IDS Faculty Introduces 3D Scanning Technology in to Student Design Process

Since Vince Haley’s, arrival to the Industrial Design program in the Fall of 2018, he has introduced students to a variety of 3D digital tools and techniques pertaining to reverse engineering, that is, how to replicate physically sculpted artifacts in the 3D digital space. One approach he has explored with his students is 3D scanning via photogrammetry and laser-based devices. The Sense 3D scanners, available through the library, have served as an excellent point of entry for the students to explore 3D scanning, owning to its simplicity in function and portability.

Vince describes use of the Sense scanner from the A+A Library, “During the industrial design process we often will start off doing sketches of ideas to solve some problems and then we very quickly move into physical models. It’s important that these models get re-formatted in a manner that aids exploring manufacturing requirements. This necessitates moving into the digital world and 3D scanning is a great way to do this. So in the Art + Architecture Library we have available two Sense scanners which work off of photogrammetry, which is the method for capturing the image.

As far as the the technology we have available, one thing that I appreciated as a faculty and trying to plan out how I might implement technology in my courses, was the ability to to check out the scanner and then be able to have some extended time to work with it and hopefully develop some curriculum. And that same option or opportunity is there for our students as they’re working on their projects. And knowing that they have available the equipment that they need that’s very very helpful.”

Here is a video by VT Libraries about the 3D Scanner available for check out.

Additionally, Vince has invited industry partners, such as Faro, to demonstrate state-of-the-art Quantum Laser Arm scanning devices in his IDS studio. Exposure to new 3D prototyping workflows and direct access to scanning devices has enabled students to more accurately and efficiently resolve and arrive at product design solutions.