This post is a summary of what I learnt about how to scan and print copies of someone’s head. In our class, we tried a few methods using various software and hardware including an old Xbox Kinect and phone apps.
The most user-friendly way I discovered to achieve the goal uses an app called Bellus3D. It’s available from the app store for iPhones and Android and is free to download but be aware that there is a small fee involved to download the 3D models (currently $1.49 per export).
The scanning process takes less than a minute and the app talks you through the process step by step with audiovisual instructions once you start a scan. I would recommend the full head scan, but face only options are available.
You can perform as many scans as you like for free and save them but when you decide on a scan there is a charge for each export. Once this is paid you have export options that allow you to export the project as an OBJ or STL file which will autofill the generated mesh making it an easily printable model. If this autofill doesn’t work, programs such as meshmixer have an easy hole filling tool.
The process from here is just that of a standard print, import the file to Prussia slicer and scale it to whatever size you chose. I would recommend printing the head facing upwards as that way no support material damages the detail of the face with supports from the build plate only.
It is worth noting that the initial model appears to render in the actual dimensions of your face. If you wish to print a full-scale model it is possible however it will likely have to be in segments. For example, the largest model possible in our school’s Prusa printers is only 68% scale and would take around 50 hours.
A scaled down version of the final product will look something like this.
Additional Notes and Ideas
- As the scanning only scans 3/4 of your face, the very back of the scan is not always perfect as it is digitally reconstructed from the elements around it. this also means the hair may lose detail.
- Aside from using this as a head printer I would challenge someone to use these face renders to build custom masks or jewellery that is perfectly fitted for the wearer. This could be achieved by importing the model to something like Tinkercad and using it as a whole element on other modules.
- If there are any questions, please contact me and I will do my best to help. thomas208reed@gmail.com
