogWi_14_7XUDp8jn1WepDHkDI2RxaDt6T01Ncw1cW-J3lq1U47oCQHwh98KldhweOATmwrFA5csIrMskQXHZvbmBqm8h88QpQHyEDUcAKQi3FNia4D/s0/Presto+Dehydrator_.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food Dehydrator Used to Dry Filament<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This served us well over the years; but, it had two limitations. Firstly, it could not be used while printing and; secondly, it was not suitable for storage. For storage, we turned to five gallon paint buckets with sealed tops in combination with rechargeable desiccant canisters.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa0IZGs_n5dh3KgMuNCUPa0jw6bnSDDBGBxALu87lk5nOAzJSFinkn6dbg1OwscM7And6CPfCvJCwxkNYYNOuFNjqpy__Dd6b-1CtCf_AWQ_siyLETg6ZnfsBnDnOfFu2nUgWkVwkiTKb/s270/Eva-Dry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="270" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa0IZGs_n5dh3KgMuNCUPa0jw6bnSDDBGBxALu87lk5nOAzJSFinkn6dbg1OwscM7And6CPfCvJCwxkNYYNOuFNjqpy__Dd6b-1CtCf_AWQ_siyLETg6ZnfsBnDnOfFu2nUgWkVwkiTKb/w183-h148/Eva-Dry.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rechargeable Desiccant<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vDiMLyc6PlXbIUUAUXR7rjtdCCsURHdYat1fOnjYDfwNi8_ViNm2HQoFE_YX-CLLYctYHfO2n2q537Fe6LCsz5rxfxLMAtduBKBXxCw2S0-7-GjH29_E4tIJWv5dErt1W2hSMy0UDAfw/s221/Eva-Dry2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="221" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vDiMLyc6PlXbIUUAUXR7rjtdCCsURHdYat1fOnjYDfwNi8_ViNm2HQoFE_YX-CLLYctYHfO2n2q537Fe6LCsz5rxfxLMAtduBKBXxCw2S0-7-GjH29_E4tIJWv5dErt1W2hSMy0UDAfw/w177-h144/Eva-Dry2.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><br /></div><p>While these worked well for pre-print drying and storage, they did not provide a good solution for continuous use while printing. Nor were they convenient for short-term storage between prints over weekends, etc.</p><p>To solve this we turned to two excellent active filament dryers from Sunlu and eSun. <br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKElr9234I-VtfsBUE3mBWL1ibhJXzBZwGDVV8dgSAyKhXGtMQMtlns6_d3bUQnE1OFjRyKT0kjmw0unSBY8FleS2QB78hsW9Xq7NX4ZbbSirTYx4nhr19YQO97O2PWBicAznela3cf7Bz/s1350/Sunlu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKElr9234I-VtfsBUE3mBWL1ibhJXzBZwGDVV8dgSAyKhXGtMQMtlns6_d3bUQnE1OFjRyKT0kjmw0unSBY8FleS2QB78hsW9Xq7NX4ZbbSirTYx4nhr19YQO97O2PWBicAznela3cf7Bz/s320/Sunlu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunlu Filament Dryer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ihb-fHeMckRJ-CSCApRgvYiuHenVZ-REsrmFJJHMPVr4VBn3gZIjUtEZEz_5MjyxMk1x_l2EE0P7jrOg0UeEzPKKQEaaiGveHc2M2OQUFREo4t4i3WaBcBQtT4i0m03tO8xQkTwHb_SH/s1316/eSun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1244" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ihb-fHeMckRJ-CSCApRgvYiuHenVZ-REsrmFJJHMPVr4VBn3gZIjUtEZEz_5MjyxMk1x_l2EE0P7jrOg0UeEzPKKQEaaiGveHc2M2OQUFREo4t4i3WaBcBQtT4i0m03tO8xQkTwHb_SH/s320/eSun.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eSun Filament Dryer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Both brands have served us well for the Polymaker Polymax filament that we have preferred for so long. But, the reason we needed two for each printer was that we have dual nozzle printers. But, what really made us make another search for a third solution was that our friends at <a href="https://www.imade3d.com/"><b>IMade3D</b></a>, right here in Virginia, began importing and marketing excellent filament from the Czech Republic, <b>FilamentPM</b> through their <a href="http://FilamentBuy.com"><b>FilamentBuy.com</b></a> web site. </p><p>The spools of FilamentPM PLA are too wide to fit into either the eSun or Sunlu dryers! The timing of of search was fortunate.</p><p>Sovol had just begun offering their <i><b>WIDE</b></i> SH01 filament dryer/Storage box on Amazon for $59.. <i><b>It was capable of holding two Polymaker spools or one FilamentPM spools. </b></i>I am certainly happy that I immediately ordered one because they quickly sold out the first batch. It's wonderful!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW__13sBfUhyuL-c57HlA7frBw1fmfXrZgwku0i27qy_aDi4QCZQ0oo627nUgLJycTKJNy4GFLnQC9Pv6bXSbswV-wD0qiUKNgsLGop0czqI-DiqsEnmMaaVijiVpz8_cmX7Q9fn4QQNq/s1000/Sovol+SH01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW__13sBfUhyuL-c57HlA7frBw1fmfXrZgwku0i27qy_aDi4QCZQ0oo627nUgLJycTKJNy4GFLnQC9Pv6bXSbswV-wD0qiUKNgsLGop0czqI-DiqsEnmMaaVijiVpz8_cmX7Q9fn4QQNq/s320/Sovol+SH01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sovol SH01 Filament Dryer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b>The Features That Make the Sovol 3D SH01 Dryer my Favorite</b><br /><b><i></i></b></p><p>Of course, the reason why we chose to purchase this dryer even though we have two that we like quite well was its ability to handle wide spools of filament.</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1xabdV9J1_PXxVKyx79u_7lQ0qbd_bnaRTR1NkCONO1UHpa6bE52MfIVuBM47Ee8h1S01c6JkACIw0Ps1WPS24LdLxGh44DOCJTSqN_DRy2D0WGcK0A3PP4mTjbhRavWNsOu0bnsVP2B/s2048/SovolDryer01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1xabdV9J1_PXxVKyx79u_7lQ0qbd_bnaRTR1NkCONO1UHpa6bE52MfIVuBM47Ee8h1S01c6JkACIw0Ps1WPS24LdLxGh44DOCJTSqN_DRy2D0WGcK0A3PP4mTjbhRavWNsOu0bnsVP2B/s320/SovolDryer01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sovol Dryer with Wide FilamentPM Spool<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>But, what we did NOT know when we ordered it was that the Sovol Filament Dryer has some features that set it apart from our previous dryers. First, the display is <i><b>WAY</b></i> bigger and better, alternately displaying Temperature/Humidity and Time Remaining.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xHjQILJvfMPFZHj79vJtGF3G2wc8zN2mO4q3wxqDCGIF0l3znbX3DvbALuE0Rce9sgTaT1pruDxLi7VOgsDuua_dSwi4Y26doELKPrTqZerY6XbQ4eNznsVOj1vqQuGON6MYCPXLxagM/s2048/SovolDryer02.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xHjQILJvfMPFZHj79vJtGF3G2wc8zN2mO4q3wxqDCGIF0l3znbX3DvbALuE0Rce9sgTaT1pruDxLi7VOgsDuua_dSwi4Y26doELKPrTqZerY6XbQ4eNznsVOj1vqQuGON6MYCPXLxagM/s320/SovolDryer02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sovol Filament Dryer - Temperature/Humidity<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffDcK6PcXO_jKsDX1FO5g2ncwGFILTfDGO6svGgggPArcESl8h-qJTECFRdkYsHEoFoqRY556J7pQSN0d4mIEaK0k1fw892PAo9NXF_xIvSI27WemxwC0uQldAEwOEgkVYFHQ-bc4zCMI/s2048/SovolDryer03.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffDcK6PcXO_jKsDX1FO5g2ncwGFILTfDGO6svGgggPArcESl8h-qJTECFRdkYsHEoFoqRY556J7pQSN0d4mIEaK0k1fw892PAo9NXF_xIvSI27WemxwC0uQldAEwOEgkVYFHQ-bc4zCMI/s320/SovolDryer03.