So you’ve got a 3D printer. Now what?
A number of projects have revolved around producing 3D printers that are affordable and portable so that anyone who wants one can own one. This is in addition to the printers that are already available on the market. Let’s see. There’s the MakerBot, the Gigabot, the RigitBot, the Form 1, the Cube… I think it’s safe to say we now have a rich selection to choose from when it comes to 3D printers. The problem now is getting templates for the stuff you want to print.
Not everyone has the technical skill or know-how to create CAD drawings or 3D models, and there’s only so much that you can download off the Internet. It’s precisely for these reasons why the Photon 3D Scanner is a godsend.
The Photon is basically a 3D scanner for the masses. It’s affordable (it’s cheaper than some tablets!) and it’s easy to use. All you have to do is unfold it, plug it in, and place the object that you want to scan on the scan bed. Press ‘go’, wait until it finishes scanning, and you’re all set. You don’t even have to own your own 3D printer because you can just take your models to Shapeways or Ponoko to print your stuff.
The Photon was invented by Adam Brandejs and Drew Cox, who have been working on the prototype for the past year. Presumably satisfied with the results they got, they are now releasing it on Indiegogo. All early backers discounts have been snatched up, but you can still make a pledge of C$399 (that’s about US$295) to get your very own Photon by August 2013.
[ Project Page ] VIA [ The Awesomer ]
