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3D Laser Scanner Comparison Chart
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Download the 3D laser scanner comparison chart to compare the technical information applicable to our entire laser scanning portfolio. Based on the technical information provided in this download, you can decide which laser scanner is most suitable for your application needs.
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Best 3D scanner 2022 - Expert selections for every need
What is the best 3D scanner?
Many different types of 3D scanners exist, from desktop 3D scanners to handheld 3D scanners and advanced metrology systems.
3D scanners serve an extremely wide range of applications, from reverse engineering to 3D body scanning or even forensic investigations.
However, given the low number of reliable 3D scanner reviews, it can be challenging to find the best 3D scanner. It can also be complex to know what kind of 3D scanner to get based on your application. A $2,000 3D scanner won’t be sufficient for part inspection, and a $60,000 3D scanner would be overkill if you don’t need the precision.
With that in mind, our goal is to offer an overview of the best 3D scanners in different categories. We broke down our best 3D scanner picks into actionable selections:
- Professional: A mix of the best desktop and handheld options for professionals
- Affordable: Entry-level 3D scanners for makers with prices starting at around $400
- Metrology: High-precision 3D scanners for demanding use cases
- Handheld: Portative devices that can access hard-to-reach places
- SLAM and iMMS: Mobile laser 3D scanners for BIM and other large-scale applications
- TLS: Terrestrial LiDAR scanners
- Dental (desktop): Stationary 3D scanners for the dental labs
- Jewelry: Closed, high-precision 3D scanners for jewelers
- 3D body scanners: Booths and handheld color 3D scanners
Note that there can be some overlap between categories.
For example, some handheld 3D scanners are precise enough for metrology or can capture colors and work for 3D body scanning.
Tip: Use the table of contents to the top left of your screen to easily navigate between our selections.
We also run through different 3D scanning applications (reverse engineering, 3D inspection, architecture, etc.) and provide concise explanations of the various 3D scanning technologies that exist.
Professional 3D scanner selection
This category groups some of the best professional 3D scanners. Our selection spans a wide price spectrum and includes both desktop scanners and handheld 3D scanners. These 3D scanners can cover most professional use cases.
| Brand | Product | Accuracy | Country | Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU) CO., LTD This brand is a certified partner from our network. | iReal 2E | 0.1 mm0.003937 in | China | $ 3,9803 980 €3,530 £593,243 ¥ | Quote |
| Shining 3D This brand is a certified partner from our network. | EinScan H | 0.1 mm0.003937 in | China | $ 4,9994 999 €4,434 £745,131 ¥ | Quote |
| Shining 3D This brand is a certified partner from our network. | EinScan HX This product has been reviewed by our team. | 0.04 mm0.001575 in | China | $ 12,00012 000 €10,644 £1,788,672 ¥ | Quote |
| Medit | Solutionix C500 | 0.01 mm0.000394 in | South Korea | $ 40,00036 500 €35,482 £5,962,240 ¥ | Quote |
| Creaform This brand is a certified partner from our network. | HandySCAN BLACK Elite This product has been reviewed by our team. | 0.025 mm0.000984 in | Canada | $ 65,00057 000 €57,658 £9,688,640 ¥ | Quote |
| GOM | ATOS Q This product has been reviewed by our team. | – | Germany | upon request | Quote |
| GOM | GOM Scan 1 This product has been reviewed by our team. | – | Germany | upon request | Quote |
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU) CO., LTD This brand is a certified partner from our network. | SIMSCAN This product has been reviewed by our team. | 0.02 mm0.000787 in | China | upon request | Quote |
Expand to see more specs
The products in the table are ranked by price (low to high).
