I don't need Bambu's 3D scanner, because my phone already scans parts well enough to print replacements

3D printing can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it does come with a few challenges. One common issue is having to recreate a physical part without a design file. To do this, you'd typically measure the part with calipers and use CAD to build the geometry. However, many find CAD software challenging to use. An alternative to a handheld 3D scanner is using your phone to scan existing objects for 3D printing replacements.

Two popular apps for this are Kiri Engine and Polycam. They both use photogrammetry, a method of creating 3D models from photographs. Photogrammetry works by taking multiple photos from different angles and using software to analyze the overlapping details to reconstruct the object's shape. This is particularly useful for objects with curves or complex shapes, which can be difficult to measure manually.

Using iPhone models of these apps, the process involves taking a full 360-degree photo of the object and uploading it for the app to process. The resulting 3D model can then be exported into various formats for use in 3D printing software. While these apps provide a good starting point, they aren't perfect. The resulting models are often a good approximation but may require some manual adjustments.

For critical components requiring high precision, it's still advisable to use calipers to verify measurements. While a dedicated 3D scanner could offer more accurate results, for occasional use, using a phone app can be a cost-effective and convenient alternative.