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sovol Filament Dryer - Time Remaining<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The first image above image shows our startup temperature and humidity. The second image shows the time remaining for our default 6 hour drying session. It is SO refreshing to see auch a large and bright display! The MODE button allows us to enter setup where we can select 40C, 45C or 50C depending on the type of filament we are drying and set our target time up to 12 hours.</p><p>Within 7 minutes our target temperature of 40C was reached and within 30 minutes the humidity had dropped to 29% and steadied to the target of 30%. I have checked it with a 12 hour setting and the targets remain steady over the entire drying period.</p><p>Now, for the bonus feature that the Sovol Filament Dryer brings to the table. <b>SEALED STORAGE.</b><br /></p><p>The top of the Sovol is sealed shut using two latches on the front of the unit. Neither the eSun nor the Sunlu is sealed in this way. Moreover, all of the openings are fitted with plugs to completely protect the filament while being stored. This includes both of the ports through which the filament reaches the printer and the power receptacle! <br /><br />I <i><b>REALLY</b></i> appreciate this level of detail that Sovol has taken to make this not only an active dryer; but, a protected environment for storing filament between prints. We live and work on the east coast and humidity is a huge problem in the summer. </p><p>If Amazon is out of stock when you follow this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sovol-Upgraded-3D-Dehydrator-Compatible/dp/B093GYL5KJ"><b>LINK</b></a>, then try the Sovol web site:</p><p><a href="https://sovol3d.com/products/large-filament-dryer-box"><i><b>https://sovol3d.com/products/large-filament-dryer-box</b></i></a><br /></p><p>If you go to the Sovol site before Father's Day 2021, you might also take the time to enter a drawing for their latest 3D printer. They are giving away one FREE Sovol SV04 IDEX printer in a short term promotion. <br /></p><p><i><b>https://sovol3d.com/pages/fathers-day-give-away-2021</b></i></p><p>I have no experience with Sovol 3D printers; but, the care they demonstrated
in the design and build quality of the SH01 Filament Dryer gives me some positive vibes.<i><b> <br /></b></i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-6285601164481631472019-04-12T17:04:00.000-07:002019-04-17T07:22:54.363-07:00It is Wonderful When a Vision Becomes a Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I wrote in my previous article, I am more than a little thankful for the start that the Cube printers provided me. Among other things, the Cube was a significant step forward in my quest toward my ultimate goal... finding a way to help my sculptor daughter realize her dreams with the assist of 3D printing.<br />
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<b>DREAMS TEASED</b><br />
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In reality, the Cube came my way out of the ashes of an earlier product in my trek on the quest that went up in smoke when the <b><a href="https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Desktop+Factory">DeskTop Factory</a> </b>was swallowed up in 2009 by 3D Systems.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-FaHqs4FEGKqpAB5jTFBMij8n9WO5f_5ARIUn1PJmgJaeIFE3RqMr3cxpSmYqZnVuRNUQBxBYLANJwW6IpFjm6D77ibiGF2EGnSy6UHsVr3jzoDZwiZiQqr6201Es7BjotZpPskjSClS/s1600/DesktopFactoryPrinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-FaHqs4FEGKqpAB5jTFBMij8n9WO5f_5ARIUn1PJmgJaeIFE3RqMr3cxpSmYqZnVuRNUQBxBYLANJwW6IpFjm6D77ibiGF2EGnSy6UHsVr3jzoDZwiZiQqr6201Es7BjotZpPskjSClS/s1600/DesktopFactoryPrinter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desktop Factory 3D Printer 2007-2009</td></tr>
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Cathy Lewis was the CEO at Desktop Factory, and a tireless advocate for consumer 3D printing, and in the acquisition became the Vice President for International Marketing of 3D Systems. Cathy and I had become acquainted in 2007 through my interest in the Desktop Factory development and years later, in 2011, remembering my deep interest and help in testing and providing feedback on sample Desktop Factory prints, she contacted me to be on the lookout for a new consumer printer from 3D Systems... the 1st Generation Cube released in 2012, the same year, this blog began.<br />
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I knew that the Cube FDM printer was not the ceramics printer of my dreams. But, I also knew it was a first step in gaining 3D printing experience so that I would be poised to be ready when a real ceramics printer became a reality. And, not too many years after starting this blog, it appeared that ceramics printing was right around the corner.<br />
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Those of you that have followed this blog know that 3D System's tantalizing <a href="https://www.3dsystems.com/press-releases/3d-systems-extends-3d-printing-ceramic-artisans-sub-10000-cerajettm-3d-printer"><b>2014 announcements of the $10,000 Cerajet and, in particular, the $5,000 </b><b>CubeJet </b></a>were greeted with extreme happiness around here. It appeared that the end of my quest was near at hand. <br />
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<b>DREAMS SHATTERED </b><br />
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But, that was not to be. When 3D Systems closed down the Cube family production line, the CeraJet and CubeJet became collateral damage and my dreams of seeing my daughter's art rise from a bed of powder went down in flames. It was a hard blow.... made harder by learning that the engineers on the project had probably been scattered like ashes.<br />
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There some are creating amazing art with 3D printers capable of extruding clay.<br />
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<b> <a href="https://www.emrecanceramic.com/">https://www.emrecanceramic.com</a></b><br />
<b> <a href="https://tomlauerman.com/process">https://tomlauerman.com/process</a></b><br />
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That isn't the process that I prefer.<br />
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I know, from years of experience printing with YouthQuest Foundation's Z450 "sandstone" printer, just how much I enjoy working with a powder based printer. Yet, neither the Z450 nor the newer CJP (Color Jet Printing) ProJet series printers are true ceramics printers. The powder used in the CJP printers is <i><b>NOT</b></i> clay-based ceramics and the binder is, I am relatively certain, <i><b>NOT</b></i> something you want to put into a kiln and fire!<br />
