If you have a camera to take pictures of your specimens including macro or microscopic and a way to rotate your specimen then you already have a scanner that will work on small and/or larger objects. The only thing you need is software to reconstruct into a color point cloud or surface. Free software exist but i would recommend Agisoft PhotoScan. If you are associated with a university they have a discount. This method would only work to capture the outer surface. Here are some examples done with photogrammetry of insects:

https://sketchfab.com/models/6e333df5ef494ec2ab7d18019831cd01

https://sketchfab.com/models/e61c7454375748ea8d4180d80bf25e9e

You can also do a search on sketchfab site for "photogrammetry" and "insects" for more models.

If you want a scanner to capture the inside and outer surface then a micro CT scanner would be best but this would be expensive. Hope the suggestions help.

I think handheld Intraoral scanners would be the better option for your scanning purpose, as it produces the output in form of .stl files which can be directly used for 3d printing. Moreover, it is better for scanning of real objects when compared with other scanners.

Niharika,

Thank you for your answer. I had not thought of odonthological equipments. That could be quite interesting indeed.

Cheers.

If you have a camera to take pictures of your specimens including macro or microscopic and a way to rotate your specimen then you already have a scanner that will work on small and/or larger objects. The only thing you need is software to reconstruct into a color point cloud or surface. Free software exist but i would recommend Agisoft PhotoScan. If you are associated with a university they have a discount. This method would only work to capture the outer surface. Here are some examples done with photogrammetry of insects:

https://sketchfab.com/models/6e333df5ef494ec2ab7d18019831cd01

https://sketchfab.com/models/e61c7454375748ea8d4180d80bf25e9e

You can also do a search on sketchfab site for "photogrammetry" and "insects" for more models.

If you want a scanner to capture the inside and outer surface then a micro CT scanner would be best but this would be expensive. Hope the suggestions help.

Dear Reuben,

Thank you for your suggestions. It will certainly help diversify our capabilities. I indeed am more interested in the surface 3D modeling.

Best regards,

Lorian, it depends a lot on your budget: either photogrammetry, next Engine, Breuckmann, allow you to create surface models.

+1 for photogrammetry, it is the 3d modeling method of the future - budget friendly and not tied to cumbersome equipment that is only ideal for a particular range of specimen size.