USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 WELCOME 04 Safety and Compliance 06 About your MakerBot Digitizer 18 22 SETUP 24 Accessory Checklist 3 4 5 6 V.
1 Welcome to the Leading Edge of the Next Industrial Revolution! Let’s Get Started.
Hi there, When we started MakerBot in 2009, one of the biggest hurdles to 3D printing was finding great 3D models. Now you hold one of the keys to crossing this hurdle, the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner. The engineers here at MakerBot had a big task: build a machine that scans physical objects quickly and always delivers clean 3D models with no holes or extra pieces floating around. We also knew the entire process had to be seamless and simple, so that creative people could just keep creating.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE Now, before we get going, let’s review some important safety information. FCC DECLARATION This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE This safety alert symbol precedes each safety message in this manual. This symbol indicates a potential safety hazard that could harm you or others or cause product or property damage. Important safety information is contained in this manual. Please read the following messages thoroughly before using the MakerBot Digitizer™ Desktop 3D Scanner.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE Laser Safety The MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner uses two (2) Class 1 lasers when it is scanning. The Digitizer is reported certified as a Class 1 laser product under the requirements of 21 CFR (J) 1040.10 and IEC 60825-1 as per Laser Notice 50. Class 1 lasers are safe under all conditions of normal use. This means the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) is not exceeded when viewing a laser with the naked eye or with the aid of typical magnifying optics.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE UNDERSIDE OF THE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER Service Caution: Do not open the MakerBot Digitizer’s laser modules or attempt to repair them. Service on your MakerBot Digitizer’s lasers may only be performed by authorized, factory trained technicians. To report a problem with your MakerBot Digitizer or to arrange for service, email support@makerbot.com All maintenance tasks for the MakerBot Digitizer must be performed with the power turned off.
SÉCURITÉ ET RESPECT DES NORMES DÉCLARATION DE CONFORMITÉ FCC Cet appareil a été contrôlé et déclaré conforme aux limites relatives aux appareils numériques de catégorie B, conformément à la section 15 des directives FCC. Ces limites sont conçues pour assurer une protection raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles dans une installation résidentielle.
SÉCURITÉ ET RESPECT DES NORMES Ce symbole d’avertissement de sécurité précède tout message de sécurité de ce manuel. Ce symbole indique un risque potentiel pour la sécurité, qui pourrait vous blesser, blesser un tiers, ou causer des avaries ou des dommages matériels. Ce manuel contient des renseignements importants sur la sécurité. Veuillez lire attentivement les messages suivants avant de faire fonctionner le MakerBot Digitizer.
SÉCURITÉ ET RESPECT DES NORMES Sécurité laser Le scanner de bureau 3D MakerBot Digitizer utilise deux (2) lasers de Classe 1 pour l’opération de numérisation. Les lasers de Classe 1 sont sans danger dans toutes les conditions d’utilisation normale. Cela signifie que la limite d’exposition admissible n’est pas dépassée si vous regardez un laser sans protection oculaire ou à l’aide d’un instrument optique grossissant standard.
SÉCURITÉ ET RESPECT DES NORMES BAS DE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER Réparations Attention: Ne pas ouvrir les modules laser de la MakerBot Digitizer ou d’essayer de les réparer. Les services aprèsvente sur les lasers de votre MakerBot Digitizer doivent être réalisés exclusivement par des techniciens agréés formés dans nos usines. En outre, la garantie de votre scanner pourraît être annulée si vous le modifiez ou si vous en enlevez les couvercles protecteurs ou le boîtier.
SICHERHEIT UND EINHALTUNG DER RICHTLINIEN ERKLÄRUNG GEMÄSS DER US-ZULASSUNGSBEHÖRDE FÜR KOMMUNIKATIONSGERÄTE FCC Die Prüfung dieses Geräts hat ergeben, dass die Grenzwerte für ein digitales Gerät der Klasse B gemäß Teil 15 der FCC-Bestimmungen eingehalten werden. Diese Grenzwerte dienen dem angemessenen Schutz gegen Störungen und Schäden beim Gebrauch in Wohnräumen.
