Many types of sensors and hardware are available to us, but some are not widely used due to cost or availability. [Enginoor] has taken one of these less common sensors, an industrial laser displacement sensor, and incorporated it into a 3D scanner.
This sensor measures distance using a unique method; it operates more like a photographic rangefinder, relying on the parallax angle observed from the sensor’s position relative to the laser. These sensors are expensively developed for high precision and are often available at a more affordable price as second-hand parts from decommissioned machinery.
In this particular setup, the sensor is mounted on an X-Y gantry and scans the object by taking individual point measurements. The sensor is linked to a Teensy microcontroller, which transmits the data to a PC for further processing. While this project may not be the most practical, the aim is to raise awareness about these types of sensors and promote their use in other applications within the community.
Over the years, we have showcased numerous 3D scanners, including a guide on what not to do when building one.
Image Source: technomolly @ Shutterstock
