MakerBot Releases Digitizer 3D Scanner

As the need for 3D models increases, thanks in part to increased adoption of additive manufacturing (AM), more options for 3D scanners appear on the marketplace. Where once only the largest companies could easily afford a 3D scanner, now customers have a number of reasonably priced options. Many of the new scanners appearing on the market are meant for desktop use, or are hand-held devices.

MakerBot has entered the 3D scanner market with a desktop system called the Digitizer. The new scanner is targeted at the Maker crowd, small businesses, and any other customers who don’t require high levels of detail from a scan. The price is reasonable for what the Digitizer offers, starting at $1,400.

“Bringing the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner into the world has been a big goal of ours this year,” said MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis. “We are really excited about the MakerBot Digitizer. This is another innovative product for visionaries, early adopters, experimenters, educators, creative hobbyists, 3D sculptors, organic modelers, designers, and architects who want to be the first to become an expert in Desktop 3D Scanning.”

The Digitizer offers a scan size of 8 x 8 in. (20.3 x 20.3 cm), with a resolution of .5 mm. A full scan takes around 12 minutes and generates 3D models with a dimensional accuracy of ± 2 mm. The system comes preloaded with software, and produces STL files that can be used with any 3D printer.

MakerBot is fairly upfront about what the Digitizer is and isn’t capable of, with answers found in a downloadable FAQ. The company notes that its 3D scanner doesn’t work well with shiny, reflective or fuzzy objects. The lasers used by the system also doesn’t do well with objects that are too dark. “Reasonable expectations” seems to be the mantra for buyers of MakerBot’s 3D scanner.

As might be expected from MakerBot, the Digitizer was designed for ease of use. The MakerWare software installed in the scanner only requires a couple of clicks to start scanning, and the 3D model captured can be altered later, assuming the user has access to a 3D modeling program.

“We believe that the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner is an innovative technological breakthrough that sets the standard for affordable desktop 3D scanning,” added Pettis. “We focused on making the MakerBot Digitizer super easy to use, intuitive and simple. The MakerBot Digitizer is powered by MakerBot MakerWare software, and we plan to offer in the future additional software updates that are expected to add even more features and capabilities.”

Below you’ll find the launch video for the Digitizer.

Source: MakerBot