14 DAY TRIAL // With 3D printers becoming better and better at more affordable prices, the quality of the printed objects begins to depend more and more on the quality of the models. In fact, the 3D modeling requirement is a big impediment for a lot of people wanting to get involved.
This is where 3D scanners come in. They make it possible to copy existing objects and then recreate them with 3D printers.
These devices have only become cheap enough for the average enthusiast to buy in the last year or so. But more and more are popping up.
For those wanting to play it safe, the MakerBot Digitizer desktop 3D printer is a good choice. The scanner has been on sale for a while now. The $1,400 (€1,000) price doesn't exactly make it affordable, but it does open up a lot of new opportunities.
Still, as with 3D printing in general, just owning the device is half the struggle, learning to get the most out of it is the rest. Thankfully, MakerBot is putting together some short tutorials to get you familiar with the scanner and get you replicating the world around you in no time.