MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis took the stage at SXSW in Austin on Friday to unveil an exciting leap forward in desktop 3D scanning: the MakerBot Digitizer. Though currently in its prototype phase, this next-generation desktop 3D scanner is designed to democratize 3D modeling by allowing users to scan physical objects and convert them into 3D-printable digital files—no design experience required.
Functioning almost like a real-world copy-and-paste tool, the MakerBot Digitizer uses dual lasers in combination with a high-resolution webcam to scan real-world items with precision. The system detects laser reflections to map out the object’s surface geometry, automatically generating a digital 3D model that can be refined, shared, and printed with a compatible 3D printer.
To perform the scan, the lasers rotate around the object, capturing every angle in a process that Pettis likens to something “straight out of Tron.” But this isn’t science fiction—it’s a fully functional innovation bringing industrial-grade 3D scanning technology into homes, classrooms, design studios, and small manufacturing environments.
What can you scan with the MakerBot Digitizer? The scanner supports objects between 2 to 8 inches in diameter, making it ideal for small to medium-sized items like figurines, mechanical parts, tools, household objects, and artistic models. The device operates efficiently under typical indoor lighting and completes scans in as little as three minutes—producing watertight digital models that are immediately ready for 3D printing.
Looking to create replacement parts, reverse-engineer a component, or preserve a physical object in digital form? The MakerBot Digitizer is perfect for applications in rapid prototyping, digital archiving, product development, hobbyist projects, educational demonstrations, and artifact preservation. Whether you're replicating a clay sculpture, digitizing a handmade piece of jewelry, or archiving a rare model, the MakerBot Digitizer makes the process accessible and efficient.
“This is something you might expect to see in a sci-fi movie, but it’s real—and it’s incredibly cool,” said Pettis, emphasizing the technology’s potential to redefine how we interact with physical design.
The MakerBot Digitizer is currently undergoing beta testing, with a public release targeted for this fall. Interested in being among the first to access this groundbreaking desktop 3D scanner? Visit MakerBot’s website to sign up for updates and get notified when pre-orders become available.