Education
Allow your pupils and students to get experience with 3D scanning in school. Teach them how to convert their creative physical ideas into digital 3D models and show them what they can do with their scans afterwards.
To support you in your teaching, we have made a complete lesson plan. This will teach your students how to 3D scan an object and export their scan for 3D printing.
Learn about 3D
Primary schools, high schools and art schools can benefit from a 3D scanner. Let the 3D scanner be your starting point for learning and experimenting with 3D modeling and 3D printing.
See the SOL 3D scanned turtle in action in this Facebook post from World Turtle Day 2020.
Learn about 3D workflows
Get familiar with the different 3D workflows such as scanning, printing, modeling, etc.
Learn about applications
Ideas are abundant, yet turning those ideas into real world objects and applications is challenging. SOL 3D scanner makes it simple for students to generate high-resolution scans for artistic creation, invention, prototyping and more.
Classroom and education workflow
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3D scanning in education (EN)
3D-Scannen in Bildungswesen (DE)
Typically, usage within a classroom follows this workflow:
- Scan your object or creation using the SOL 3D scanner
- Export in one of the supported formats: OBJ, STL, XYZ, DAE, PLY
- Import your file into your preferred 3D modeling software
- Improve or modify your work
- 3D print and/or
- Share online
3D modeling
This part of the workflow is about using a scan as a starting point or reference object for more complex 3D modeling. Users will create a 3D model using the SOL 3D scanner and then import the OBJ or STL file into their modeling software of choice. Once imported, they can use the scan as an 'outline' of the model they wish to create or incorporate the scan into other work projects.
3D printing
Create a duplicate or replica of an object easily. The SOL 3D scan will primarily be used for importing into a 3D printing program (slicer) and then output to a 3D printer. The object may be scaled up or down prior to printing, depending on the user’s needs and wishes.
Sharing
It’s all about sharing scans with others. Once a scan is completed, SOL Viewer 3D software can save the model in various file types (OBJ, STL, PLY, DAE and XYZ) for further publication or distribution. Scans can also be uploaded to Sketchfab directly from the SOL software for easy online sharing. Finally, once a scan is produced, industry-standard tools can be used to import the SOL 3D scanner files into Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications and workflows.
Sample lesson plan:
Introduction to 3D scanning with SOL 3D scanner
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Lesson plan (EN)
Unterrichtsplan (DE)
OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to successfully scan an object using the SOL 3D scanner, and export their scan for printing or online sharing.
OVERVIEW
Additive manufacturing is expanding at a rapid pace in multiple industries. Just as computer know-how was added to classrooms over the past decades, 3D knowledge is beginning to become a foundational capability for many professions.
This course plan will help students overcome some of the mental blocks and cognitive hurdles that may slow them from exploring 3D technologies.
OUTLINE
10 minutes – Introduction and discussion
Discuss where 3D technology is being used in the world today. Ideas from the students can be from engineering, the arts, architecture, to food.
- 3D printing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing
- 3D printed houses for under $4000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCzS2FZoB-I
- Virtual Reality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_LIHjumktM
- Games https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFyMB0luFpA
- 3D printed food https://www.techrepublic.com/article/heres-how-3d-food-printers-are-changing-the-way-we-cook/
- And much more
15 minutes – Hardware set-up
Setting up SOL 3D scanner with help from this ‘Quick setup guide’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDaaQui4dWE
SOL 3D scanner parts:
- SOL 3D scanner head
- Turntable
- Scanner stand
- USB cables
- Blackout tent with enclosure
- Scan test target (duck)
Scanning objects between 25-100 mm (1-3.9 in) in height and diameter:
- Set the scanner in near position
Scanning objects between 100-170 mm (3.9-6.7 in) in height and diameter:
- Set the scanner in near position
See more about scanner positions in this Youtube video.
10 minutes – SOL software installation
SOL software
Download SOL software and launch it. The software checks that the scanner is connected and that the computer meets the requirements. Follow the on-screen directions to begin scanning.
10 minutes – Video learning
Video: Watch a SOL 3D scanning from start to finish
Video: Learn about how to improve 3D scanning speed
10 minutes – Assignment and instructions
Assignment
- Group students (pairs, or small groups)
- Have each group identify an object to scan (pay attention to the size and surfaces/shapes limits for scanning with SOL)
- Outside of class/lesson have each group perform a single scanning pass of the object (approximately 30 minutes will be required, so multiple scanners/computers are needed or time allocated for each group to complete a scan)
- Set due date for when scan must be completed
PDF: SOL - How to scan various surfaces and shapes
10 minutes – Knowledge Base introduction
Cover resources students may find useful in completing their first scan. Note that scanning shiny, dark/black and/or translucent objects may require some preparation.
Learn more:
- Article: How to use 3D scanning spray
- Article: Facts that are good to know about SOL 3D scanner
- Knowledge Base: Find more answers on Scan Dimension’s Knowledges Base
Articles about 3D scanning unique creations
We continuously publish articles on our blog. Teachers and students may find inspiration for 3D scanning for education from these scans of unique creations.
3D scanning a cake: Yes, you can have your cake - and eat it too
Halloween turbo mode 3D scanning
A crocheted Santa’s hat for the rubber duck (the SOL scanner’s test object)
SOL 3D scanner
- Easily create digital copies of real-world objects
- Desktop-sized and lightweight
- Includes software with highly automated calibration and meshing processes
- Delivers 3D models with no need for manual alignment or removal of unwanted artifacts
Applications where SOL is a match
Education