3D Scanning

In developing my project I have been exploring ways of engaging with extended reality (XR). Using XR the final outcome of the project is an exhibition in which I hope to be able to display female perspectives. Working towards this exhibition has meant that I have been developing my skills in XR technologies that I have not previously used such as the game building software Unity. In using the Unity software I have been able to develop the space of the exhibition, however I would need to use other software to produce/ scan artworks to enable me to fill the exhibition with artworks. With this I have been able to use the 3D scanning facilities in the FabLab.

In experimenting with 3D scanning I used clay works that I made during my undergraduate degree. This allowed me to begin to learn the work flow as well as the technique of using the Artec spider scanner. Using the Artec scanner as well as the Artec software allows for scanning as well as cleaning up the scans, aligning them and creating the final asset that would then be able to be exported into software such as Blender and Unity. I scanning my clay tooth I was able to get all the details in two scans, with one being the top and the other being the bottom. In editing the scans it means that I am able to remove the parts of the scan that I wouldn't need eg, the parts that were picked up from the reflection of the light off the object. In creating the model the software will be able to fill any of the holes that may have occurred in the gaps of the scan, however this is only really needed when 3D printing the object.

In finishing cleaning up the scans the software then enables you to be able to put the scans together to create the object as a whole. The software is able to do this automatically but you are also able to place the scans together manually when the object is quite abstract. Before scanning the object it is useful to place dots/ markers on the object to ensure that the scans overlap and can be used to help align the scans. Once the alignment is completed the object is then fused, reducing the size of the file and allows for the object to then be exported. Although in learning to 3D scan I used object that I have created, in the future as part of my exhibition I would like to be able to use the works of other artist and practitioners to explore a wide range of perspectives as I set out in my proposal. In gaining this skill I will be able to think about what types of work would be possible to place within the exhibition giving me a greater understanding of the technology and the outcomes that I would be able to achieve.