Daohan Wang¹ and Jonathan Sahagun², ¹USA, ²California State Polytechnic University, USA

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a low-cost 3D scanning system that integrates an Arducam Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera, a Raspberry Pi for data processing, and a custom motorized turntable driven by an RP2040 microcontroller [1]. The objective was to create an accessible and affordable alternative to professional 3D scanners while maintaining sufficient accuracy for prototyping and educational use [2]. The system captures depth images as the turntable rotates the object, producing a complete set of views for reconstruction. Experiments demonstrated strong dimensional accuracy, with deviations under ±0.7%, and reliable performance under low and moderate lighting conditions, though bright light increased noise. Comparisons with related methodologies highlighted how our approach prioritizes affordability, modularity, and static object scanning, contrasting with solutions aimed at robotics or large-scale mapping. Overall, the system provides a practical pathway toward democratizing 3D scanning technology, balancing cost with usability and performance.

3D Scanning, ToF Camera, Raspberry Pi, Data Processing, Biomedical Engineering