<p>I have heard of similar scanning not using the electrical connecting but using the capacitance of the metal object to detect it. <a href="https://nelsonslog.com/2016/12/10/multispectral-scanning/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Capacitive Scanning</a> works by detecting a metal object near the prob so the prob doesn't have to touch the object being scanned </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-27T07:03:27.233Z
2018-09-27T07:03:27.233Z
user802599
<p>I would like to make a 3d scanner for accurately modeling very small metal parts.</p>

<p>I figured I might be able to take advantage of the fact that metal conducts electricity, and avoid using light. This might be cheaper, easier to make, and wouldn't get thrown off by shiny surfaces. </p>

<p>Basically, I am imagining an object on a rotating stage, and a movable "feeler" probe. The probe is moved towards the object, and when the probe touches the metal object, a circuit is closed. The distance and angle of the probe and object are then recorded, and used to model a cross section of the object. </p>

<p>My question is:<br>
Is this technique already being used? If so, where? Is there a name for this technique? What resources should I look at for researching this? </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-20T06:15:32.703Z
Welcome to SE.3DP, but I'm afraid this question is not within the scope of SE.3DP, please read [What topics can I ask about here?](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic).
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-20T08:10:58.920Z
@0scar, arguably, this comes under technology, although I feel that it is too niche to get a good answer here (doesn't make it off topic, just unlikely to be answered). 888, you need to define small. A physicist/chemist/biologist might suggest Electron Tomography (and related techniques) as being well established solutions.
Sean Houlihane
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-20T12:51:55.083Z
While I'm not sure if it's off-topic, I do know this technology is used regularly in the machining world (CNC). It's called [Touch Probe Scanning](https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&ei=XJejW4PHNI62zwKh77DQAw&q=touch+probe+scanner&oq=touch+probe+scanner)
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-20T15:23:04.987Z
I suspect you'll find the accuracy and precision required of your probe (and the servos which position it) will lead to a rather expensive project.  And a very time-consuming method, given that you basically have to trace the entire object in 50-micron stripes.
Carl Witthoft
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-21T18:47:08.610Z
The target of the question is in the question, but the way how it is asked is not (imho)
Trish
<3d-models><scanning>
Resources for making 3d scans of electrically conductive materials?
888
# Resources for making 3d scans of electrically conductive materials?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-09-20)

I would like to make a 3d scanner for accurately modeling very small metal parts.

I figured I might be able to take advantage of the fact that metal conducts electricity, and avoid using light. This might be cheaper, easier to make, and wouldn't get thrown off by shiny surfaces.

Basically, I am imagining an object on a rotating stage, and a movable "feeler" probe. The probe is moved towards the object, and when the probe touches the metal object, a circuit is closed. The distance and angle of the probe and object are then recorded, and used to model a cross section of the object.

My question is:  
Is this technique already being used? If so, where? Is there a name for this technique? What resources should I look at for researching this?

**Tags:** 3d-models, scanning

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Welcome to SE.3DP, but I'm afraid this question is not within the scope of SE.3DP, please read [What topics can I ask about here?](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic).  
> **username_2**: @username_1, arguably, this comes under technology, although I feel that it is too niche to get a good answer here (doesn't make it off topic, just unlikely to be answered). 888, you need to define small. A physicist/chemist/biologist might suggest Electron Tomography (and related techniques) as being well established solutions.  
> **username_3**: While I'm not sure if it's off-topic, I do know this technology is used regularly in the machining world (CNC). It's called [Touch Probe Scanning](https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&ei=XJejW4PHNI62zwKh77DQAw&q=touch+probe+scanner&oq=touch+probe+scanner)  
> **username_4**: I suspect you'll find the accuracy and precision required of your probe (and the servos which position it) will lead to a rather expensive project.  And a very time-consuming method, given that you basically have to trace the entire object in 50-micron stripes.  
> **username_5**: The target of the question is in the question, but the way how it is asked is not (imho)  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_6 on 2018-09-27. Score: 1

I have heard of similar scanning not using the electrical connecting but using the capacitance of the metal object to detect it. [Capacitive Scanning](https://nelsonslog.com/2016/12/10/multispectral-scanning/) works by detecting a metal object near the prob so the prob doesn't have to touch the object being scanned


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