I Used the Epic Games Reality Scan App to Make My First 3D Model and I'm Blown Away by the Results

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Have you ever wondered how to create a 3D model without any prior experience in 3D modeling software? It might sound intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think, especially with the help of the Epic Games Reality Scan app. Let me take you through my journey of using this app to create my very first 3D model – and the results are simply mind-blowing!

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Table of Contents

The Discovery of a Game-Changing App

Imagine casually chatting with a colleague and stumbling upon an app that has the potential to change your creative journey. That’s exactly how I found out about the Epic Games Reality Scan app. During a casual conversation in the office, our Digital Arts & 3D Editor, Ian Dean, mentioned this app that scans real-world items and converts them into highly detailed 3D models. Intrigued by his suggestion, I knew I had to give it a try. The app is free to use and promises to unlock new creative possibilities, especially if you’re interested in 3D printing or game development.

Setting Up the Reality Scan App

First things first, downloading the app was a breeze. Available on the App Store, Galaxy Store, and Google Play Store, the Reality Scan app is easily accessible. Once installed, I couldn’t wait to get started.

Initial Impressions

The user interface is clean and intuitive. With guided on-screen instructions, even a beginner could navigate through the app without any hitches. It’s designed to be user-friendly, showing an augmented reality mesh in real-time so you can see how your scan is coming along.

Testing with an Apple

My first test subject, courtesy of Ian, was an apple from the office. It seemed like a simple enough object to start with. The initial scanning process went relatively smoothly, though I did run into a small hiccup: I was unsure if I was supposed to pick up the apple to scan the bottom. Pro tip – you’re not supposed to do that! Despite a few moments of confusion, I managed to get over 150 images on the first try.

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Processing the 3D Model

Syncing and Exporting

Once the images were captured, the next step was to let the model process in the app. This takes some time, but the app keeps you updated on the progress. Once the model is ready, you can export it to SketchFab, a fantastic free tool for tinkering with your 3D models, downloading them, and sharing them with others. It’s straightforward and gives you significant flexibility to play around with your creations.

Converting File Types

For 3D printing, you’ll need to convert your model into the appropriate file type. SketchFab allows you to export files, but not in the most common formats used for 3D printing such as STL, GCODE, 3MF, or OBJ. Instead, I had to use an online conversion site to transform my downloaded GLB file into an STL file. This converted file was then scaled to roughly the size of the original apple using my Anycubic slicer, exported into a GCODE file, and sent to my Anycubic Kobra 2 for printing.

The Results: A 3D-Printed Apple

Side by Side Comparison

Seeing the 3D-printed apple for the first time was surreal. I placed it next to the original apple, and the resemblance was uncanny. Of course, it wasn’t perfect – the bottom of the apple looked a bit melted due to the scanning limitation where I couldn’t capture the bottom surface. But for a first attempt, the results were impressive.

Here’s a little snapshot to give you an idea:

Parameter	Details
Scan Time	Approximately 10 minutes
Number of Images Captured	150+
Processing Time	Around 20-30 minutes
File Conversion	GLB to STL
3D Printer Used	Anycubic Kobra 2
Print Time	Approximately 2 hours
Model Quality	Very Good for a First Attempt

Potential and Limitations

Enhancements and Future Prospects

While the initial results were amazing, I did notice some areas that could use improvement. The app currently doesn’t allow for the bottom of objects to be captured properly, as you have to keep your object stationary. Hopefully, a future update might address this by allowing the object to be rotated or picked up during the scan.

Variations in Print

I also experimented with adding a fuzzy skin effect to the 3D print, hoping it would make the apple look more realistic. In practice, though, the smooth version ended up looking better to me, as the fuzzy texture didn’t quite mimic the natural look of an apple’s skin.

The Future of 3D Scanning and Printing

Expanding Creative Horizons

For someone like me, who has little to no experience in creating 3D models from scratch, this process has opened up a new world of creative possibilities. Imagine no longer having to search for free STL files online because you can now create your own models with relative ease. The Reality Scan app is not just for pros; it’s perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into the world of 3D modeling and printing.

Practical Applications

Beyond personal projects and hobbies, the applications of this technology are vast. Game developers can use this to quickly generate models for their games. Artists can create digital versions of their sculptures. Even manufacturers can prototype parts in a much shorter time frame.

Final Thoughts

So, is this the best 3D-printed model of an apple ever? Probably not. But for a first attempt using a straightforward and free-to-use app, the results are more than satisfying. The Reality Scan app by Epic Games simplifies the complex process of 3D scanning, making it accessible to even the most novice users. If you’re curious about 3D modeling or 3D printing, this app could be your gateway to a new creative endeavor.

Ready to try it yourself? You can download the Reality Scan app for free and start creating your 3D models today. Trust me, you’ll be fascinated by what you can achieve with just your phone and a bit of curiosity.

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