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And, being able to apply the glaze of your choice and fire your creation is a huge deal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb-OoWAV8BPEcZ_pB1rZHcr2J2a1gQpFEyX1mqCxFZddBr_4XSL-YgyBJh1ZGBhkbbLjyAulQJ8T3a39N_uhSM68JKGVcmLWPZVj0v9aUkkqmdRoYFQJKO_eho7kE-mED7sSva96gYsv6/s1600/cubejet+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb-OoWAV8BPEcZ_pB1rZHcr2J2a1gQpFEyX1mqCxFZddBr_4XSL-YgyBJh1ZGBhkbbLjyAulQJ8T3a39N_uhSM68JKGVcmLWPZVj0v9aUkkqmdRoYFQJKO_eho7kE-mED7sSva96gYsv6/s1600/cubejet+cups.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CeraJet / CubeJet 3D Printed Pottery</td></tr>
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<b>DREAMS REKINDLED! THE KWAMBIO CERAMO ZERO MAX</b><br />
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Now, out of the Ukraine, comes a 3D printer that has rekindled those long smoldering dreams. I don't even remember how I found out about the <a href="http://www.kwambio.com/#/ceramo/zeromax"><b>Ceramo Zero Max</b></a>. But, however it was, or whoever it was, that pointed me in their direction I am truly grateful. Here, finally, is a desktop, powder-based ceramics printer that creates objects meant to be fired!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL6NU4briczozJUCIV71JSoiKQO1fqaWp4TKjphXDFoxMwkZIpIykclo7DQRufI35LsDEXyfxgHe8Rd_sLyiKaGLWswbtjJ8orS4_1Dkax5UEcsA7QLXtmTtaNUtBIOJFQ4B1yPKELaOJ/s1600/ceramzeromax02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL6NU4briczozJUCIV71JSoiKQO1fqaWp4TKjphXDFoxMwkZIpIykclo7DQRufI35LsDEXyfxgHe8Rd_sLyiKaGLWswbtjJ8orS4_1Dkax5UEcsA7QLXtmTtaNUtBIOJFQ4B1yPKELaOJ/s320/ceramzeromax02.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kwambio Ceramo Zero Max Desktop Ceramics Printer</td></tr>
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I am not going to try to post an image of the ceramics output of the Ceramo Zero Max because it would be misleading. The Ceramo Zero Max does not print in color. But, the most beautiful examples online are in color. And, that is because printing the part is simply one step in the process of turning a creative idea into a stunning piece of art. And, that process is already familiar to clay artisans. I cannot even begin to tell you just how incredibly important this fact is to an artist. They can print out a 3D design of a cup and, if they wish, not a single one would be the same as another. Each can be imbued with the vision of the artist in a completely unique way using varying patterns, color, firing techniques and other personal touches.<br />
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But, I WILL point you to their materials pages to see exactly what I'm talking about. First, the <b>ceramics powder </b>page:<br />
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<a href="http://www.kwambio.com/#/materials/ceramics"><b>http://www.kwambio.com/#/materials/ceramics</b></a><br />
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Next, a bonus, the <b>GS ONE</b> page:<br />
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<a href="http://www.kwambio.com/#/materials/gsone"><b>http://www.kwambio.com/#/materials/gsone</b></a><br />
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I am assuming that one would need two Ceramo printers to <i>EASILY</i> use both materials, as they seem so different. But, the fact that both are available is very cool. I'm guessing that the GS One would be great for creating molds for slip casting. But, since I have no real experience with it, don't hold me to that conclusion.<br />
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<b>KWAMBIO HAS A USA HEADQUARTERS</b><br />
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I mentioned that the Ceramo Zero Max was developed in the Ukraine. Actually, this didn't surprise me as 3D-Coat, a marvelous 3D sculpting application we've written about in earlier posts, is also the product of a Ukraine company!<br />
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But, Kwambio's international headquarters is in New York City. And, they recently opened a new lab in Harford, Connecticut where it can continue to develop consumer, industrial and, I believe, biomedical products and materials. Both Stanley and GE use their industrial ceramics products.<br />
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Here is a story from this year's CES that overs both the industrial and consumer ceramics printers.<br />
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<a href="https://3dprint.com/233630/kwambio-new-ceramic-3d-printers/"><b>https://3dprint.com/233630/kwambio-new-ceramic-3d-printers/</b></a><br />
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I wish I could tell you more; but, until I get a chance to actually seen one in action, I'd simply be guessing. But, hopefully, I will get that chance in the next few weeks, either at <a href="http://www.ceramicsexpousa.com/"><b>Ceramics Expo 2019</b></a> in Cleveland at the end of this month or their offices in Connecticut sometime in May.<br />
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I can tell you this. Whichever visit works out, I am REALLY looking forward to it. While not a life-time, twelve years is a long time to be on a quest! And, I am extremely optimistic that the goal is very, very near.<br />
<br />Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-87346579805882949932019-03-21T09:02:00.001-07:002019-03-21T09:02:52.359-07:00From 1st Gen Cube to ProJet3500 HDMax, 3D Systems Made it all Possible!Yesterday, <a href="http://www.youthquestfoundation.org/"><b>The YouthQuest Foundation</b></a> received a vital piece of equipment. It was a 3000VA UPS that will help us power up our latest acquisition. And, that acquisition is a donated ProJet 3500 HDMax multi-jet printer that we plan to be used to support our mission of changing the trajectory of the lives of at-risk young people.<br />
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A piece of equipment that requires such a massive UPS is a far cry from the 1st Gen Cubes with which we started. While it did not come directly from 3D Systems, it found its way to us through their support network. And, it would not have happened had 3D Systems not generously donated the very first printers with which we began our work with young students who had dropped out of school and had entered the Youth Challenge program in an effort to turn their lives around.<br />
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The steps 3D Systems took, over 4 years ago, made it possible for us to expand our 3D design and printing educational program across four states touching many lives in the process. <br />
