mapping with 3d printing using your drone

wytnyt · Jan 23, 2022

ive spent the last few days reading topics discussing using your drone for mapping but nothing being discussed printing 3d objects using a drone.
has anyone used their drone to take pictures of objects and 3d printed them?
is there a program that can be used to incorporate pics taken of an object and 3d print it?
im getting ready to buy a printer and would like to use my drone in the process.
any info and help would be greatly appreciated.

Gagey52 · Jan 31, 2022

That would be an interesting project. How did you go with your research? Find any programs?
Regards

Jagerbomb52 · Jan 31, 2022

I have used Agisoft Metashape Professional (64 bit) in the past. Depending on how well your final model is makes all the difference in your print.

eEridani · Feb 1, 2022

I'd think most of the photo array to 3d model tools out there would do okay. As stated above, it will depend on what sort of resolution you are hoping for. But photo to point array appears to have some issues, so doubt it will be as easy as 1-2-3 ...

I've downloaded and played with a couple free tools. While the samples worked okay, and the process seems simple enough, I have yet to get a good enough array of photos that work. Contrast, subject color and texture, subject lighting, background clutter, all play into the final point cloud and tuning the process seems touchy.

Here's Prusa's video on the subject.

Gagey52 · Feb 1, 2022

eEridani said:
I'd think most of the photo array to 3d model tools out there would do okay. As stated above, it will depend on what sort of resolution you are hoping for. But photo to point array appears to have some issues, so doubt it will be as easy as 1-2-3 ...

I've downloaded and played with a couple free tools. While the samples worked okay, and the process seems simple enough, I have yet to get a good enough array of photos that work. Contrast, subject color and texture, subject lighting, background clutter, all play into the final point cloud and tuning the process seems touchy.

Here's Prusa's video on the subject.

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That was illuminating, now I wish I could afford the printer.

eEridani · Feb 1, 2022

Gagey52 said:
That was illuminating, now I wish I could afford the printer.

$1500 drone vs $750 printer? I'm using the Mk3, and can confirm it's a pretty good printer for the money.

I haven't tried Meshlab for photogrammetry, but it looks much easier than the few I have tried.

Gagey52 · Feb 2, 2022

eEridani said:
$1500 drone vs $750 printer? I'm using the Mk3, and can confirm it's a pretty good printer for the money.

I haven't tried Meshlab for photogrammetry, but it looks much easier than the few I have tried.

I wish, mk3 in Oz is 1800 DIY and 2249 assembled. I’ll just have to save my pennies.

Regards

eEridani · Feb 2, 2022

Is the exchange rate that bad? Are you sure we are talking the same printer?

Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ | Original Prusa 3D printers directly from Josef Prusa

Loved by makers, valued by professionals. Silent, reliable and powerful 3D printing workhorse by Josef Prusa. 24/7 support. Made in EU, worldwide shipping.

www.prusa3d.com

$749USD kit, $999USD Assembled -- and shipping is usually under $100USD.

Prusa is also shipping the Mini - it's been out long enough most of the warts have been removed.

Gagey52 · Feb 2, 2022

It certainly is that bad, plus custom’s duty, drives you nuts.
Regards

masterangler · Mar 10, 2022

Gagey52 said:
That would be an interesting project. How did you go with your research? Find any programs?
Regards

Don't let the (mod Removed Language) grind you down!!

Crouching Leopard · Mar 14, 2022

I bought an Aldi printer (balco rebrand) which is essentially also a flashforge rebrand. Not well known but does excellent work on what I want which is accessories for my drones. Aus$499. There are better known printers around but for my level of usage and interest (basically slight rework and print, not design) it just works. It also looks good and is quiet, being situated in my living room.