If you are so inclined, you can build a similar (if not superior) system for under $75. A laser diode that makes a line, a 3.3V power supply, a stepper motor+d

If you are so inclined, you can build a similar (if not superior) system for under $75. A laser diode that makes a line, a 3.3V power supply, a stepper motor+driver, a CCD based webcam, and a copy of 'Davids Laser Scanner' [1] (or similar photometry application). I've been using this setup for about 3 years now (occasionally using a Kinect for larger, less precise scans). The scans people have done of insects are quite amazing. [2,3] [1] http://www.david-3d.com/ http://www.david-3d.com/ [2] http://www.david-3d.com/gfx/gallery/highlights/01-Real-size_Wasp_and_Fly_%28by_Bongobat_and_Hal%29.jpg http://www.david-3d.com/gfx/gallery/highlights/01-Real-size_... [3] http://forum.david-3d.com/download/file.php?id=1951&mode=view http://forum.david-3d.com/download/file.php?id=1951&mode=vie...