3D Printer for Home, Education and Rapid Prototyping

Crafting a 3D-Printed Jig from a Glass Bottle using the EinScan HX 3D Scanner

In an era defined by technological innovation, 3D scanning and printing technologies stand at the forefront of practical and inventive solutions. In our latest video, we demonstrated how Afinia 3D’s EinScan HX 3D Scanner can be utilized to fabricate an ideal jig for a bottle. This blog post will further delve into this process, highlighting the remarkable potential of these technologies.

Unleashing the Potential of 3D Scanning and Printing

At Afinia 3D, we empower businesses by leveraging the power of 3D scanning and 3D printing to provide innovative solutions. A prime example is the creation of customized jigs for label application machines, a task that can be complicated due to intricate shapes and designs of objects, such as a bottle.

However, with the EinScan HX 3D Scanner, these complexities become manageable. This advanced device captures a highly precise 3D model of the bottle, serving as the foundation for the jig design and ensuring accurate alignment for label application. The resulting 3D model sets the stage for the next step – 3D printing.

Turning a Bottle into a Precise 3D Model

Our journey from a clear glass bottle to a precise jig starts with the EinScan HX 3D scanner. By spraying the bottle with a foot spray from any convenience store, we create a surface that the scanner can read. Upon full application, we open up our Exscan software to operate the scanner.

The scanner’s high-speed laser lines enable swift capture of the bottle’s surface, using target markers and pyramids for model tracking. Once the scan is complete, we transition into editing to exclude any unnecessary data and generate a point cloud.

Sculpting the Perfect Jig with 3D Modeling

Once the scan is refined, we use our software to align and mesh the scans, creating a watertight mesh that can be imported into any CAD software. With the mesh at a manageable file size, we’re ready to begin the modeling process.

Within the CAD software, we align the mesh, define a plane with a sketch, draw a box around the object, and create depth by extruding it. The box’s edge is then meticulously aligned with the bottle’s tapered edge, ensuring accurate label application.

Finally, we convert the box into a mesh, execute a Boolean operation combining it with the bottle mesh, and carve out the bottle’s impression. The outcome? A 3D-printable jig that’s ready to streamline your label application process.

Revolutionize Your Business with Afinia 3D

By seamlessly integrating 3D scanning and printing technologies into your business, Afinia 3D helps you elevate your efficiency and quality. To explore Afinia Label printers and other label equipment, visit AfiniaLabel.com. Stay on top of technology’s cutting edge with Afinia 3D’s state-of-the-art solutions.

Experience the transformative power of 3D scanning and printing technologies in your business operations. Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and advice to optimize your processes.

Customized Prosthetics Using the EinScan 3D Scanners

In the world of 3D scanning and 3D printing, reverse engineering is the most commonly used application across multiple industries.

Being able to 3D scan an object and create a customized product is an invaluable skill. 3D scanners allow for the capture of organic and inorganic shapes alike, making them the ideal tool for industries that would struggle with traditional CAD design methods. One such industry is prosthetics. While the functionality of a prosthetic limb is its most important feature, the fit and form of the prosthetic can be just as important for the patient. The comfort a well-fitting prosthetic provides can make a world of difference as does the confidence provided by a prosthetic limb that suits its user’s appearance. 3D scanners have opened a gateway into customization, and customized prosthetic solutions are now a reality for many amputees. The EinScan Pro line of handheld 3D scanners, and the SHINING 3D industrial 3D printers, make 3D scanning and 3D printing for medical applications more accessible than it has ever been.

The EinScan Pro and Pro 2X line of scanners are as ambitious as they are multifunctional. The handheld capability of the scanners allows them to scan larger objects with ease and make scanning human body or human body parts a simple task. SHINING 3D’s flagship scanner, the EinScan Pro 2X Plus, can scan a human leg in a matter of seconds and the captured scan data can be processed, customized, and 3D printed faster than has ever been possible. We’ll explore just how easy it is to customize prosthetics shell using the EinScan Pro line of 3D scanners.

We begin by taking a 3D scan of the patient’s prosthetic leg. Using the EinScan Pro+ Handheld Rapid Scan mode, the scan is taken within a matter of seconds. The collected scan data is accurate enough to reverse engineering and allow for the creation of a customized prosthetic shell. A separate scan of the patient’s other leg is taken as a reference. This gives us an accurate representation of the overall size and form of the patient’s leg. The goal is to make the prosthetic shell as close to the real leg as possible.

Once the data is captured and the scan completed, the file is exported directly into Geomagic Essentials. 3D System’s Geomagic Essentials is the ideal bridge for 3D scan to design solutions. Working with organic shapes in CAD environments can prove to be a difficult task for even the most seasoned veterans, but the tools provided in Essentials allow for the seamless transition of your 3D scans into your native CAD platform.

The prosthetic’s scan data is imported into Essentials where the data can be cleaned up. Coordinates are assigned onto the 3D model making it easier for reverse engineering. The contours and overall shape and geometry of the piece are extracted and defined using the available tools.

From there the 2nd set of scan data, the patient’s leg, is imported into Essentials. The process is repeated, and the 3D model is prepped for reverse engineering.

Once both sets of data are properly aligned and processed, they are exported into Solid Edge SHINING 3D Edition. Solid Edge is a professional CAD software that allows for the reverse engineering of 3D scans. The software allows for both scans to be imported directly. The 2 models are reverse engineered individually. The prosthetic is used as the mechanical part of the CAD model while the scan of the leg is used as the reference for the shell around the prosthetic. The design and shape of the shell is customized using the scan from the patient’s leg.

 

Once the shell overall design is complete the Generative Design function of the software is used to finalize the design given the parameters of the 2 parts. The result is a completely functional prosthetic shell that accounts for the patient’s weight and the forces that are applied when running, walking, or other physical activities.

The customized 3D model is then saved and printed using SHINING 3D’s EP-P3850 SLS 3D printer. The completed print is then post processed and prepared for the patient. The printed shell fits perfectly into the patient’s prosthetic leg.

The EinScan Pro line of handheld 3D scanners makes 3D scanning for medical applications more accessible than it has ever been. SHINING 3D’s RED Bundle provides everything necessary for complete 3D Scan to Design solutions and industrial grade 3D printers like the EP-P3850 bring to these designs to life with amazing precision. Customization has never been more accessible. SHINING 3D brings you the complete 3D Scan-Design- 3D Print solution. For more information on pricing, specifications, or availability please contact your local sales rep at sales@afinia.com.

Elements of 3D Printing in the Classroom

Daniel Aktas is an art and technology instructor, also known as the “3D Printing Teacher” within his district. He incorporates 3D printing into most of his courses and he works with the 4 elementary schools in the district to facilitate an annual 3D printing immersion event.

Coming this November, he will be presenting at the 2019 New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA). He plans on showing how he incorporates 3D printing in his classroom and also sharing information about the Afinia H400 3D printers his students use.

For more information regarding our 3D printer, click here: Afinia H400+

Building Skills with 3D Printing

Brian Wagaman has taught Woodshop, Engineering and Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics. He also served as the Vice President of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) for Indiana from 2016-2017. Wagaman focuses on giving kids the knowledge and skills pertinent to what they’ll experience in the world.

Taking Off with 3D Printing

Brian Wagaman’s classes were recently introduced to 3D printing when their school acquired an Afinia H400 and the Dobot Magician robotic arm. “I’m extremely impressed and excited about the machines,” explains Wagaman. “The students have taken off with them. The 3D printer has had nonstop use for months!” [Read more…]