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Touch a Piece of History: 3D Scanning

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3D scan of a horseshoe crab.

3D scan of a horseshoe crab.

We’ve talked a lot about 3D printing on this blog, but we haven’t talked as much about 3D scanning. In addition to the 3D printer, we also have a 3D scanner, which can scan physical objects (historical artifacts, for example) and turn them into a digital file that you can examine from all angles on your computer. You can then take that one step further and print that digital file to make your own 3D model of the object.

University of King’s College journalism student Chris Putnam recently interviewed SIM student and Dalhousie Libraries’ employee, Michael Groenendyk, about the 3D scanning he’s done at Dalhousie and for the Nova Scotia Museum. Chris’s story in Unews.ca, along with a short video, show Michael scanning a red abalone shell. His story and video do a great job of illustrating how 3D scanning works. Chris also included a digital file of a scanned 3D object so you can interact with the finished product yourself.

Dalhousie 3D Model Collection on DalSpace

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The Dalhousie Libraries has launched its online collection of 3D models on DalSpace.

The collection currently features 3D scans created through a partnership with the Thomas McCulloch Museum in Dal’s Biology department. Right now you can see a canine skull, a nautilus shell, and a few other 3D scans, with much more to follow over the next few weeks. 3D printable versions of these objects will also be stored on DalSpace, for replication on the Killam Library’s 3D printer.

                                

The NextEngine 3D Scanner, which was used to scan both of the above objects, is available for student and faculty use on the main floor of the Killam Library. You can book time with this scanner through the Dalhousie University Libraries Room Booking System.

The Dalhousie Libraries 3D collection is completely open for student and faculty submissions as well. We are accepting 3D scans and 3D models created through other methods, such as those designed using AutoCAD, SolidEdge or 3D Studio Max. To submit a model for inclusion in the Dalspace 3D collection, simply email it to 3Dprint@dal.ca with ‘submission’ in the email’s title. If there’s any 3D models you’ve created during your time at Dalhousie, this is a great way to preserve your work and build a portfolio to show future employers.

 

Lunch & Learn: 3D Printing and Scanning at the Dal Libraries

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Library Lunch & Learn
Tuesday May 8, noon – 1 pm
Killam Library Room 2616

What is 3D printing and why are we about to begin using it at the Dalhousie Libraries?

Marc Comeau, Director, Library IT, and MLIS students Riel Gallant and Michael Groenendyk will give a brief overview of 3D printing and scanning technology, provide a description of the Dalhousie Libraries pilot project slated to launch in the Killam Learning Commons in May, and show what has been accomplished so far. They will also discuss potential opportunities for the future of this project at the Libraries.

The presentation will include a live demonstration of 3D printing.

All are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your lunch! Can’t make it? Watch the 3D printing preview video!

3D Printing and Scanning Pilot Project Closer to Launch

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3D printing and scanning for the Dalhousie community is only a few weeks away! SIM students Michael Groenendyk and Riel Gallant have been hard at work testing this service to make it user-ready for the pilot project slated to be set up in the main Killam Learning Commons in May.

3D printing has been around for decades, but only recently has it become accessible to larger audiences thanks to hobbyists and the RepRap project. 3D scanning has also increased in popularity, gaining momentum as the technology improves and becomes more affordable. Dalhousie Libraries’ new Makerbot Replicator and NextEngine 3D scanner will offer you the opportunity to explore this revolutionary technology, and prepare us all for a future shaped by 3D printing.

Here’s a little preview of what’s coming!

Scanning 3D Artifacts

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Working in the Killam Library, MLIS graduate students Michael Groenendyk and Riel Gallant have begun digitizing artifacts from the Thomas McCulloch Museum, which is located in the Biology Department at Dal and well-known for its bird collection. The process involves a NextEngine 3D scanner to capture images of the artifacts, taking preservation to a new level.

This way of seeing the world will allow people to view, interact with, and modify digital objects, and even print a 3D copy! It’s just one part of Dalhousie Libraries’ upcoming initiative to bring 3D printing and scanning to its patrons. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime–check out our 3D printing & scanning board on Pinterest!

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