SICHERHEIT UND EINHALTUNG DER RICHTLINIEN Dieses Warnhinweis-Symbol steht vor jedem Sicherheitshinweis in dieser Bedienungsanleitung. Dieses Symbol weist auf ein potentielles Sicherheitsrisiko hin, dass Ihnen und anderen Schaden zufügen oder Produkt- und Sachschaden verursachen könnte. Diese Bedienungsanleitung enthält wichtige Sicherheitshinweise. Bitte lesen Sie die folgenden Hinweise aufmerksam durch, bevor Sie den MakerBotDigitizer in Betrieb nehmen.
SICHERHEIT UND EINHALTUNG DER RICHTLINIEN Laser-Sicherheit Der MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner verwendet zwei (2) Laser der Klasse 1 im ScanProzess. Laser der Klasse 1 sind unter Bedingungen des normalen Gebrauchs sicher. Das bedeutet, solange die maximal zulässige Bestrahlung (MZB) nicht überschritten wird, wenn man das bloße oder mit üblichen optischen Vergrößerungsbehelfen versehene Auge dem Strahl aussetzt. Laser-Parameter Wellenlänge 650nm, nominal Laser-Gesamtleistung (pro Laser) <3.
SICHERHEIT UND EINHALTUNG DER RICHTLINIEN BODEN MAKERBOT DIGITIZER Service Vorsicht: Öffnen Sie den MakerBot Digitalisierer-Laser-Module nicht und versuchen Sie nicht, ihnen zu reparieren. Service an Ihrem MakerBot Digitalisierer-Laser-Module darf nur von autorisierten, im Werk ausgebildeten Technikern ausgeführt werden.
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER The MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner can scan a real world object and produce a ready-to-print 3D model in as little as 12 minutes, with no post-processing or cleanup required. All MakerBot Digitizer scans are created using MakerBot’s easy-to-use MakerWare for Digitizer software. MakerWare for Digitizer creates industry standard stereolithography (STL) files which can be imported into or modified with most 3D modeling software.
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER FRONT VIEW 2 3 4 5 1 BACK VIEW 7 6 8 9 10 WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED 19
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER How it Works The MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner creates a digital 3D model of a physical object by taking a rapid sequence of pictures as the object rotates on the MakerBot Digitizer turntable. Here is how it happens: 1. Two lasers, mounted on the left and right corners of the MakerBot Digitizer, create laser lines that outline the profile of the object, while a camera takes a series of photographs. 2.
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER What can be Scanned? Some objects will produce better scans than others. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine what will produce a good scan. GREAT TO SCAN • • • • • Objects that are larger than a 50 x 50 mm (2 x 2 in) cylinder Objects that are smaller than a 203 x 203 mm (8 x 8 in) cylinder Objects weighing less than 3 kg (6.
2 Setting Up Your MakerBot Digitizer
In this chapter you will be guided through everything you need to do to set up your new MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner, from unpacking it to producing your first 3D scan.
ACCESSORY CHECKLIST 1 POWER SUPPLY 1 USB-A TO USB-B CABLE 24 1 POWER CABLE 1 T15 TORX DRIVER 1 CALIBRATION TOOL 4 RUBBER TRACTION FEET
UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER 1 Open the Box Place the MakerBot Digitizer box on a stable surface. Cut the tape on both sides of the box as well as the tamperproof sticker located on the front secure tab. 2 Open Accessory Box Remove and open the accessory box. Check the contents of this box and make sure it has everything that’s listed in the Accessory Checklist.
UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER 3 Lift MakerBot Digitizer out of Box Grasp the protective foam packaging at both sides and lift the MakerBot Digitizer out of the box. 4 Remove Packaging Separate both foam packaging pieces from the MakerBot Digitizer and remove the clear plastic bag.
UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER 5 Attach Rubber Traction Feet Locate the four rubber traction feet from the accessory box. Carefully turn the MakerBot Digitizer upside down and insert one rubber traction foot into each of the four holes on the underside of the MakerBot Digitizer.
PLACEMENT OF THE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER Finding the right location for your MakerBot Digitizer is important. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best quality scans: • Set up your MakerBot Digitizer in an indoor area with ample incandescent or fluorescent light. Avoid natural light sources. • Avoid pointing the MakerBot Digitizer’s camera and lasers toward light sources. Avoid placing the MakerBot Digitizer directly below a light source.
UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER (CONTINUED) 6 Connect the MakerBot Digitizer to a Computer Locate the USB cable from the accessory box and use it to connect the MakerBot Digitizer to your computer. 7 Connect the Power Supply Ensure that the power of the MakerBot Digitizer’s power switch is set to Off. Locate the power supply and power cable from the accessory box and attach the cable to the power supply.
INSTALLING MAKERWARE FOR DIGITIZER MakerWare for Digitizer is the software that drives your MakerBot Digitizer. The MakerWare for Digitizer package also includes the most current version of MakerWare, MakerBot’s 3D printing software. If MakerWare is already installed on your computer, the software will automatically update to the most current version. When you first run MakerWare or MakerWare for Digitizer, a folder called “My Things” (on PCs), or “Things” (on Macs), is created in your home directory.
CALIBRATE YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER You are almost ready to begin your first scan, but first you have to to calibrate your new MakerBot Digitizer. The calibration routine ensures that the position of the turntable and lasers are recorded accurately so your MakerBot Digitizer can produce the best scan possible. Recalibrate the turntable and lasers about once a week—or every 20 scans—to make sure that scan quality remains constant.
CALIBRATE YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER 3 Calibrate the MakerBot Digitizer Camera Locate the calibration tool from the accessory box and place it on the turntable with the letter A pointing up, as shown on the screen. Insert the tab on the lower edge of the calibration tool into the hole at the center of the turntable. Ensure that the calibration tool is positioned as shown before clicking Continue.
CALIBRATE YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER 5 Calibrate the MakerBot Digitizer Lasers Slide the front panel out of the calibration tool and place it on the turntable with the letter C pointing up, as shown on the screen. Ensure that the calibration tool is positioned as shown before clicking Continue. 6 Calibration Complete Before you start scanning, let’s name your MakerBot Digitizer and set your sharing options. Click Continue again to begin.
SET BASIC PREFERENCES 1 Set Up Your MakerBot Digitizer SET-UP CONNECT 1 2 SCAN 3 SCAN NAME YOUR MAKERBOT DIGITIZER By default the name of your MakerBot Digitizer is “My MakerBot Digitizer”. To create a unique name for your MakerBot Digitizer, click within the Name your MakerBot Digitizer text field and type the new name. HELP IMPROVE MAKERBOT DIGITIZER Help us help you.
SET BASIC PREFERENCES 33 Start StartScanning Scanning SET-UP CONNECT SCAN 1 2 3 The setup process is complete. Proceed to the next chapter to start scanning with your MakerBot Digitizer.
3 Scanning with Your MakerBot Digitizer
Once you’re finished calibrating your MakerBot Digitizer and setting your sharing preferences, you will be taken to the New Scan screen. This is your MakerWare for Digitizer home screen. Before you start scanning with your MakerBot Digitizer, let’s go over some basics and best practices. i Note: You can return to New Scan screen at any time by choosing New from the File Menu.
SCANNING 101 A single scan takes approximately 12 minutes total. During each scan, the object revolves on the turntable twice. The right laser scans the object during the first revolution and the left laser scans the object during the second revolution. Each revolution takes about five minutes. Then the information from the right and left scans are combined to create a detailed point cloud. After the scanning stage, MakerWare for Digitizer will convert the point cloud it has created into a continuous mesh.