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One of our students, <b><a href="http://www.youthquestfoundation.org/catching-up-with-3d-thinklink-graduate-dalonta-crudup/">Dalonta Crudup</a></b>, a cadet in the DC Youth ChalleNGe Academy, had been shot shortly before entering the program and his cousin had been killed. He went on to go back to school and was recruited with a basketball scholarship to the University of Kentucky. He credits the 3D design class for teaching him important life lessons. As he puts it, “And I tell them taking that class has helped me a lot because it showed me how get through obstacles in life.”<br />
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While the Cube line of printers has come to an end, we know from our own experience, and the experience of other educational organizations and charitable programs, that STEM and STEAM initiatives begun with the help of 3D Systems continue to benefit students in profound ways.<br />
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I won't bore you with the steps that took us from our first gift of a consumer 1st Gen Cube to the remarkable gift of a professional ProJet3500 HDMax. But, to us, it is a remarkable series of events that began with Cathy Lewis of 3D Systems agreeing with our vision of helping turn around lives through experiencing 3D design and printing.<br />
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Now we step up to the next level in our ability to serve at-risk young people by offering experience with actual additive manufacturing equipment and processes. We believe this is going to be particularly beneficial to our graduating students on the autistic spectrum that have shown extraordinary potential for careers in 3D.<br />
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We are really excited about this new chapter. But, we cannot and will not forget those who helped us get here.<br />
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Thank you 3D Systems! <br />
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Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-7893033087036332432017-09-10T12:34:00.000-07:002017-09-10T12:48:46.369-07:00Of Flutes, Irma and 3D PrintingI was first an inquiring potential customer, looking to buy a bamboo Irish Flute. But, the more I learned about <b><a href="http://eriktheflutemaker.com/">Erik The Flutemaker</a></b>, the more I admired not only his skills as a flutemaker; but, his passion to help those in the deepest poverty through his not-for-profit, <a href="http://flutemakerministries.org/"><b>Flutemaker Ministries</b></a>.<br />
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I ended up not only buying several flutes from Erik; but, a bamboo saxophone for a friend of my granddaughter since the first grade to benefit Erik's ministry to special needs kids in Nicaragua. <br />
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Ultimately, I have become a friend, attempting to use my 3D design and printing skills to help him in his work with the goal to design and print a mouthpiece suitable for some of his flutes. It's been quite a challenge to find the "sweet spot" that equals the wonderful tone he is able to generate through more expensive and labor intensive alternatives. I have learned a LOT!.<br />
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His bamboo grove is in Davis, Florida which is now being affected by Irma.<br />
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He just sent me this link, knowing I was concerned for the safety of him and his family. I just had to share it with you as Erik's skill and his spirit comes through so impressively. The sound track is him playing one of his flutes.<br />
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I'm hoping that you, like I did when I first learned about Erik the Flutemaker, will completely explore his web site and enjoy the beauty of his music. And, I hope that some of you might consider buying one of his flutes that benefit Flutemaker Ministries. <br />
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<br />Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-67733009276708486672017-08-15T17:37:00.001-07:002017-08-16T19:51:29.811-07:00WOW Scope! A tool for the whole family<i><b>UPDATE: I contacted Gorilla Scientific and the scope in link #1, IS an SMD-09 having two sets of eyepieces. It is in a different box; but, functionally the same. In fact, the ones I purchased so far are in the 1st version of the packaging and say "Worlds of Wonder Scope". So, I'm confident that either source is a great one.</b></i><br />
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As many of you know I have relied on a variety of microscopes to evaluate and explain issues in my 3D prints. I've previously posted that my favorite scope, among many that I own, is also one of the least expensive. That scope has now been improved and expanded and, not only does it remain a terrific bargain, it expands on its price / performance value by adding two levels of magnification. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZH3y0xFQLieQRgOkWaFppZNLRbHZ9ZEI4k3t4pJIZKOxRQdHwgjWSMoNIfOX-xB7zWYk6Ofiizf4gc44hw2oPWMk3zoKHicNiCNyYHZPiO5ztOQJ-yNXanmUiZ73AmBC0J6Pmi9-bjQU/s1600/WOW_Scope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="896" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZH3y0xFQLieQRgOkWaFppZNLRbHZ9ZEI4k3t4pJIZKOxRQdHwgjWSMoNIfOX-xB7zWYk6Ofiizf4gc44hw2oPWMk3zoKHicNiCNyYHZPiO5ztOQJ-yNXanmUiZ73AmBC0J6Pmi9-bjQU/s400/WOW_Scope.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOW Scope from C & A Scientific</td></tr>
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The first versions upon which this product is based were 20x magnification. That was wonderful for viewing things like 3D prints, bugs and just about anything curious that you find around the house. But, the WOW Scope also includes eyepieces that boost the magnification to 50x! And, it adds a bottom light along with the top LED light.<br />
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When searching for the correct microscope, I wish that we could simply enter "<b>WOW Scope</b>" to find it on Amazon. But, you will have to enter "<b>WOW Scope SMD-09</b>". Even then you will have to be careful and look for the following feature to ensure you are going to recieve the proper scope.<br />
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For instance, I found two entries... Here is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-First-Lab-Chalcopyrite-Minerals/dp/B071GRW92D/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502842203&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=WOW+Scope+SMD-09"><b>SEARCH RESULT ONE</b></a>:<br />
