Technologies like 3D printing, 3D scanning, and a variety of software packages have given the everyday person the capabilities to create nearly anything they can imagine, as long as they possess the essential skills and knowledge to piece everything together. This course will de-mystify some of this complicated tech and give you an idea of how to get started on your seemingly impossible project. In particular it focus on 3D scanning in combinations with 3D modeling and 3D printing technologies. The ability to use measurement and analysis to reproduce or augment the form and function of objects is often reffered to as reverse-engineering.

In short, this class covers:

-Software and systems used in advanced object measurement, analysis and reconstruction.

-3D scanning technologies

-Reverse-engineering concepts - how to use aquired data in your designs

-Creating original 3D designs and various ways of manufacturing them

-More advanced 3D data processing, workflows

-Specialized file formats and data structures, their origins and uses

Detailed description of the curriculum:

 An explanation of 3D-scanning technologies will enable you to judge what is and is not possible with software and equipment that ranges from free to absurdly expensive. You will learn about various work-flows to process aquired data and build models that interface with them. Making use of scanned data requires a disciplined approach that will not only save time and effort, but maintain accuracy that enables all sorts of new ideas and applications to become reality.

You will see a demonstration of how a structured-light 3D scanner works, and learn about the process of cleaning and aligning the data. Once we understand what good data is and how to make it, we can explore how to make new designs that interface with it, or simply print the scanned object directly. We will also cover some of the ways to rebuild a nearly perfect replica using free CAD software. You will learn about all the different options available for producing a replicated part, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), CNC milling, and traditional molding and casting.

Finally, you will recieve an information package, a "3D Intelligence Report" that will boil down all this information into a hard copy (DVD). The brief reference sheets will review the information from each section of the class for easy access and review. The data package includes raw example data from various types of scanners that you can practice your skills with. There is a collection of complete, high-quality scanned objects that you can use in your work and create derivative objects from. There is a selection of test files in virtually every major format to help you test compatibility of various original workflows you might create using the different software tools you have learned.

There is no substitute for experience, but after completing this class and several hours of independent practice using the examples I provide and the tools we have discussed, you will have the ability to manipulate 3D information and tackle some of the toughest problems one might face while learning the new world of 3D imaging and modeling technologies.