How to Create a 3D Model from

Scanned Data in 5 Easy Steps

Richard HagenNASA/JSC/ES2

richard.a.hagen@nasa.gov

In-Space Inspection Workshop

2017

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 1

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20170001332 2018-07-17T11:32:19+00:00Z

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is a cost effective way

to generate copies of damaged parts for

demonstrations. Integrating scanned data of

a damaged area into an existing model may

be challenging. However, using the relatively

inexpensive Nettfab software (from one can

generate a “watertight” model that is easy to

print.

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 2

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 3

Step 1: Scan Data of Damage

• Example of Scanned Data saved in a STL

(Standard Tessellation Language) Format

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 4

Step 2: Import Data into Nettfab

and Make Repairs

Imported data is cleaned up and holes

filled in so that the damaged area is now

one solid model or “watertight”.

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 5

Step 3: Combine the “Repaired”

Scan with the Desired Model

Model

Scanned Data

Nettfab’s Boolean function subtracts the

scanned damage from the target part

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 6

Step 4: Generate a New STL File

Export a new stl model file of the damaged part

Nettfab also

allows one

to add text

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 7

Step 5: Print the Part

Example Prints from a Stratasys Fortus 400mc

Slice height of .005” Model Material - ASA

Processed STL Model in Insight Software

Questions?

Richard HagenNASA/JSC/ES2

richard.a.hagen@nasa.gov

(281) 244-0355

1/31/2017 R. Hagen, NASA/JSC/ES2 8