I have already written about 3D printers here, but what would a 3D printer be without the models that are printed on it and how can they be made? The method, which is probably known to all, is to create models with a CAD program. There are tools for beginners like TinkerCAD (free) or experts (like Blender 3D). You can use this to create models and eventually convert them into a solid model that you can slice for your printer. Building complex models in a CAD program can take a long time. Also, making something completely free doesn’t always make sense, especially when it comes to existing objects. An attempt to measure it and then build it based on this data would be great here – but there are solutions that make capturing such objects easier – 3D scanners. Along with the Revopoint Pop 2, Revopoint provides such a scanner and I have tested it.

Revopoint Pop 2 is already the second generation of 3D scanner and is primarily aimed at beginners. It also has a better projector and higher-resolution cameras for more detail. For those who want to know more: According to Revopoint, the system uses a binocular and finely structured light formula for high precision and texture scanning performance. A self-developed micro-projection chip is used, which ensures that the recorded points are captured with a high accuracy of 10 frames per second, achieving a frame accuracy of 0.1 mm. The data is calculated on an integrated chip. Plus, the integrated 6-doff gyroscope ensures the merging of shapes, marker points and color features into the generated point clouds.

what understand? Well, that’s translated: The POP-2 handheld scanner works with an infrared grid that is not visible to the human eye, which it places on the object and then reshapes it with two infrared cameras (10x per second). Photographs from. Another camera also records the surface. The images are calculated using the curvature of the infrared grid and the distance between two IR cameras, which is also known to combine everything into a single solid.

Delivery & Commissioning

I received the “Premium Package” for testing. Shipping Box includes the following, packed in a sturdy bag: Backpack, POP2 3D Scanner, Tripod, Power Bank, Electric Turntable, Calibration Board, Smartphone Holder, 2-in-1 Mobile Cable. USB-A / USB-C cable, Quick setup manual, Fabric that can be used as background, Dot sticker, Test bust.

Specifications Revopoint POP 2

• Technology: Dual-camera Infrared Structured Light
• CPU: Dual-core ARM Cortex-A7
• Detail precision: 0.1 mm. until
• Schenfeldgros Pro Build: 210mm x 130mm
• Working Distance: 150~400mm
• the minimum. ScanVolume: 20×20×20mm
• Scan Speed: Up to 10 fps
• Light Source: Class 1 Infrared Laser
• Output-format: ply, obj, stl
• Texture Scan: Yes
• External Scanning: A cover is required to avoid ambient light.
• Scanner Weight: 195g
• Scanner Dimensions: 154.6 x 38.2 x 25.6 mm
• Compatible with: Windows 8/10, 64-bit, Android, iOS, macOS
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: 2.4 GHz
• Connection: Micro USB

connect and scan

The scanner can be operated on a smartphone (iOS or Android) or directly on a PC or Mac. If you use the scanner directly on a computer, it gets its power through a USB-C port. With a mobile device, you’ll need to screw the supplied power bank between the tripod and the smartphone holder. I started my first scan attempt through my Mac, but it didn’t yield any useful results. After switching to the smartphone, things got much better.

For the first scan, I decided to scan the supplied bust. Place the bust in the middle of the turntable and turn it so that the object rotates evenly. Make sure the object to be scanned is evenly illuminated. If the areas to be scanned are too dark, the scanning process will either fail or your scan will contain artifacts that you will have to painstakingly remove later. For scans, you can either rest the handheld scanner on a mini tripod or move it gently with the object in your hand. The app tells you whether the distance is sufficient or not. You can also check during the scanning process in the app whether the object is aligned correctly and which parts have already been scanned.

So much for theory – in practice it was not as easy as it sounds. Over and over again I had holes or artifacts in the scans. On the one hand, it was because it was too dark or I moved the scanner too quickly. This confuses the system and it no longer understands where to attach the captured image. After a few days of despair, I got ambitious and went back to work. After a few tries I got it and the bust was scanned. The pause function is helpful here, as it will help you if you e.g. B. To change position to avoid capturing what you don’t want.

If something goes wrong, you can use the back button to reset and repeat the last steps. If you end the scan by clicking the Stop button, the app begins to calculate and connect the recorded images or point clouds. Depending on the object, this may take a few minutes. The computed file can then be saved in ply or obj format to prepare it for 3D printing in your slicer software.

As mentioned, it takes time to get the hang of it, but once it’s done it gets easier. Large objects can also be detected. For this you need attached point stickers, which are distributed liberally over the part to be scanned so that the scanner has fixed points to which it can attach neighboring images during computation. RevoPoint does not provide any precise information about the maximum size of the scan. The only limitation is probably the amount of data.

things you should be aware of

The results for matte, glossy and small objects are surprisingly good and can be processed exquisitely. Reflective and dark surfaces, which are usually displayed as holes in scans, are challenging. Software can optimize the scan and close the holes, but it’s better to prepare your object well before scanning.

Scan spray, which is praised in the forums, is expensive. Alternatively, you can work with chalk spray or, if you want it even cheaper, with dry shampoo from the drugstore. So you can cover surfaces temporarily to avoid reflections. but checks before thisWon’t it damage the object to be scanned. Illumination is also relevant – so don’t necessarily point your lamp directly at the object. If nothing now works, you have the option of recalibrating the scanner with the supplied calibration board.

RevoPoint POP 2 – Scan & Go

The scanning of faces is also possible thanks to the corresponding mode. However, the person being scanned must remain still. With a steady hand you can also make a full head. There are also users in various forums who use a giant turntable to scan entire people from head to toe.

Thanks to the mobility of the scanner, there are almost no limits. Professionals use it to scan entire cars to recreate them, or to preserve works of art for posterity. You can find some examples of this in Scan the World.

conclusion

The POP 2 3D Scanner and I got off to a rough start—hard enough that I was the first to tear it down in this review. But sometimes it’s worth putting things aside and starting again after a few days. The hardware is well made and looks good. It is also lightweight and portable which can be used anywhere. You can quickly scan objects down to the size of a fist if the dots I mentioned are seen.

Such objects can be captured very well with the POP-2 scanner. On the other hand, scanning people and large objects requires more skill and a steady hand. The supplied software also provides the option to correct minor errors before export or automatically close the gap.

In terms of price, the Revopoint Pop 2 is not a cheap buy at 800 euros, but it offers good value for money when compared to other manufacturers. Other 3D scanners with this data cost much more.

About our guest author:

torsten schmidt

Year 1976 – At the beginning of the Internet, never came out. Ein Ge.erd: Half Geek, Half Nerd // Writes quite a bit on the net // Chief Pilot at techkrams.de // Freelancer for Everything Digital.

Twitter: @Pixelaffe

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