SCANNING 101 If your object does have features that overlap other parts of it, place the object so that the hardest part to see is as visible as possible to both the lasers and the camera. For example, a bowl might be placed on its side with the inside facing the center of the turntable. i Tip: If your object doesn’t stay in place by itself, try resting the object on a piece of modeling clay. For more tips, go to the Learn More section at makerbot.
SCANNING 101 Scan Presets To get the best scan possible, choose the scan preset that best matches the object you want to scan. Scan presets are based on an object’s shade value, and each preset covers a range of shades. An object’s shade value is described as “light,” “medium” or “dark” based on how close it is to white. For instance, flat white is lighter than canary yellow and bright red is lighter than navy blue.
SCANNING 101 LIGHT Choose this for lighter colored objects. i MEDIUM Choose this for objects which are neither light nor dark. DARK/ DIFFICULT TO SCAN Choose this for moderately dark objects. Note that extremely dark objects may still cause problems. Note: We love gnomes! If you have any, please digitize them and upload them to Thingiverse with the tag #GnomeScan.
SCANNING 101 MultiScan™ Technology Sometimes one scan isn’t enough to capture all of an object’s important features. For those times, there’s MakerBot MultiScan™ Technology, which allows you to combine multiple scans of the same object. Here’s how it works: 1. First scan your object. Scan it in its tallest position first, so that any unwanted data you crop won’t cut off pieces of later scans. 2. When the scan is complete, crop out any unwanted data at the top or bottom of your scan.
SCANNING 101 Crop MakerWare for Digitizer will make sure your scan is completely watertight, but a difficult to scan object or a bad lighting situation can create unwanted artifacts in your 3D mesh. For those situations, or for occasions when you need to give your scan a flat top or bottom, MakerWare for Digitizer includes a crop function. To crop your scan: 1. When you arrive at the Scan Complete screen, click Crop Scan Area. 2. Drag the arrows at the right to move the top and bottom cutting planes.
SCANNING 101 Scanning Tips During a scan, the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner shines laser beams on your object. The camera captures images of the laser lines and MakerWare for Digitizer translates those images into a point cloud. Objects that are either too reflective or not reflective enough will result in images that are difficult for the software to interpret. That is why it can be difficult to produce a high-quality scan of an object that is shiny, transparent, fuzzy, or very dark.
SCANNING AN OBJECT To begin a new scan, MakerWare for Digitizer must be in the New Scan state. You will be taken to the New Scan screen at the end of the initial calibration and setup routine. You can also access the New Scan screen at any time by choosing New Scan from the Scanner menu. TO SCAN AN OBJECT 1 Position Filter on Camera Lens Ensure that the camera filter is positioned over the camera lens. Avoid touching the camera filter or camera lens.
SCANNING AN OBJECT 3 Select a Scan Preset See page 40 for information on choosing a scan preset. 4 Check the camera view If you can see yourself in the camera view, step out of the camera’s line of sight. Before starting to gather scan data, the Digitizer will capture an image of your object and its background and use it to filter the background out of the scan images.
SCANNING AN OBJECT 5 Click Start Scan During the scan, data points will appear in the viewport as the MakerBot Digitizer identifies points on the surface of your object. A progress bar will also appear, showing the estimated time remaining in the scan. During the scan, you can use your mouse to view the partial point cloud from different angles. i Note: Do not touch or move the object being scanned while the scan is in progress.
SCAN COMPLETE! NOW WHAT? Once your scan is complete, you can name your file and crop any unwanted data from the top and bottom of your mesh and add additional scans before you save a final 3D model file. NAME YOUR SCAN Enter a name for your scan file in the Name your Scan field. Your file will be saved to your Things (on a Mac computer) or My Things (on a Windows computer) folder as a Thing file.