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It's just $44.95 and comes with a box of minerals. It MIGHT be the most recent SMD-09; but, before ordering I would send the vendor a note requesting verification. Here's why.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVm1NLC6f9MWc2yTE4m_YRY7vf0mG8O7bvJ_wzRO4shJAmt91pKtImb1_6el219PD8KswGQ36EQfKlC9xKHLHC_e6nya5BRw0L8MDhToVTwA0ixl3Ybwpy2GIuRAKi4EJAbp9agVXXYu_/s1600/WOW_Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVm1NLC6f9MWc2yTE4m_YRY7vf0mG8O7bvJ_wzRO4shJAmt91pKtImb1_6el219PD8KswGQ36EQfKlC9xKHLHC_e6nya5BRw0L8MDhToVTwA0ixl3Ybwpy2GIuRAKi4EJAbp9agVXXYu_/s1600/WOW_Rocks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possible SMD-09</td></tr>
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Notice the little button just in front of the microscope's riser? That is no longer the light switch for the most recent version. It may be that the vendor did not have an image of the most recent SMD-09 version and simply used the image of the prior version of the My First Lab Stereo Scope. If that is the only reason for the discrepancy, it is a great bargain at only $44.95 with Prime shipping. The ad DOES mention the 50x capability. But, would still confirm that it is the one you want.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/World-Wonder-Scope-Science-Equipment/dp/B01JOD5BM0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502842835&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=WOW+Scope+SMD-09"><b>SEARCH RESULT #2</b></a> is a bit more expensiv, at $69.99; but, it DOES have the image of the correct scope.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9jZTbAEK3v4SciLt0B1EXq0q-LHauE23ROJYFlKcHdFH8n_iTLIserI57bXRfSKI0y6b2mLg_uZZN4rS_kx7bHyzV1nFjDDJ55gsU_8tlJ-I9B5L7l_jb7b_e5gY5drfkjEa8kBdZwvW/s1600/WOW_SMD09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9jZTbAEK3v4SciLt0B1EXq0q-LHauE23ROJYFlKcHdFH8n_iTLIserI57bXRfSKI0y6b2mLg_uZZN4rS_kx7bHyzV1nFjDDJ55gsU_8tlJ-I9B5L7l_jb7b_e5gY5drfkjEa8kBdZwvW/s400/WOW_SMD09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SMDZ -09 - Correct Image</td></tr>
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Notice that there is no button switch in fron of the rise. The rocker-type light switch is to the right of the base. You can buy this one with confidence that it is the latest WOW SMD-09 scope.<br />
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<b> WHY I CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE BUYING THIS SCOPE</b><br />
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There is a reason why I keep encouraging my readers to invest in a low-power stereo microscope for themselves and their children. It grows our brains. Every time you use a microscope of ANY type, you see something entirely new and every new experience that we and our children have adds new molecular structure to our brains. I am convinced that the reason my granddaughter is planning to go to a school like Johns Hopkins is, in part, because she was exposed at an early age to the very first version of this particular scope and has used it year after year to examine bugs, flowers, stuffed toys and a whole host of other things she wanted examine more closely.<br />
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Conversely, I am convinced that many of the inherently bright, young at-risk and dropped out students with whom I work now were denied those mind expanding opportunities at an early age. They had little opportunity to grow new connections that a microscope like this in their homes that would have provided that brain growing stimulation.<br />
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It dawns on me that all of us might have an opportunity during the holidays to donate something to a toy drive for Christmas. Think about the SMD-09 when considering a donation. <i><b>Help grow a brain!</b></i><br />
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<br />Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-46723958781025550412017-07-01T09:10:00.001-07:002017-07-01T09:24:35.916-07:00PolySmooth - Another Reason for Expanding Our ViewI know that 3D Systems was working on expanding the material offerings to 3rd Gen Cube and CubePro owners because I was included in some of the new material testing and in one case received a new material by accident. These included infused filaments like wood and metal.<br />
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But, the minute 3D Systems decided to drop their FDM printers, any hope that 3rd Gen Cube owners would have the benefits of newly introduced filaments vanished. And, there are some great new filaments!<br />
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One of the benefits of adding the JellyBox (kit), M3D Micro, M3D Micro+, M3D Pro and M3D ProMega to our lab serving at-risk young people is that all of these platforms allow us to use 3rd party filaments. They don't all allow us to use ANY filament; but, some do... including the potential for eventually printing extremely high temperature filament like PEEK, PAEK and Ultem (PEI) using hot ends capable of reaching over 400C degrees.<br />
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My focus in this post is to introduce a filament that, unless we broaden our view and consider other 3D printers, would allude Cube/CubePro owners... PolySmooth from <a href="http://polymaker.com./"><b>PolyMaker.Com.</b></a><br />
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PolySmooth prints at just a slightly higher temperature than PLA, 210C-230C. Like PLA, PolySmooth is sensitive to moisture and spools must be protected when not being used for printing. But, UNLIKE PLA, it can be smoothed using isoprophyl alcohol vapors in a similar way ABS can be smoothed using acetone. I've tried the acetone vapor method and find it to be way too scary and way too toxic to be safely used in my home or the lab.<br />
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That is not true of the preferred nethod of smoothing PolySmooth, which is a device called the Polysher, which works like an enclosed cool-mist vaporizer using a nebulizer system. I will soon be making a video of my own experience using PolySmooth and the Polysher system; but, until that happens, this video is very helpful in seeing exactly how well it works.<br />
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I can attest that it does work, and works very, very well. Obviously, results vary based on the underlying quality of the print. As you can see in the above video it is well enclosed so, while alcohol is flammable, the vapor is well contained and, unlike the acetone methods no heat is used, reducing the danger exponentially. If the user is patient and lets everything settle down after a part has been processed before raising the elevator, fumes are minimal. So, I feel confident using the Polysher in my home and around our cadets and at-risk students in the YouthQuest 3D ThinkLink Lab.<br />
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The truly cool thing for me is that even the $200-$299 <b><a href="http://printm3d.com/">M3D Micro/Micro+</a></b> can print using PolySmooth, so it's not just for the highest end 3D printers. <br />
