3D-printing is gradually spreading and becoming more affordable. Printers are getting cheaper and reduced to a size at which they may well be used in offices and even at home–but replication still needs models and for that, 3D scanning is the thing. The MakerBot company began taking pre-orders for its long-awaited portable home 3D Scanner Digitizer. Those who wish to be among the first buyers of the device will have to pay $1400 for it, plus another $150 for access to support services and a maintenance program.

The 3D MakerBot Digitizer scanner is designed to quickly create a virtual three-dimensional model of small (width and height to 20×20 cm) objects in the home, weighing up to 3 kg. Such models can be modified in the future by means of special software and then can be used to print objects in 3D printers. In particular, the manufacturer guarantees compatibility with its own scanner printer MakerBot Replicator.

According to the developers, MakerBot Digitizer will find application in offices, manufacturing, workshops and classrooms, as well as on the tables of individual consumers – creative enthusiasts interested in the use of advanced technology in their homes. The scanner is useful in modeling, creating prototypes and storing three-dimensional images of various objects.

“Bringing the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner into the world has been a big goal of ours this year,” stated MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis. “We are really excited about the MakerBot Digitizer. This is another innovative product for visionaries, early adopters, experimenters, educators, creative hobbyists, 3D sculptors, organic modelers, designers, and architects who want to be the first to become an expert in Desktop 3D Scanning.”

MakerBot notes the ease of use and the ability to save the scanned data in files of common formats that can be imported into CAD packages and three-dimensional modeling. The information generated by MakerBot Digitizer models is well suited for subsequent printing on 3D-printers, such as the MakerBot Replicator 2 printer.

“We believe that the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner is an innovative technological breakthrough that sets the standard for affordable desktop 3D scanning,” noted Pettis. “We focused on making the MakerBot Digitizer super easy to use, intuitive and simple. The MakerBot Digitizer is powered by MakerBot MakerWare software, and we plan to offer in the future additional software updates that are expected to add even more features and capabilities.”

There are certain limitations with the scanner as well. For example, the plate which rotates objects can only support up to 3 kg, and scanning is best performed in a well lit room. According to MakerBot, the process can take about 12 minutes on average to complete.

For pre-order customers, the company will ship the Makerbot Digitizer in October. There is an option to pay $150 for MakerBot Digitizer MakerCare, a service and support program.

The world of 3D printing

The world of 3D printing is expanding and becoming increasingly democratized. Through platforms like Kickstarter and other crowdfunding projects, consumers can find new models of printers every week, often cheaper than or superior to previous technology. Today, it is difficult to predict how far this technology will go.

Pirate3d, a Singapore-based startup supported by a Kickstarter campaign, announced its flagship product–The Buccaneer, a 3D printer that can be used by the masses. The Buccaneer can be used to print any appliance. Marius Leo, a graduate student from France, has created the first open source 3D printable SLR camera, The OpenReflex. With a fully functional SLR camera, you can print in 3D by spending only $30 for materials.

Other crowdfunding project such as Photon 3D, Fuel3D and the most recent AIO Robotics with 3D multifunction printer could provide a glimpse into the unlimited possibilities of this field in the days to come.