MakerBot Unveils 3D Scanner Prototype at SXSW

By Sarah Meyer, PrinterComparison Editor | | 620 Reads

3D printer manufacturer MakerBot announced that they are developing a new desktop 3D scanner, the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner, at SXSW Interactive this morning.

The MakerBot Digitizer will use lasers and cameras to scan 3D objects and create a digital file without CAD or design software and then print it again, preferably with a MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer, at least that's the hope of Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot.

HP announced an MFP with a 3D scanner last year (read our review of the HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275) that used an 8 megapixel camera embedded into a hinged arm that took six images per scan - three from various angles and three in ambient light conditions at different exposure levels - that were combined into one image. It will be interesting to see how MakerBot tackles the 3D scanner.

"We are super excited to be able to announce at SXSW Interactive that we are developing the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner," said Pettis. "It's a natural progression for us to create a product that makes 3D printing even easier. With the MakerBot Digitizer, now everyone will be able to scan a physical item, digitize it, and print it in 3D ? with little or no design experience."

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