3D scanner captures consumer and investor interest with low-cost device for 3D printing enthusiasts, games developers and 3D designers
Fuel3D Inc. today announced further developments in its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, after achieving its initial campaign goal in less than two days. Since launching on Kickstarter on July 31st, the project has raised more than $280,000, with under a week of the campaign still remaining.
Fuel3D is an affordable handheld 3D scanner that delivers high resolution shape and color capture for a range of 3D modeling applications, such as 3D printing, 3D art and 3D game development. At an expected final market price of $1,500, its imminent arrival heralds a new price point in handheld 3D scanning technology, which typically sees products retail for $15,000 and above. Kickstarter backers still have up to 3:00pm EDT on Sunday September 1st, to purchase the Fuel3D scanner from $990.
“We have been delighted by the reaction to our Kickstarter campaign, which has been a huge validation of our vision for bringing a lower-cost 3D scanning option to the masses,” said Stuart Mead, CEO, Fuel3D. “We have vastly surpassed our initial goal and have received many orders from our core US and UK markets and beyond – as far afield as Australia and Japan. We have been inundated by approaches from distribution partners and technical collaborators, and the interest from venture capital companies and even national defense organizations tells me that we’re really on to something.”
“Thanks to Kickstarter feedback, we think that offering automated stitching of multiple scans to create 360 degree models is the most useful feature that we could add into the product bundle,” added Mead.
In a recent development, Fuel3D and Uformia will aim to develop automatic stitching of multiple scans as a standard feature in Uformia’s MeshUp software in time for the launch of the Fuel3D scanner. This capability will allow users to take multiple shots of a subject and then the software will automate “stitching” them together to create a complete 360 degree 3D model.
Fuel3D has already reached a stretch goal of $250,000, which means the company is now committed to adding a tripod mount to its final design, as well as the ability to trigger the camera direct from the laptop or computer, both of which have been suggested by pledgers.
About Fuel3D
Born in Oxford University, Fuel3D is developed by an expert team of hardware and software engineers and scientists. Originally developed for the medical imaging sector, Fuel3D’s technology is being adapted for the broader 3D market, with the goal of bringing the benefits of point-and-shoot 3D imaging to consumers and professionals alike. Originally developed by Professor Ron Daniel, Lecturer in Engineering Science at Oxford University, Fuel3D is today led by Stuart Mead, CEO, a veteran of several successful global technology ventures and Dr. James Paterson, CTO, an Oxford University PhD in Engineering Science. For more information, visit www.fuel-3D.com
Note to editors: Images relating to this story are available on the Fuel3D website: www.fuel-3d.com/media-center