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The black PolySmooth that I purchased with the Polysher system doesn't photograph well enough to truly see the remarkable changes that occur between the original and processed versions of a print. I have orderd some light blue PolySmooth and will immediately print some objects and post an update with images showing my personal results. But, trust me, it is <i><b>VERY </b></i>cool.<br />
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My goal with this blog has always been about helping Cube owners have the best possible 3D printing experience. And, that extends to that phase in our journey where it becomes necessary to expand our view beyond the realm of the Cube experience. It doesn't cost a lot, relative to our investment in the Cube printers to use our experience to expand what we can do.<br />
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On Amazon, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Polymaker-PolySmooth-Filament-Layer-Free-filament/dp/B06Y5341X7/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1498926096&sr=8-8&keywords=Polysmooth"><b>PolySmooth is $39</b></a> and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Polymaker-Polysher-Polisher-PolySmooth-Layer-Free/dp/B072HD96D1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498926202&sr=8-1&keywords=polymaker+polisher"><b>Polysher system is $299</b></a>. New 3D printers capable of printing the PolySmooth can be had for as little as $200. That means the total cost of new printer, Polysher and Polysmooth is less than our investment in any of the Cube printers we've owned. While I love owning each of the Cubes (1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen Cubes), I am finding I have been able to leverage that experience best by moving to new 3D printing platforms that offer me a much wider range of materials and 3D printing possibilities. The PolySmooth/Polysher system is just one more reason for expanding our view. <a href="http://polymaker.com/"><b>PolyMaker.com</b></a><br />
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<br />Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-78364967730087031052017-06-27T20:14:00.000-07:002017-06-28T11:21:50.516-07:00ProMega 15.3"x15.3"x15.3" from M3DOne of the unique things M3D does best is to minimize the outside footprint relative to the size of their print area. That continues with their newest offering, a commercial 3D printer for industrial production applications.<br />
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The newly announced ProMega provides a 15.3"x15.3"x15.3" build area in 20" all metal enclosed housing and was revealed on a new crow funding site <a href="https://fitforlaunch.com/projects/promega"><b>Fit For Launch</b></a><b> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VycLNnC4SFFudTc2OpvdNSmxv9qRj9YIk7y4xrPiSSgxifKMr5TVNJlrNc09nYRAmhKxKD_JRY3vBxM4heOn95mzH9ePYzed_az2GCbEgVTgiMRGTpnVRIRxVRdh2sewl5LS-VDgoXRA/s1600/ProMega.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="357" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VycLNnC4SFFudTc2OpvdNSmxv9qRj9YIk7y4xrPiSSgxifKMr5TVNJlrNc09nYRAmhKxKD_JRY3vBxM4heOn95mzH9ePYzed_az2GCbEgVTgiMRGTpnVRIRxVRdh2sewl5LS-VDgoXRA/s320/ProMega.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M3D ProMega</td></tr>
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The roll-out includes a novel pricing strategy. The official MSRP is $3,500 after the Fit For Launch funding period. But, the Fit for Launch opening price was $1,000. Periodically, the price is raised and at the time of this writing the pre-order price is $1,170.00. <br />
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In contrast to earlier M3D printers, except for the proprietary heated bed, the ProMega is almost entirely open source in both hardware and software. This should be assuring for anyone who has never had experience with using M3D products. This means that replacement parts and software improvements can be obtained from a variety of vendors.<br />
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I am confident that it is an incredible value and will deliver on every promise. So what are these promises? Let's look at the specs as published on Fit For Launch.<br />
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<img data-filename="" src="https://ffls1.s3.amazonaws.com/projects/109/media/yX1X2OatgY3w7YBylAmlOvrvFHpuWJ8BKsq6J7cm.png" style="width: 529.625px;" /><br />
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I have seen the ProMega in action and, as a backer, follow the progress on a daily basis. I have never experienced such an open and candid process.<br />
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With a 20" footprint, it probably not for everyone. But, for those looking for a fast dual material switching printer that uses a single nozzle (avoiding nozzle leveling problems) this is, in my opinion, a really great value. CubePro users will especially appreciate that ANY filament can be used and print tips can be interchanged for different materials and temperature requirements. <br />
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I do want to mention the unique heated bed strategy. There is a center area and a second surrounding area so that one doesn't have to heat the entire bed when printing an individual object that completely falls within the center zone. Leveling and gap are entirely automatic using a sensor that actually works.<br />
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We bought in at the $1,000 launch. Quite frankly, having already purchased more than a dozen Micro and Micro+printers from M3D, we knew we could trust them to deliver the ProMega, giving our lab a large platform dual extrusion printer that could superior prints with high speed performance.<br />
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It would be foolish for us to NOT pursue the ProMega at the entry price of $1,000. It's going to be a bargain at $3,500! All of our CubePro Duo and Trio printers cost more than the ProMega and while they performed for us, the ProMega is a big step up in terms of print quality and cost of materials. We're really looking forward to its arrival.<br />
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I hope to be able to see it in action again in the near future and will keep you up to date on its progress. But, if a large platform commercial caliber printer with a heated bed fits your 3D printing needs, I urge you to take a serious look at the <a href="http://sites.printm3d.com/promega.html"><b>ProMega Fit for Launch</b> </a>page. <br />
