YouTuber uses 2D scanner as a tool for 3D printing

Chuck Hellebuyck, an experienced maker, has developed a creative way to replicate model car racetracks using an ordinary flatbed scanner and 3D printing technology. This technique opens up new possibilities for creating customised toy parts.

The process begins by scanning the cross-sectional profile of a racetrack. The resulting 2D image is then post-processed in Tinkercad, a user-friendly 3D modelling program. There, the profile is converted into a 3D model that is very close to the original.

Hellebuyck’s goal was to build a complex race track for his grandchildren. To do this, he needed numerous parts, including curved pieces and connecting elements for different angles to create slopes. For the curved sections, he experimented with Ninjaflex, a flexible filament that proved ideal for connecting rigid track segments.

Remarkably, modern 3D printers are able to print the thin, tall profile segments vertically without compromising quality. This simplifies the printing process considerably and saves time during post-processing.

The project impressively demonstrates how 3D-printed individual parts can be seamlessly combined with commercially available products. This approach enables hobbyists and hobbyists to realise complex projects with minimal effort.

The use of flatbed scanners for such purposes is not new. In the maker scene, they are often used for other purposes, such as capturing mechanical details of printed circuit boards or even as linear drives for UV exposure devices in DIY PCB manufacturing.

Hellebuyck’s method shows that often overlooked everyday devices can be valuable tools in the field of 3D printing. It encourages makers to be creative with existing resources and explore new avenues in digital fabrication.