Tips & Tricks | Matter and Form 3D Scanner

The Matter and Form 3D scanner measures physical objects and turns them into 3D models that students can print from any 3D printer. It's a laser-based scanner that shines a laser at an object and captures thousands of data points that are returned from that object, including its surface detail, distance from the camera, texture, and color. It pairs with a software program known as +Quickscan, which comes included with the purchase of a Matter and Form scanner. This technology conducts 65-second scans and provides real-time feedback on those scans. It also captures geometric shapes and instantly displays them on the computer screen. This allows students to access quick and rewarding results as they experiment with tons of different possibilities and export their creations as part of new and exciting design projects.

The 3D Scanner has the potential to breathe new life into unused 3D printers and helps students access creative problem-solving experiences that incorporate art, math, engineering, and more. Students can explore everything from contemporary design elements and technology instruction to some of the real-world applications of 3D printed parts. Also, the Matter and Form 3D scanner is compatible with just about every 3D printer. This versatility helps create a seamless workflow for students in a classroom or makerspace environment, giving them the ability to simply scan, mesh, and then export their creation to any connected 3D printer.

In the Matter and Form box, you’ll find the scanner, a USB B cable, an AC power adapter, four power adapter plugs, a calibration card, a user manual, an information booklet, and a small plastic toy to get started with. The scanner features a removable plug for attaching a tripod mount to hold objects on the turntable in place. It also has a sleek, foldable design, so it doesn’t take up much space. Despite is uniqueness and potential to transform learning opportunities, the Matter and Form's small frame helps make it easy for educators to implement in classrooms of different sizes.

Speaking of that size, the Matter and Form machine weighs under four pounds. It's 13.5 inches in height, and 8.25 inches wide, making it a very viable option in many makerspaces. When open, it’s 13.5 inches in length and when folded, it only takes up about 3.5 inches of space. It can scan objects up to 6.6 pounds in weight, 9.8 inches in height, and seven inches in diameter. Besides that, the Matter and Form is compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 as well as macOS 10.11 and up. If you and your students use different laptop or desktop devices in the classroom, keep this compatibility in mind.

Another helpful component to the Matter and Form system is the MFStudio software. It's been designed over five years with help from both backers and the makers who use it. With this technology, students and teachers can access one-on-one tutorials and manuals that help extend their knowledge of creating with the Matter and Form scanner. The software is compatible only with Mac devices running macOS 10.11 and up, however, but there is a comparable alternative for use with Windows machines known as MFScan. Students can find instructional videos on using both the software and the scanner, access an in-depth manual, and explore some of the do's and don'ts for inventing with the Matter and Form. And, it helps students fly through projects with complete control as they develop their resourcefulness and create exactly what they need.

Once you’ve unboxed the Matter and Form, you'll need to connect it to your computer. These instructions are found in the manual and involve using the included cable to connect the computer directly to the scanner. After that, you just need to plug the scanner into a power source. Next, you'll need to download the software that's appropriate for the device you're using. After that, you can unfold the scanner by releasing and lowering the turntable bed. Be sure to turn the handle a full 90 degrees until the bed clicks into place as a scanner leg. The MF logo at the front of the scanner is the power button. You can simply press it and open up the software for it to detect the presence of the scanner.

Calibration is another important element to using this machine. It's important to calibrate a brand-new Matter and Form scanner from time to time as well to get the best scans. If you are ever moving your scanner or changing the lighting drastically, be sure to calibrate it as well. The MFStudio software also provides alerts when it is time to update the software and educators could choose to do it at any time they'd like as well. To do so, place the calibration box or card on the scanning bed and click calibrate. If you hear a short grinding noise, this is normal. The turntable will turn left and right, collecting data with its lasers. Each step in the calibration process should take no more than 30 minutes.

Lighting is really important when it comes to scanning, too. Scanning should always take place in well-lit conditions. This includes diffuse, white light from fluorescent tubes, incandescent, halogen, or natural light. Users should avoid spotlighting on the object, uneven lighting, bright, direct sunlight, no lighting, or lighting that changes during the scan. In order to get the best results, white light is key but makers should avoid using incandescent light as a source if at all possible. This can often add an unwanted yellowish tints to prints.

The material and surface of the object you are scanning are also each important. Objects that require preparation before scanning include those with shiny surfaces and objects such as metal, jewels, and mirrors that reflect the laser away from the object. Objects that are translucent, such as glass, or clear will let the laser pass right through the surface and objects that are too dark will absorb the laser light. In addition, since the Matter and Form works by capturing data as its laser hits the object's surface, it won't work if the laser cannot pick up the object. These objects require pre-treatment with matte paint (light grey is best), foot spray, or baby powder. It's best to avoid objects that are too shiny, objects that are translucent, and objects that are too dark.

To create a new scan using the MFStudio software, it's as easy as clicking the button that reads +new scan. Students can then choose between starting a +Quickscan or a regular scan. Regular scans take 10-15 minutes per pass as the machine uses two lasers to capture the geometric and tactile features of the object being scanned. The +Quickscan option, however, allows students to complete scans in just 1-2 minutes. This technology is available for purchase within the MFStudio platform. With it, students can choose to use either Laser 1 or Laser 2 (closer to the camera). Using Laser 2 will typically provide greater coverage of the object they're scanning but may result in decreased accuracy.

Once they start creating designs, students will also want to optimize their geometry settings. This menu is located at the top of the Scan Setup sidebar within MFStudio. Students can toggle the slider to control the camera's exposure and select the setting that's best for the object they're scanning. To find the ideal exposure level for different objects, they should settle on a value when the green overlay they see is displayed as a sharp line. This means it doesn't have a lot of noise, which will create a more defined and optimal end result. When doing a regular scan, students can also use high contrast scanning for the best results when scanning objects of multiple colors.

Students can also set their ideal texture settings when using the Matter and Form scanner. This helps the machine capture color information from the photos it takes while scanning. If students want to capture textures, they can check the box that says 'Capture' in the Texture Settings section of MFStudio. They can adjust the slider until they find the proper exposure level—a value that will make the object's colors appear in a realistic way. This helps them get an exposure level that highlights the object's true colors without risking overexposure. If using the regular scan option, the Matter and Form captures textures while it's also completing the scan. In +Quickscan mode, they're captured during an additional bed rotation.

If you already have a Matter and Form 3D Scanner in your school or are looking for insights on whether it's the right tool for your students, we hope this blog gave you some helpful tips for moving forward! You can find the Matter and Form 3D Scanner on our store by clicking below! Also, check out the user manual for more in-depth information on inventing with the Matter and Form. If you have any questions about the scanner or would like to make a purchase, please let us know! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter as well for more EdTech Tips & Tricks!