ZScanner 700 -- almost as cool as a View-Master 3D

We're not sure anything could ever replace the satisfying "ca-click" sound of our old Fisher-Price View-Master 3D unit, but the ZScanner 700 3d scanner does have the bonus feature of actually being useful. Currently showing at SIGGRAPH '06 in Boston, the ZScanner 700 is a handheld unit that can scan and digitize 3D surfaces in real time, using laz0rs and dual cameras. The resulting 3D object is reflected on screen as it is imaged, and since you can move the imaged object and the ZScanner while capturing data continuously, you supposedly end up with a better model and less post processing as an end result (if their PR material is to be believed). The downside to all this freedom and accuracy is the ZScanner's $39,900 pricetag, but we're sure you can make all that back in a jiffy once you've built a functioning replicator to complement the device.

[Via Medgadget]

[Pringle @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:30AM]

Well, if you just hooked it up to engadgets homebrew cnc router, you have a replicator!

[m-p{3} @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:51AM]

With that, it will be a piece of cake to do 3d games objects and models. But the price is a bit scary.. :/

[strider_mt2k @ Aug 2nd 2006 10:08AM]

What about combining this with that fast prototyping stuff to make 3D copies?
Can replicators be far behind?

(The cool ones, not the evil Lego ones)

Scary cool stuff.

[Nutsy @ Aug 2nd 2006 10:10AM]

For the price its certianly not worth it... There are hundreds of cheaper ulturnatives for 3D scanning... Why spend 30 grand to capture a 3d object when you can do it for a less than a few hundred?

[Nutsy @ Aug 2nd 2006 10:13AM]

Totaly over priced for what your getting there... Witch really is just a ultra exspensive 3d scanner... Nothing new. In fact you can get 3d scanners relitivly cheap. And in some cases [not with lasers] You can even get camera based 3d scanners for under a few hundred quid.

But seriously why would you fork out 30k if you can get the same quality 3d scan spen only spending a a few hundred quid to a couple of thousand quid...

Heck if you look around you can get normal laser 3d scanners for well under 10k.

[RickDom @ Aug 2nd 2006 11:02AM]

I, for one, welcome our new digitally replicated masters.

[RickDom @ Aug 2nd 2006 11:06AM]

In all seriousness....
I'm sure it costs so much because it's HANDHELD. Your typical 3D scanner is fixed and turns around the object. Presumably, with this you can move your hand around the object however you like, and it will make a 3D model of it. YOu're not limited to a whatever your 3D scanner is designed for. Anyway, it's not like it's for consumers, someone in industry will buy it.

[justin @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:09PM]

I have actually used one of these. I work with The Center For Vehicular Research and we were given one to use. I have to say its impressive. But dont count on using is to replicate anything in a hurry its over sensitive we used it on a small model about 1 foot high plastic and it picked up the textures in the plastic ( the 3d model was one huge file 6.8g. You can tone it down some but its not the best we have used. Not worth the pricetag yet

[kgill @ Jun 1st 2009 6:15PM]

What is one of the better ones you have used? I am researching them to buy one.

[Wry Cooter @ Aug 2nd 2006 1:21PM]

What Rick Dom Said,

If you need to replicate for spare parts the detail on some aged 40 ton industrial behemoth without shutting down production and taking things apart, this might be useful.

[anonymous hero @ Aug 2nd 2006 1:47PM]

I'll take three!

[Guruboy @ Aug 2nd 2006 1:50PM]

Now rich people can look like they have talent! Now to find a real-life material scanner...

[A_A_68 @ Aug 2nd 2006 7:19PM]

how would you rotate keeping it in the exact center
tards

[Gadget Extremist @ Aug 3rd 2006 2:27AM]

This thing would be great for adding 3D images to ebay auctions.