Wed Oct 5, 2010

In Spain, artists like me who create large-scale sculptures have learned how to use 3D scanning, with excellent results. Most of the figures I produce are used in traditional festivals, in and around Valencia, where my studio is. They range from four to 10 feet high and take from one to three weeks to produce. Three-dimensional scanning makes the work go much faster. Before, I would have to start from scratch by drawing on plates.

I first learned about three-dimension scanning technology on-line. There were various products to select from, but the EScan from 3D Digital seemed the best option. Because of this technology, I can now begin the process by molding a figure about 30 centimeters high. Once I have this model figure looking the way I want, I use the EScan 3D scanner to capture the surface geometry. Then I build up the piece to the size that’s needed, and cover it in paper and paint.

If a one of figures for the festival was well-received, I may want to reproduce it for the next year, perhaps in a different size or coloration. With the EScan 3D technology, I can take a file that is saved on a CD and load it back. From there it’s a simple matter to scale the figure up or down

I am using my scanner quite a lot now, because I have been commissioned to create 20 different figures for the 2011 festival. They will be five to eight feet in height when I am finished. In selecting a 3D laser scanner, I was drawn to the EScan because it works better and is even less expensive than many others. Truly, the most challenging part of learning to operate the 3D scanner was translating instructions from English to Spanish. After that, the technical part of it was easy.