GCC Library Reimagine MakerSpace

Most people are familiar with two dimensional scanning where one scans in documents and text.  However, what do we mean when we talk about 3D Scanning?  Well, I asked ChatGPT to compare the two and the AI Chat system came up with this good explanation (slightly edited):

1. What They Do:

   • 2D Scanning: Think of a photocopy machine or a flatbed scanner. When you scan a document or a picture, it captures only the surface details like colors and lines in two dimensions - length and width. It's like taking a photo of the object.
   • 3D Scanning: This is more like capturing a statue rather than a picture. A 3D scanner doesn't just capture the surface details (like color and texture) but also the shape and depth of an object. It measures how far away each part of the object's surface is, so it knows its length, width, and height.

2. The Results:

   • 2D Scanning: You get a flat, digital copy of the object, exactly like it looks from one angle. It's just like a photograph in digital form.
   • 3D Scanning: You get a digital model that you can rotate and look at from all angles on a computer. It's like having a virtual version of the object that you can explore in 3D space.

3. Uses:

   • 2D Scanning: Great for documents, photographs, and artwork - anything that's basically flat and where you only need to see the surface.
   • 3D Scanning: Used for objects where the shape and depth are important. It's useful in making 3D models for games, movies, or for designing objects that will be 3D printed. It's also used in medicine, like creating 3D models of body parts for surgical planning.

So, in summary, 2D scanning is like taking a flat picture, and 3D scanning is like creating a digital sculpture that you can view from all sides.

The Reimagine MakerSpace carries several 3D Scanners.  This includes a Shining 3D EinScan-SP scanner and several Revopoint POP 3D Scanners.   These scanners are capable of scanning your objects into 3D files.  

There is a lot of different 3D Scanning applications ranging from mechanics, health care, art, and the humanities.  A number of these applications are listed in the document above.  That said, through the Reimagine Space, we also offer 3D Printing Capabilities, and when paired together: 3D Scanning and 3D Printing can become a real Dynamic Duo!

And what do I mean by this?  Well, after scanning a 3D object, you can then:

• Create a 3D Print of this object
• Scale the 3D Print making it larger or smaller
• Combine various 3D Scans and Prints Together

Talk to one of our Reimagine MakerSpace staff to learn more!!!