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<br />Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-56556487834495762002017-05-24T17:55:00.002-07:002017-05-24T18:31:58.298-07:00Super Excited About the New M3D Micro+ at $299!!!I've been telling you about the upcoming M3D Pro printer. While they are still in ALPHA testing, I have one and it promises to be everything I had hoped it would be.<br />
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BUT!!!!~<br />
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While my attention was on the Pro, M3D made MAJOR upgrades to the Micro and quietly released it today through Sharper Image. And, it still just $299!<br />
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M3D sold more than 50,000 Micro 3D printers. And, this upgrade is destined to sell even more.<br />
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Here is a link to the <a href="http://sites.printm3d.com/"><b>MICRO+ FEATURES PAGE</b></a>.<br />
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The major changes include self-leveling bed and an optional heated bed. The other major change is the ability to speed up prints to about 2.5 times of the original Micro. The temperature control is also more accurate! The printer also includes a special "Micro Motion Chip" which provides "intelligent positioning feedback for precision." Frankly, I have no clue as yet what this does. But, it certainly sounds impressive. :)<br />
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I'll nail that one down after I finish this article. Whatever it is has GOT to be a good thing.<br />
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<strike>It still requires connection to the printer during the entire print job.</strike> <strike>But, I have not found that to be a show-stopper. </strike><br />
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<i><b> STRIKE THAT!!! I just learned that it no longer has to be tethered to the computer during the entire print job!! THAT'S HUGE!</b></i><br />
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I use my Micro all the time, preferring it over the Cubes due to the issues with filament quality and the Micro's ability to print flexible materials, nylon and carbon fiber. <br />
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The software can take any .STL, .OBJ or .ZIP (with an object in it).<br />
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The great thing about the cost of running a Micro is that you can use any filament you like. And, the filaments directly from M3D ar anywhere from $13-$18. The filament page is being updated as I write this so hey may be adding the new larger Pro reels which, of course, would be a bit more.<br />
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When I heard the Micro+ was now available through Sharper Image, I ordered 4 of them. So, by this time next week, I should be able to give you a rundown about what I find, including a comparison with the first generation Micro.<br />
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In the meantime, I can tell you that I am super excited about the potential of the new Micro+ and the MicroPro in our work with at-risk young people. They are destined to have a role in turning young lives around in a <i><b>very </b></i>positive way!Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-75702922670418341662017-05-06T13:30:00.002-07:002017-05-08T10:59:30.817-07:00A Refreshing 3D Printer Roll-Out DifferenceIf you never plan to purchase a new 3D printer to replace your Cube printer(s) then you can skip this blog post.<br />
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But, if you want to at least learn from my experiences as I look around for a future 3D printer, then you should find this helpful.<br />
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M3D in just now releasing the <a href="https://printm3d.com/pro"><b>M3D Pro</b></a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85IBLT07YIbxgKN3djM_4o-rc6cB7kTYnGM6xcu7190TF6_fHwT71ZvgZBo2Uzz7ECvpSKVt4ZFMkml4kQQxxvPde5RZ1-A8SxNKxl5r3LYNbkED2b9agTRGOzojzawnAepN7uj5k394b/s1600/M3D+Pro01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85IBLT07YIbxgKN3djM_4o-rc6cB7kTYnGM6xcu7190TF6_fHwT71ZvgZBo2Uzz7ECvpSKVt4ZFMkml4kQQxxvPde5RZ1-A8SxNKxl5r3LYNbkED2b9agTRGOzojzawnAepN7uj5k394b/s320/M3D+Pro01.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M3D Pro 3D Printer</td></tr>
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I don't have one as yet. But,
it promises to be an excellent 7x7 printer with a lot of cool
features. But, that is not the focus of this post. This post is about how one company is handling the introduction of a new 3D printer.<br />
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<b>The M3D PRO Roll-Out Experience</b><br />
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M3D announced the Pro 3D printer on KickStarter in August of 2016 with expected delivery in January of this year. While it is only just now being released, I have not heard any complaints about the delay as most supporters seem to be M3D Micro users and trust the company. That is my own experience as well.<br />
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All companies are pressured by announcements. We certainly experienced this with 3D Systems. But, M3D had a greater commitment to reliability and quality. They are also the most candid company I've seen when it comes to being realistic about the state of development.<br />
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As usual, promised delivery was based on different supporter tiers. But, M3D has clearly stated what features will or will not be ready be various delivery dates. And, they gave buyers the choice to accept early delivery, with the potential for possible issues or postponing delivery if they didn't want the potential hassle that an ALPHA release can entail.<br />
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Frankly, having seen the chaos of the premature delivery of the 3rd Gen Cube under the pressure of prior announcements, I REALLY appreciate M3D's approach.<br />
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As with any new product, the first delivered have had some
not-unexpected minor issues. Right now the machines being shipped are
in the ALPHA stage of development and they are moving into machines that
could be designated as BETA printers. But, every one that is taking delivery now knows exactly what to expect and has chosen to take early delivery to help perfect the product.<br />
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Even though I do not have one as yet, as a Kickstarter Backer, I have access to the special forums that have been set up for backers. So, I have been able to keep up with the roll-out as it progresses.<br />