SCAN COMPLETE! NOW WHAT? Share your Scan Now that your scan is complete, why not share it on MakerBot Thingiverse? When you save your scan, you will be prompted to take a photo and share it. You will be guided through the sharing process each time you finish a scan. 1. TAKE A PHOTO During the Take a Photo step, the camera view of your MakerBot Digitizer will appear at the right. To take a picture: • Center your object on the turntable so that it appears in the camera view.
SCAN COMPLETE! NOW WHAT? Share your Scan (Continued) License: Select the type of license that you want your scan published under from the dropdown menu. The license is set to CC - Attribution - Non - Commercial by default. For descriptions of the available Creative Commons licenses, see creativecommons.org/licenses If you do not want to be guided through sharing your scans to MakerBot Thingiverse in the future, select the Don’t show again checkbox.
SCAN COMPLETE! NOW WHAT? Next Steps SHARE ON THINGIVERSE If you skipped the Share on Thingiverse prompt after you saved your scan, you can still publish to MakerBot Thingiverse. Click this button or choose Share from the File menu to open the Share on Thingiverse dialog at any time. i Note: You must be logged in to MakerBot Thingiverse to share. PRINT WITH MAKERWARE MakerBot MakerWare is the software that drives MakerBot 3D printers.
4 Troubleshooting + Maintenance
This chapter describes basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks for your MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner. For information on more advanced troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, go to makerbot.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM The MakerBot Digitizer is connected via USB but MakerWare for Digitizer shows a “MakerBot Digitizer Not Connected” message SOLUTION 1. Ensure that the USB cable is connected to both your MakerBot Digitizer and your computer. 2. Choose Restart Background Service from the Services menu to restart Conveyor, the service that handles the connection of the MakerBot Digitizer to your computer. 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM The camera feed does not appear in the viewport on the New Scan screen The point cloud does not build during a scan SOLUTION 1. Restart the MakerBot Digitizer, reboot your computer and make sure the USB cable is connected to both the computer and the MakerBot Digitizer. 2. Choose Restart Background Service from the Services menu to restart Conveyor, the service that handles the MakerBot Digitizer’s connection to your computer. 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM A scannable object results in a poor scan You receive a “Scan Failed” message 56 SOLUTION 1. Check the Object Placement guidelines on page 38 and ensure that your object is well positioned on the turntable. Some objects may scan better in other positions. Try placing it somewhere else on the turntable. 2. Check the Placement section on page 28 and ensure that the lighting conditions around your MakerBot Digitizer are appropriate for scanning. 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM You receive a “MultiScan Failed” message. SOLUTION MultiScan Technology could fail to merge your scans if: • You attempted to combine scans of two different objects • Lighting conditions changed between your first and second scans • Your object is fuzzy, reflective, transparent, or very dark, and produced widely different sets of scan data for each scan. MultiScan Technology should only be used to combine scans of the same object, scanned under similar conditions.
MAINTENANCE Show Us What’s not Working When an object is too shiny, fuzzy or translucent – or just too complicated a shape – no amount of correct lighting, object placement or calibration can get a great scan out of it. We’re working on making some of those unscannable objects scannable, and you can help by sending us information on objects that didn’t scan well. Email FailScan@makerbot.com and attach your STL or Thing file, along with a photo of the object you were trying to scan.
MAINTENANCE Laser Alignment MakerWare for Digitizer will correct small changes in laser alignment by itself, so you will probably never need to manually adjust laser alignment. However, if the MakerBot Digitizer is jarred or shaken the lasers could be misaligned badly enough that they will need to be manually adjusted. Contact MakerBot Support by emailing support@makerbot.com and confirm that the lasers are misaligned before manually adjusting the lasers.
MAINTENANCE Caution: The range of the angle adjustment screw is limited. Do not use excessive force to turn the screw. 1. Adjust the direction of the right laser. Turn the inner adjustment screw [2] so that the laser line lines up with the spine of the calibration tool. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to move the laser line to the right or counter-clockwise to move the laser to the left.
