The feasibility of using a low-cost depth camera for 3D scanning in mass customization

Abstract

By combining additive manufacturing with 3D measurement techniques, tailored production work-flows that include the digitizing of existing components, computer-aided design, and tool-free manufacturing of the customized parts can be envisioned, potentially reducing the costs of mass customization. The introduction of affordable depth cameras has greatly increased the consumer availability of 3D measuring. We present the application of an affordable depth camera for the 3D digitizing of existing components, the utilization of the produced data in the design process, and finally, the production of the designed component with additive manufacturing. The capabilities of the affordable depth camera system are evaluated by comparing it with photogrammetric 3D reconstruction, revealing issues in smaller geometric details and sharp edges.