How to build a motorized 3D scanning turntable

Cheap & Quick PCB, 3D Printing, CNC machining, and fabrication services from PCBWay https://pcbway.com/g/v8fQIG - In this video, I’ll show you how to make a simple motorized turntable for 3D scanning. It has three main parts: a fixed top plate for placing the object, a rotating middle plate powered by a stepper motor, and a base that holds all the components. The top and base plates are connected and stay in place, while the middle plate rotates independently.

To ensure smooth rotation, I’ve added bearings that help the middle plate move more easily. For scanning, I used an iOS app, but you can choose any application. The goal is to show you how to build this turntable step by step.

???? 3D Parts
This project consists of three main 3D-printed parts. The first part is the base, which includes three bearing slots, a stepper motor mount, three mounting leg slots on the sides, and a slot for a power switch. The second part is the gear plate. It has a bearing slot in the center and is the only moving part responsible for rotation. On its side, there is a mounting point for attaching a phone holder. The third part is the top plate, where the object to be scanned is placed. This piece is fixed directly from its center to the base plate, ensuring that both remain completely stationary.

Additionally, the project includes a small gear that attaches to the stepper motor, three pins to secure the bearings, and three mounting legs. There are also extension arms and a holder plate for the phone. If you don’t have a 3D printer, you can use PCBWay’s 3D printing service to get these parts. The STL files are available for free: https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/How_to_Build_a_Motorized_3D_Scanning_Turntable_for_Your_Phone_20b5a863.html

On the hardware side, four 608ZZ bearings are needed to ensure smoother rotation. A few bolts and nuts are required to secure the stepper motor and phone holder. Lastly, a popular 28BYJ-48 hobby stepper motor will be used.

???? Electronics Parts
Looking at the electronics, this project uses an ESP8266 development board, allowing the rotating table to be controlled wirelessly if needed. For the stepper motor driver, the popular ULN2003 is used. A breadboard and a few jumper wires are needed to set up the circuit.

To power the system, a 9-Volts adapter will be used, along with a few capacitors and a voltage regulator to provide 5-Volts to the development board. A circuit diagram has been shared to help you build the breadboard setup. However, placing the breadboard inside the base may interfere with the rotating gear, and loose wires could cause disconnections or short circuits.

For this reason, a custom PCB will be used instead. A previously designed PCB is a perfect fit for this project. The power connector on the PCB has been updated, and the latest version is now available on the @PCBWay project page.

???? 3D Scanning with Polycam
While researching 3D scanning apps for iPhone, I came across a great video on the @throughiris8676 YouTube channel. This video reviews multiple apps, and for this project, I chose Polycam - https://youtu.be/dPOldb5yTdg?si=dej-3ubbSd672x5g

Since the main focus of this project is the motorized rotating table, I will cover only the basic use of the app. If you also want to use Polycam, I recommend watching a step-by-step guide by @AndrewSink on YouTube - https://youtu.be/0F3uFeqFOOw?si=0EHIVMC3OUWOjj4u

After downloading the app, you can close the subscription page to continue testing it for free. In the scanning interface, you will find two capture modes. In Manual Mode, you need to press the shutter button for each capture, while in Auto Mode, you only need to press the Record button at the start and end of the scan.

0:00 Intro
0:38 3D Parts
1:40 Hardware Parts
2:00 Assembly of Parts
3:24 Breadboard Circuit
4:06 Printed Circuit Board (PCBWay)
4:33 Soldering
4:55 Electronics Assembly
5:49 Source Code
6:00 Stepper motor test
6:36 3D Scanning Apps for iPhone
6:49 Polycam 3D Scan
7:21 Object Scanning Test
8:32 End of Project

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