Ciclop is a RepRap 3D scanner hosting a large scan volume. It has a simple yet elegant-looking design with a rotating platform on which users can fix any physical object that they wish to scan.
The results can be manipulated for betterment. Thanks to its open-source attribute, operators can find every piece of information regarding it, online.
CowTech’s strategy behind doing so is to educate people and allow the community to learn and grow in a united way.
Based on laser 3D scanning technology, Ciclop can offer 0.5 mm scan resolution and takes 2-8 minutes for scanning a part or functional prototype.
So, what makes this scanner outstanding? Is it worth the price? Well, let’s find out by going in-depth about the device.
Features
The specialty of Ciclop is users can self 3D print the machine in any color and resolution they seek. The scanner can be assembled in less than 30 minutes. After which, operators can put the object they wish to scan on a 200 mm laser cut acrylic turntable and start processing.
The manufacturer has kept the design considerations of every 3D printer in mind and come up with a bed volume of 115 mm * 110 mm * 65 mm which can be manufactured even on small 3D printers.
Below are some of the most striking features of Ciclop – the scanner that you can self-print if you have a 3D printer at your home.
And here is a list of Best Home 3D Printers
Logitech C270 HD Camera
Known for generating high-quality images, C270 is a popular webcam available at a very affordable price. Ciclop is equipped with this camera that has the capability of capturing video up to 1280 * 720 pixels and images up to 3 megapixels.
With this tool, Ciclop enables users to capture fine details of any object and translate them into computer images that you can better thereafter. Moreover, a VGA image sensor and RightLight technology ensure that everything you capture is clean, sharp even when working in low light conditions.
DIY Kit
To make sure that their device reaches as many hands as possible, CowTech has utilized open-source technology.
Users can customize the scanner and design their parts to ensure they function exactly in the manner they wish to. The creation of a scanner involves a huge amount of learning. So, if you are an enthusiast, use the machine to quench your thirst for knowledge.
Dual Laser Setup
Two lasers on each side of the scanner’s platform guarantee an extremely high amount of precision. Both these lasers are of class one type. They join very well with the Logitech camera to generate detailed capturing of up to 500 microns.
Easy to Use Software
Ciclop comes with Horus software that allows complete control over the 3D scanner. Not only does it handle the complete communication between the computer and the scanner, but also captures and syncs the data. Additionally, it processes the captured image and takes care of the calibration as well.
If you are a beginner, this is one of the best scanning software that you can come across. It can be run on PCs as well as Macs. Also, the program has a sleek and easy-to-use interface.
Moreover, it comes packed with extremely functional tools and advanced calibration capabilities. And in case, you do not know the manner in which to code or improve, you can easily fine-tune the program using GitHub Horus.
Based on Open-Source Technology
All the files that one needs to refer to for operating Ciclop can be downloaded online. This is done in order to make the knowledge accessible to all.
Once you have your hands over design, algorithms, maths, all you need is a 3D printer to create the scanner’s structure. In this way, you do not need to buy anything unnecessary. It’s one of those rare 3D scanners that’s built on minimalistic prerequisites.
Specifications
|
Technology |
Laser 3D Scanning Technology |
|
Price |
99 $ |
|
Scan Resolution |
0.5 mm |
|
Scan Volume |
200 mm * 205 mm |
|
Scan Time |
2 – 8 min |
|
Max Supported Weight |
6.6 lbs |
|
Number of Lasers |
2 |
Ciclop uses laser 3D scanning technology. It can scan volumes up to 200 mm * 205 mm and deliver 0.5 mm scan resolution. The scanner can perform qualitative work in quantitative amounts using not more than 2-8 minutes of your time. It has a magnetic back cover.
All the parts of Ciclop can be 3D printed. All you need is a Nema 17 stepper motor for the turntable, a custom CT scan shield. As mentioned above, the machine is open source and has a RepRap design that’s accessible to everyone.
Price
CowTech Ciclop is available for $99.
First Impression
The Classic Ciclop scanner kit contains:
- Acrylic parts.
- A bearing.
- A custom CT scan shield and UNO R3.
- A Logitech C270 webcam.
- Two-line lasers.
- A LED strip.
- A NEMA 17 29 mm stepper motor.
- A hardware kit.
- A right-angle USB cord.
- A 12 Volts 1 Ampere power supply.
Setup
In case you are manufacturing all the parts at your home using 3D printing, you’d have to assemble them to start scanning. And doing so will take more time than buying a readymade scanner.
Experts recommend manufacturing the scanner as a DIY kit and then assembling it. Because all the information about the machine and its components is available online, users should not face any trouble either with manufacturing or assembling.
Scan Type
Laser-based scanners are the most common type. They usually use a pair of laser lines flashing in succession, in combination with a camera and rotating turntable.
As soon as the lines flashing on the object trace the outline in red light, the camera picks up the location of the lines in space. After which, those lines can be converted into hundreds of thousands of points.
Meanwhile, the turntable rotates and every side of the object is scanned into a cloud of points. These dots can then be stitched together forming a mesh that replicates the surface of the object.
Scan Quality
The scanned images of small showpieces such as a Lion, skull, and faces are available online. Even the models made from the same can be seen to have a decent amount of detail, given the price at which the scanner is available.
Software
As mentioned above, Horus is the name of the software that comes with the scanner. Although it doesn’t support exporting files directly in STL formats, there are other ways in which the stitching can typically be achieved.
Apart from that, the program does good work by capturing and syncing the data as well as image processing and even calibration. The application is easy to use and it comes with useful tools and advanced calibration capabilities.
Customer Support
CowTech’s technical team can be contacted over the phone or by email.
Parameters Influencing Buying Decision
Below mentioned are the chief factors concerning the Ciclop 3D scanner.
3D Scanner Cost: Unlike other 3D scanners, Ciclop does not have a particular cost. Users can 3D print it in a way that they find is cost-effective. So, go on and define what’s affordable for yourself!
3D Scanner Speed: Neither there is any to brag about Ciclop’s scan speed, nor there is anything to complain about. It has an average scan speed when compared to others in the same price range.
3D Scan Quality: A 0.5 mm scan resolution is a decent one considering the flexibility Ciclop offers its users.
3D Scanner Capability: Ciclop is equipped with a turntable that allows users to rotate certain objects to capture all its views. The dual lasers take care of the quality of the final scan. And the software lets you increase it even more if there is any sort of minor dissatisfaction and scope of improvement by making amends.
3D Scanner Practicality: The machine finds tremendous use at homes in scanning showpieces of varied sizes and geometries. It’s got a lot to do with schools wherein 3D scanning is taught.
3D Scanner User Expectations: Academicians and entry-level users are the two groups of individuals from whom Ciclop benefits the most. The scanner gives them accessibility in a world which they cannot otherwise afford for some other reason.
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The Verdict
Ciclop is probably the simplest approach to 3D scanning. It gets your job done with minimal requirements. And this is what makes it extremely budget-friendly.
The ultimate highlight of this scanner is the open-source characteristic that makes the information regarding it accessible to the mass. All you need is a basic 3D printer to manufacture the scanner how you see it in the images.
Also, ambitious users can modify the design to make it even more appropriate for their application. Since it’s open-source, users can tweak it and juggle up with the technology.
In a nutshell, it can be a great opportunity for enthusiasts willing to learn the basics of 3D scanning. The scanner is based on the most common 3D scanning technology, it has dual lasers, a high-definition camera, and straightforward software. Well, that’s all you need to scan an object!
