The ASCAND – 3D Printable 3D Scanning @ Laser Precision

The ASCAND is a 3D Scanner using mostly 3D printable parts, your phone, and an internet connection to use the ascand.xplicator.com 3D scanning service. There is a FREE community plan available. If you want to use it using your own service or software – you can do that too.

You can get an overview on what it does and how it does it on https://ascand.xplicator.com

Here is a tutorial on how to put it together in 10 Minutes.

https://ascand.xplicator.info/index.php/learn/

In addition to the 3D-printed parts, you need a few more things:

A block code tape to stick on the 3D printed turn table sleeve that is made of proprietary foil. It is currently available at a discount on a Kickstarter and an Indiegogo campaign starting at $9.

We selected the components we used by technical fit and global availability at the best price. They are widely available at amazon.com (Americas) , amazon.de (Europe) and AliExpress (Asia and Worldwide) and should not add up to more than $40

The ASCAND is currently (April 2022) available on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gerritkolb/the-ascand-high-resolution-3d-scanning-for-all-of-us) and Indiegogo (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ascand-laser-precision-3d-scanning-for-all-of-us#/) in case you want a deal on the non-printable components.

To assist you with getting your parts locally, we have prepared some shopping lists around the globe. They are listed below. (and no – we get no commission or kick-backs on these ):

·         1 * 650nm red line laser module (approx. $ 5)

·         1 * black Motorized Rotating Display Stand (approx. $ 30)

·         2* Wago 221-413 LEVER-NUTS 3 Conductor Compact Cable Connector (approx. $ 0.50)

·         2 * 3 Slots x 1.5V AA Battery Case Holder with on/off switch (approx. $ 2)

·         1* Pre-Wired 5mm White LED Diode Lights DC 12V (approx. $ 0.30)

and

·         a standard M4 12mm screw to fixate your laser (you probably have that in the house)

·         an USB power source (that probably came with your phone)

 

Amazon.de (Europe)

Amazon.com (North America)

Aliexpress.com (Worldwide Direct Sourcing from China)

Print Settings

All files for the ASCAND 3D scanner are designed to be 3D-printed on most standard consumer 3D Printers with easy-to-use, widely-available, affordable PLA+ at a minimum temperature of 215C.

You can print the Plate 1 in any color your like as long as you are not getting too glossy.

The Turn Table Sleeve Ring on Plate 2 HAS TO BE printed in WHITE to avoid the white bits of the Block Code Tape being “recolored” by a Turn Table Sleeve Ring color that shines through.

Great suggestions on planning and optimizing your printing and scanning results can be found in our FAQ section.

Printing Cost & Time

The total printing time on a consumer grade 3D printer for Plate 1 is about 14 hours. Plate 2 will take about 4 hours.

You will need about 34m (101g) of 1.75 PLA Filament for Plate 1 and 11m (38g) of WHITE PLA for Plate 2. Total filament cost should be about EUR/US$ 3.

If you have no 3D printer to create your personal ASCAND 3D scanner, http://www.craftcloud.com is a great place to get a quote from a local 3D print shop. The prices for both plates should be about EUR 15-25 (or $15-$25) plus shipment depending on where you are located.

Due to the size of some components, please DISABLE “Brim”, the “Skirt”, and the “Raft” settings you might have when “slicing” the the Plates, the Center Bar, or the Turn Table Sleeve Ring.

 License: By downloading any STL-file from this site, you agree to abide by this license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Non Commercial-NoDerivates 4.0 International.

We reserve the right to change the licensing terms at any time for any reason and without further notice. If you need to use the ASCAND for any other purpose than granted in this license, please don’t hesitate to contact us.