How to Recreate Any Small Object

In this instructable, I will show you how to take an object and make a copy of it. Some materials you will need beforehand: 3-D printer, 3-D scanner, small object, most likely a USB, time.

In my example, I'm going to use a playstation 4 controller, a golf ball, and a shot glass. Warning, when selecting an object, try to choose one that is not shiny or reflective as the scanner will have a harder time recreating it. Also transparent objects will not do well, which is why I chose a shot glass that was painted. If you want to use a shiny or reflective object, I suggest either painting it or cover it in masking tape.

Make sure to calibrate your scanner if it has been moved or if it hasn't been done in a while. For my example I will be using a makerbot scanner and printer. Open your software and set the object up in the middle and let it scan. Depending on your object, you might have to scan it 2 or 3 times to get all of the features of the object.

Depending on your software will change how you complete this step. In my case, the scanner saves the file and I can open it in solidworks. Save the file to a USB or you might be able to simply send the file to your printer.

Once the Printer receives the file information you can begin to print as long as there is material in the printer. This process could take an extremely long time depending on the size of your object. Once the printer is done, take the support material off of the object and voila! You have a copy.