3D printing, scanning, visualization
Pixel Active 3D: notes from the printer bench
Hands-on guides and honest reviews that start at the machine — nozzles, layer shifts and calibration first, then the scanners, software and visualisation work that sit around them.
From the bench
Guides here are written in the order the work actually happens: set the machine up, calibrate it, run the print or the scan, then write down what changed. Reviews say plainly what a tool is good at and where it frustrates, and nothing gets recommended from a spec sheet alone.
Newest first
Latest guides and reviews
How to Use iPhone LiDAR for 3D Capture: A Practical Guide 2026
Learn how to use iPhone LiDAR for 3D capture, build a textured model in Polycam, clean it up and export it for…
Lidar vs Photogrammetry for Site Capture: Which Is Better? 2026
Lidar vs photogrammetry for site capture compared on accuracy, speed, vegetation, outputs and cost in , plus which method fits which kind…
Reverse Engineering a Part From a 3D Scan: Easy Workflow 2026
Learn how to reverse engineering a part from a 3D scan: clean the mesh, rebuild missing surfaces, and validate an accurate CAD…
How to Turn a 3D Scan Into a CAD Model: Easy Guide (2026)
Learn how to turn a 3D scan into a CAD model using mesh cleanup, surface fitting, alignment, and solid modeling for printable,…
How to Clean Up a 3D Scan Mesh for Printing in Blender (2026)
How to clean up a 3D scan mesh for printing in Blender 4.x: repair holes, fix normals, cut noise, make the mesh…
How to 3D Scan Shiny or Black Surfaces: 7 Proven Methods 2026
Learn how to 3D scan shiny or black surfaces in using cross-polarisation, removable matte sprays, careful exposure, and proven capture methods for…
Photogrammetry for 3D Scanning Step by Step 2026 Guide
Learn photogrammetry for 3D scanning step by step with gear, lighting, and photo capture guidance, plus alignment, scale, cleanup, and export tips…
Structured Light vs Laser 3D Scanning: Which Is Better? (2026)
Structured light vs laser 3D scanning compared on accuracy, speed, range, surface handling, color and cost, with a clear pick for makers…
How to 3D Scan an Object With a Phone: Easy Guide (2026)
Learn how to 3D scan an object with a phone in : capture overlapping photos, fix lighting and processing errors, then export…
About Pixel Active 3D
A working notebook, not a showroom
Pixel Active 3D is a quiet bench notebook for makers, engineers and designers working with 3D printers, scanners and the software between them. It collects setup walkthroughs, troubleshooting notes and plain-spoken reviews for readers who would rather have one clear answer than ten forum threads.