Future Stair Repair: 3D Scanning/ 3D Printing.

It can be quite frustrating when you finish remodeling a kitchen counter or building a stair case and only a couple weeks later a giant chip appears. This very thing happened at our Pier 9 workshop, when a very noticeable chip appeared on our staircase.

Traditionally, people might fill in the chipped spot with epoxy or carpenters glue. But where's the fun in that?

We busted out our Artec Eva 3D Scanner and printed a replacement piece. Here's how our OCD Stair repair went down.

Steps:

1. 3D Scanner:
We used the Artic Eva 3D Scanner. The instructable on how to use them can be found here

You can also use 123D Catch (http://www.123dapp.com/catch) and your Smartphone camera to scan an object.

2. 3D Design software:
Using Artec Studios we were able to Scan the chip and clean up the model.
We then exported it as an STL.
Next, we uploaded the model into Meshmixer to create the reverse section.

3. 3D Printer
We printed our piece on the Objet Connex500 in Vero White and carefully cleaned it in the water powerblaster.

4. Instillation
Clean out the chipped area.
Applied Super Glue.
Waited to dry.
Sanded the are around the printed part and wooden stair.