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<b>M3D's Top Management Involvement</b><br />
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When was the last time you saw top management of a company be actively involved in product support during the critical introductory phase?<br />
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As I've watched the support and interaction between M3D and users of ALPHA an BETA M3D Pro 3D printers, <i><b>the first thing that strikes me is that it is the TOP management of M3D that is actively involved in direct support!</b></i><br />
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What a refreshing change that is!<br />
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I'm not talking about management asking or answering a few questions here or there. I'm taking about the TOP management chasing down any and all issues that new Pro owners find and report. And, they follow up with the user until they have a firm grasp of the issue so that they have they have the information that engineering will need to chase it down and correct it. It's amazing to watch.<br />
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This has a profound affect of the progress of development. It's one thing for a web support person to report an issue to engineering and quite another when the person reporting is a top official! I expect things happen a bit faster in that situation. But, it does something else. And, this is why it makes so much sense you have to wonder why other CEOs and officials don't follow suit.<br />
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First, I can think of no better strategy for really having a handle on the <i><b>REAL</b></i> status of just about every aspect of your company from engineering to suppliers to production line quality control. You're not "micro-managing" You are gathering information and delegating fixes in the most pro-active way possible.<br />
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Secondly, it recognizes that at this particular period of time there is nothing more important than perfecting both the product and the production line as quickly and efficiently as possible. The feedback is coming back to management completely unfiltered.<br />
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A, perhaps most importantly, it is an opportunity to gain the trust and respect your customers at a very critical time in the life of every company... the introduction of their latest and greatest product.<br />
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Believe me, while I do yet have a Pro printer, and I do not know the status of it's progress at the time I do take delivery, I do know one thing. The people at the top at M3D not only care; but, will ACTIVELY support me should I face issues.<br />
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And, even if you are not among the KickStarter backers, once Pro is released into full production, the support you will get from their regular support staff is backed by management that has proven they care. The attitude at the top at M3D trickles down in a very positive way.<br />
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Quite a nice feeling. :)<br />
<br />Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059318635584644192.post-51570708960938329432017-03-14T13:42:00.002-07:002017-03-14T13:43:00.626-07:0010 'New' Cube3 Cartridges - 7 Defective... so farAs most of you know, I know, and like, many of the engineers and support people at 3D Systems. So, I'm generally slow to be critical.<br />
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But, unfortunately, what I feared most about the withdrawal of the Cube3 from the marketplace, out-dated cartridges, seems to have come true.<br />
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We just purchased 10 'new' cartridges for our Cube3 printers. I've opened and tried to use seven (7) so far. And, all seven have had the very same issue. The filament has broken at the entrance to the extrusion housing.<br />
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Seven out of ten... so far!<br />
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Now, I have been dealing with these cartridges for a number of years now. So, I know HOW to fix a cartridge if I have to. But, having to fix more than a half dozen if no fun at all.<br />
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Calling support to alert them to the problem, the response I got wasn't encouraging. The last four digits of the batch numbers were 2916. This meant that the cartridge was built in the 29th week of 2016. That would be the week of <b>July 10-17, 2016</b>. Apparently, 3D Systems assumes that filament, in the protective bag and sealed box, has a shelf life of at least one year. Yet, our filament was opened in March of 2017... <i><b>less than 9 months later!</b></i><br />
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My guess is that filament packaged in the winter month might actually be OK for 12 months. But, filament packaged in the humid months of summer may not last quite as long.<br />
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This is a serious issue for owners of cube3 printers. Even if one knows how to try to rehabilitate a cartridge, it takes a lot of time and aggravation. Plus, it's difficult to do just using the purge function of the Cube3. The heat cycle does not last long enough and we have no way to control the duration of optimal heat at the tip of the print jet.<br />
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While I have resisted publishing 'hacks', I am coming to the conclusion that we have no alternative in order to be able to use our Cube3 printers on demand. While I have some sympathy for 3D System's situation... having to stock multiple colors of filament for a diminishing number of users... if we cannot count on them for good filament when we need it, we are forced to try to come up with alternatives if we can.<br />
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Even with the tools that I have purchased and designed to help me restore a broken cartridge, it takes at least an hour to fix one. And, some, will take even more effort. Fortunately, I have some empty cartridges from which I can steal the guide should I not be able to use the original quide in the broken cartridge. I think those old cartridges might come in handy!<br />
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If I'm ever able to complete the project for which the filament was purchased, I start searching for 'hacks' that might help us out in the future.Tom Meekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580494966261788985noreply@blogger.com3