NOTES TROUBLESHOOTING + MAINTENANCE 61
5 Reference
This chapter includes hardware and software specifications for your MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner, a list of the menu options available in MakerBot MakerWare for Digitizer and a glossary to help you understand terms you may be unfamiliar with.
SPECIFICATIONS Scanner Specifications SCANNER Scan Technology Laser Line Triangulation Scan Volume 203 x 203 mm (8 x 8 in) cylinder SOFTWARE Software Bundle MakerBot MakerWare™ for Digitizer File Types STL, Thing Supports Windows (7+) Mac OSX (10.7+) Ubuntu Linux (12.04+) PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS Length 474.5 mm [18.68 in] Width 412.0 mm [16.22 in] Height 203.9 mm [8.03 in] including rubber feet Weight 2.1 kg [4.7 lbs] Shipping Box 521 (L) x 244 (H) x 470 (W) mm [20.5 x 9.6 x 18.
SPECIFICATIONS TEMPERATURE Ambient Operating Temperature 0°–32° C [32°–90° F] Storage Temperature 0°–32° C [32°–90° F] ELECTRICAL AC Input 100 – 240 V, ~2 amps, 50 – 60 Hz Power Requirements 12 V DC @ 2.08 amps Connectivity USB Lasers 2x Class 1 Laser Line Generators Sensor 1.3MP CMOS Image Sensor MECHANICAL Enclosure Material PC ABS Central Bearing Shielded Chrome Ball Bearing Stepper Motor 0.
MENU FUNCTIONS This section describes the menu options available in MakerWare for Digitizer. FILE Export: Allows you to save the currently open scan under the name, location and file type of your choice. Share: Opens the Share to Thingiverse dialog. This option will not be available if no scan is open or if the open scan has not yet been saved. Open in MakerWare: Opens a new MakerWare window with the most recent scan open. This option will be available only after the scan has been saved.
MENU FUNCTIONS SCANNER Calibrate Camera: Runs the camera calibration portion of the MakerBot Digitizer calibration routine. Calibrate Turntable & Lasers: Runs the turntable and laser portions of the MakerBot Digitizer calibration routine. Align Lasers: Turns on both lasers for manual alignment. Update Firmware: Walks you through the process of uploading new firmware to your MakerBot Digitizer.
GLOSSARY CALIBRATION ROUTINE: The step-by-step LIGHT (SCAN PRESET): One of three available process MakerWare for Digitizer uses to accurately scan presets used to describe the shade value locate its cameras, turntable and lasers. of an object. The Light preset should be used on white and light-colored objects.
GLOSSARY MESH, 3D: A collection of vertices, edges THING FILE: A file format used by MakerBot and faces used to describe the shape of a software that allows you to save multiple 3D an object in three dimensional computer models to the same file and to save other graphics and modeling. information about the models it contains, including size and location. MULTISCAN TECHNOLOGY: A feature of MakerWare for Digitizer that allows you to scan THINGS FOLDER: See “My Things folder”.
CONTACT US Support makerbot.com/support Our website has extensive documentation and troubleshooting information about your MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner. It’s a great resource when you want to try to solve issues quickly on your own. support@makerbot.com If you ever need help resolving an issue with your MakerBot Digitizer, send an email to the address above to open a ticket with the MakerBot Support Team.
NOTES REFERENCE 71
6 Terms
Warranty, Returns + Replacement Policy MakerBot products do not carry a long-term warranty. Returns are possible only on unaffected items, within 14 days of receipt. After such time, all sales are considered final. “Unaffected” means a device has never been assembled, powered up, programmed, or otherwise changed. MakerBot cannot accept returns on purchased items that have had electrical power applied to them, or been otherwise programmed, changed, or affected.
MakerBot One MetroTech Center, 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY support@makerbot.com makerbot.
