Hello,

I am looking to replicate a church in 3D as a gift. We have no access to a 3D scanner. Can someone with a scanner and a printer walk me through the process and cost? This is a one-off job so I’m not interested in buying a scanner and likely can’t refer future business.

What would the ballpark cost be to print and scan a building? How can I get files in the formats that can be uploaded here?

Thanks in advance for help/advice!

Margo Pelak

Hi,

To scan a building you’ll need someone who has a powerfull 3D laser scanner, like the Faro scanner. The scanner has a range of 350m and it’s the best scanner for scanning churches or other buildings.

The only thing I know is, it’s not cheap to scan a building.

Kind regards,

Guillaume

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Exterior of the church? Is the building available in Google Earth? If so, you may not need to scan it. Otherwise, yes, something along the lines of the scanner already mentioned is what will be required.

If it is the interior, there are more scanner options available, so cost will be reduced some, but it is still a large object/area to scan and prepare the model.

Hi @MargoPelak as @Creaxxis said, scanning an entire building is not a simple task and I think you could be struggling to find any reasonably inexpensive method that actually scans the church. What you could try is Autodesk ReMake which (apparently) can create 3D models from photographs. If you could get enough high quality images of the church, you may be able to put together a reasonable model. However, I suspect you’ll need to get some shots from high up to cover all the angles.

Hi we can help you for the printing (Extreme 1500x1000x700 mm) but not for the scanning too far for make the operation.

Let us know if you need a quotation for the printing.

www.3dsmf.it

se hai un file stl posso stampare io la tua chiesa .

per il costo dipende dalle dimensioni del file saluti ncholas modelleriatrend gmail.com

Not a cheap job…best way to keep costs down (still doesn’t mean it will be cheap) is to use HD pictures taken with a drone for example and use photogrammetry software, which will “stitch” all the photos together. These photos must have overlapping features in order for software to de able to join the individual photos together, eventually you will get a 3d mesh.

If the building is not available in google earth then contacting an aerial/drone photography place may be the best bet.

Margo contact Online Resources out of Lebanon, IN. They scan bridges, buildings, airplanes etc. We’re doing a statue recreation project with them right now. Ask for Jay

Wish I was closer. The best way to get a good building scan is to use a flying camera on a “drone”. You take upwards of 50 photos or more up, around and over the building. Then with specialized software (some freeware available also) you stitch together all the photos and it converts to a 3d scan based on all the variations at different observed angles. Sun position and shadows matter. The object of interest does need to be in full frame in general. Printing depends on the final size you want. Could be anywhere between $20 to $200 for a really big print like on my 425mm sq printer.

Thanks, everyone! We’re realizing this might not be possible given the cost considerations mentioned here. The images are available in Google Earth (we want to recreate the exterior of the building) but I’m not sure it would be cost effective to have it created. : (

Thank you so much for the information. Appreciate it!

Margo, if the building itself turns ‘blue’ when you hover the mouse pointer over it in Google Earth, i.e. it has already been 3D modeled, then it is not that expensive to create a printable model. If it is a famous, old, or popular church, the model may already be done. Then it is just a matter of selecting a local hub to get the download the file and print the building for you.

If it is only images or street view photos, then yes, you may be limited to the other options listed here.

Feel free to email if you have more questions or need clarification boozekashi (at) outlook.com

Ms. Pelak,

We have a robotic arm laser scanner and a Multi-Jet 3D printer.

I can give a rough estimate on scanning and printing cost if you send a picture of the part (with dimensions).

A firm quote can be given if we had the part.

Regards,

Paul Palovich

PP&M (Prototype, Parts & More)

a division of:

Printing 3D Parts, Inc.

16 Belgrade Street

Youngstown, OH 44505

330-759-9099

pvpalovich@printing-3d-parts.com

www.printing-3d-parts.com

Hello Margo! I have all the equipment necessary to scan and 3D print your building. What is the address of the church? I need to make sure that I can fly in the area and if I need a special permit. My FAA and AMA registrations are available by request.

How much will scanning this cost? Two round trip plane tickets from San Diego.

How much will 3D printing this cost? Depends on how large you want the final 3D print and in how many different colors.

Please visit me:

http://www.twitter.com/Habskibbix

Hello,

yes I can Scan it and print it for you.

If you are interested, just register.

Greetz SWS

Hi there, I don’t know if you have quit the idea on the church print, but scanning is to expensive. I am willing to draw the church in 3D. The only thing that I need is the exact location and address. I can then send you the file so you can print it at any online printing company like shapeways or something like it. The costs for printing depends on scale but i think it would be possible for less than 50 dollar in one material and color. I can also texture the 3D model and you can print it on a full color 3D printer. Then the price would go up since this cost around the 2 dollar per cm3. If you want me to draw it for you, I can do it for you. Starting at 200 dollar. Kind regards, Dennis.

Dear Dennis,

We did give up on the 3D idea, however, your offer is in our price range. Can you contact me privately at my email address and I can share the address of the church? I can also supply photos. It is margo(dot)schafer(at)(gmail)(dot)com. What format of files can you supply for the drawing? Can you share more info with me? Thank you!
Regards,

Margo