Thanks for the responses. It sounds like even with a 3D scanner there is still work that would have to be done in the computer. I've heard of ZBrush before but never used it. My skills in modeling are all outside of the computer.
Yes, no matter the method, scanning or photogrammetry, there is always some work to be done via the software to clean things up and get the final 3D model into a form that you can do something with ("There is no royal road to geometry"). That said, the time taken to learn one's way around various 3D applications, like modo/ZBrush/etc., is well worth the time and will add a whole new set of very useful modeling skills...
Dan
Thanks again for the responses. I really appreciate it. This is almost a completely foreign world for me. I've done graphic design before (photoshop type stuff) but no 3D stuff. What's the learning curve for something like ZBrush? What kind of computer would I need to even run something like that?
What I want to be able to do, and this may be unrealistic I don't know.
First this is strictly for my own use, I'm not starting a business or anything... I want to be able to scan parts and the resize thing and print in a different scale. My 'dream' print would be to be able to scan a 1701-D and resize it and print it in either 1000 scale or in a much more challenging 537 scale! I worked out the size dimensions for 537 and yes it would be HUGE! I also want to print a 1/18 scale BSG Viper, and then do custom prints for Phasers and blasters.
Thanks again for the responses. I really appreciate it. This is almost a completely foreign world for me. I've done graphic design before (photoshop type stuff) but no 3D stuff. What's the learning curve for something like ZBrush? What kind of computer would I need to even run something like that?
First, there are two distinctly different "forms" of 3D modeling. "Hard surface" modeling is for things like spaceships, vehicles and buildings. The other approach is more organic for sculpting things like creatures and figures. These approaches can be quite different and often require different methods and software.
I like to imagine "hard surface" modeling being like building something out of wood, paper, metal, or plastic but in 3D. In contrast, free-form organic modeling is like sculpting something from soft clay. I am strictly a "hard surface" modeler so I can't comment on organic modeling with something like Z-Brush (although I would love to jump into that if I get the chance).
3D scans and photogrammetry "solves" are really only useful as a 3D "template" for reference. The resulting scans have way too much information in them to be useful for 3D printing. It would be like scanning a photo in Photoshop at 10,000 ppi when all you needed was 300 ppi in order to make a print. The ultra-high-res scan contains way too much info and "clogs up" your system just trying to work with it.
For something complex, if you *can* get 3D scan data you could then use it as a template to build something from scratch using the scan as reference. You would then have a "clean" model that's suitable for output in a format that you can print such as SLA.
Hope that helps!