Scan Dimension

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.

3D scanning for educaiton and school

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.

3D scan of turtle in school on SOL

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. 

3D workflows for 3D scanning in school

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.

Learn about 3D applications in school

Classroom and education workflow

Typically, usage within a classroom follows this workflow:

  1. Scan your object or creation using the SOL 3D scanner
  2. Export in one of the supported formats: OBJ, STL, XYZ, DAE, PLY
  3. Import your file into your preferred 3D modeling software
  4. Improve or modify your work
  5. 3D print and/or
  6. Share online with Sketchfab

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.

More about 3D modeling

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.

More about 3D printing

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.

More about sharing

Sample lesson plan:
Introduction to 3D scanning with SOL 3D scanner

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.

15 minutes – Hardware set-up

Setting up SOL 3D scanner with help from this ‘Quick setup guide’:


SOL 3D scanner included in the box:

Whats in the box Scan Dimension SOL 3D scanner

Scanning objects between 25-100 mm (1-3.9 in) in height and diameter:

SOL 3D scanner in near position

Scanning objects between 100-170 mm (3.9-6.7 in) in height and diameter:

SOL 3D scanner in far 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: Facts that are good to know about SOL 3D scanner, hardware requirements, and general 3D scanning issues.

Video: Learn about how to improve 3D scanning speed

10 minutes – Assignment and instructions

Assignment

Set due date for when scan must be completed.

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:

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

3D scanning a cast of a hand

Halloween turbo mode 3D scanning

A crocheted Santa’s hat for the rubber duck (the SOL scanner’s test object)

SOL 3D scanner

SOL 3D scanner perfect for school

SOL product page

SOL 3D scanner reviews


More applications where SOL is a match

Makers & hobby

Education

Design

Applications where SOL PRO is favorable

Product inspection

Science & research

Reverse engineering

Industrial design