LINKS

An interesting possibility to obtain 3D geometry data for DeskProto is scanning an existing object. Many laser scanning systems are now available, some (lowcost) systems based on plain photo prints as well. DeskProto does combine very well with this type of geometry: a scanner does produce point cloud data (a bunch of measured points) that in most cases can be saved as polygon data (points converted to triangles), for instance in an STL file. DeskProto can directly machine based on this polygon data (very large files), without first having to reconstruct NURBS surfaces (which is a complex task). For DeskProto the STL file even does not need to describe a perfectly closed solid geometry.

Wikipedia - 3D scanners	Wikipedia offers a good explanation of all scanning technologies.
www.simple3d.com	Website about 3D measurement technologies: links to many system suppliers.
www.3dMD.com	Specialized in scanners for human heads and bodies.
www.3dscanners.com	3D scanners: laser scanning units
www.3shape.com	3Shape is specialised in scanners for dental applications and hearing aids, though they can be used for other small parts too.
www.artec-group.com	Artec: handheld (camera-like) scanner, captures up to 15 times per second.
www.cyberware.com	Cyberware: laser scanners in various sizes
www.david-laserscanner.com	David: free software for 3D laser scanning, with instructions to build your own 3D laser scanner.
www.digibotics.com	Digibotics: desktop laser scanning system
www.egsolutions.com	The LEIOS software by Enhanced Geometry Solutions in Italy offers point cloud processing and surface reconstruction.
www.eyetronics.com	Eyetronics ShapeCam camera & ShapeSnatcher software: projects a grid on the 3D object and takes a 2D photo.
www.3d3solutions.com	The FlexScan3D software by 3D3 Solutions offers 3D scanning using a standard LCD projector and standard digital camera.
www.geomagic.com	Geomagic Wrap: surface reconstruction software
www.gom.com	GOM: ATOS white light scanner with two cameras
www.ugs.com	Imageware: Surfacer surface reconstruction software, now owned by UGS.
www.metris.be	Metris: Reverse Engineering software and various 3D scanners.
www.microscan-3d.com	The MicroScan is a laser scanning device mounted on the Microscribe digitizing arm.
www.minolta3d.com	Minolta 3D laser scannners
www.nextengine.com	Surprisingly lowcost desktop 3D scanner by NextEngine.
www.photomodeler.com	PhotoModeler: software to construct 3D models from plain photos.
www.polhemus.com	Polhemus produces a handheld 3D scanner.
www.rapidform.com	RapidForm by Inus Technology (Korea): software for inspection and for scan data processing.
www.genextech.com	Technest, Inc provides several scanners, including the 3D FaceCam.
www.intricad.com	TriAngles by IntriCAD is an ultra lowcost 3D scanner.