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 Choose Filament for Functional Parts (October 2026)
How to choose filament for functional parts: match heat deflection temperature, interlayer strength and printer hardware to the load your part carries…
Hardened Steel vs Brass Nozzle Which to Use? (October 2026)
Hardened steel vs brass nozzle which to use: compare temperature limits, wear life, cost and filament compatibility, plus the 5-10C re-tune after…
Point Cloud to Mesh Conversion Explained in 2026
Point cloud to mesh conversion explained for : reconstruction methods, cloud cleanup, hole filling, export formats and mesh quality checks.
3D Scanning for Quality Inspection: A Guide (October 2026)
Learn how 3D scanning for quality inspection works, which methods fit common parts, and how to build an accurate, repeatable CAD comparison…
How to Measure a Part for Reverse Engineering Guide (2026)
See how to measure a part for reverse engineering in : set datum planes, hand-measure critical features, capture the 3D shape, then…
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,…
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.