| Brand | Product | Technology | Category | Country | Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU) CO., LTD This brand is a certified partner from our network. | iReal 2E | Structured light | Mobile > Handheld | China | $ 3,9803 980 €3,530 £593,243 ¥ | Get a quote |
| Shining 3D This brand is a certified partner from our network. | EinScan H | Hybrid | Mobile > Handheld | China | $ 4,9994 999 €4,434 £745,131 ¥ | Get a quote |
| Shining 3D This brand is a certified partner from our network. | EinScan HX This product has been reviewed by our team. | Structured light | Mobile > Handheld | China | $ 12,00012 000 €10,644 £1,788,672 ¥ | Get a quote |
| Medit | Solutionix C500 | Structured light | Stationary > Desktop | South Korea | $ 40,00036 500 €35,482 £5,962,240 ¥ | Get a quote |
| Creaform This brand is a certified partner from our network. | HandySCAN BLACK Elite This product has been reviewed by our team. | Laser triangulation | Mobile > Handheld | Canada | $ 65,00057 000 €57,658 £9,688,640 ¥ | Get a quote |
| GOM | ATOS Q This product has been reviewed by our team. | Structured light | Stationary > Industrial | Germany | upon request | Get a quote |
| GOM | GOM Scan 1 This product has been reviewed by our team. | Structured light | Stationary > Desktop | Germany | upon request | Get a quote |
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU) CO., LTD This brand is a certified partner from our network. | SIMSCAN This product has been reviewed by our team. | Laser triangulation | Mobile > Handheld | China | upon request | Get a quote |
Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
Overview of the best professional 3D scanners
The iReal 2E is another versatile 3D scanning option in the entry-level price range.
It uses VCEL structured light to capture medium- to large-sized objects. Like infrared light, VCEL light is invisible to the human eye and is therefore also particularly adapted to face and body 3D scanning.
Scantech has reported diverse use cases for the iReal 2E 3D scanner, namely in forensic investigations, healthcare, and even culture preservation. In the latter, Scantech’s customer 3D scanned a woman performing different Tai Chi movements– an interesting and uncommon application!
Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison
The EinScan H was launched alongside the EinScan HX in September 2020. It uses a combination of structured LED light and infrared light, with a built-in color camera for texture acquisition.
This 3D scanner can therefore serve a range of applications involving color capture, with uses in retail, art preservation, healthcare, and more. Furthermore, its infrared light is eye-safe and won’t blind users during a face or body scan.
Shining 3D’s versatile EinScan H is a great entry-level deal for most basic use cases, and its software is getting more intuitive by the update.
Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison
The EinScan HX features hybrid technology: it has both structured LED light and laser triangulation capabilities, an industry-first from Shining 3D. Each technology is accessible through a specific mode that the user chooses at the beginning of a 3D scanning process.
After reviewing the HX, we found that it is a powerful and versatile product, capable of 3D scanning parts of various properties (sizes, colors, textures). It has a nice and sturdy finish and is easy to manipulate. In addition, the little weight it has is very well distributed to offer an ergonomic balance.
In this price range and at this level of performance, the EinScan HX is unrivaled.
Read the full review: Shining 3D EinScan HX review
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The SIMSCAN is extremely lightweight for a handheld 3D scanner, weighing only 570 grams. It’s also very compact– the absolute smallest in its class– with dimensions of 203 x 80 x 44 millimeters.
Scantech earned a Red Dot Design Award in 2021 for the SIMSCAN’s disruptive design.
After using the SIMSCAN to 3D scan various types of parts, we can confirm it’s an excellent product that feels, looks, and works great. With a price of around €25,000, the SIMSCAN’s price-to-performance is outstanding. The only blemish lies in the software, but it receives updates regularly and you can export your scans to your preferred suite.
Read the full review: Scantech SIMSCAN review
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The BLACK Elite tops out Creaform’s flagship HandySCAN range, which we have reviewed several times over the years. It delivers a powerful performance that reminds us of the Metrascan 750, but without all the hurdles (complex setup, number of parts and accessories, and large footprint).
Creaform’s HandySCAN BLACK Elite boasts a clean, robust finish. Everything exudes quality and rigor, the attention to detail is similar to the feeling that Apple products give off.
It’s no wonder this scanner received a Red Dot Design Award (2019).
Read the full review: HandySCAN BLACK Elite review
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With a starting price of around €20,000, the GOM Scan 1 is GOM’s most entry-level, metrology-grade solution. We visited GOM’s Benelux HQ to review the scanner in early 2022, and were not disappointed.
The offer? GOM quality and performance at an affordable price. It is on par with high-end metrology 3D scanners and is quite fast at 6,000,000 points per scan. The GOM Scan 1 also benefits from the same, powerful GOM Inspect software as its more premium counterparts.
It is a small, lightweight, and precise machine packed with very serious capabilities.
Read the full review: GOM Scan 1 review
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The ATOS Q is part of GOM’s ATOS lineup, a range of industrial-grade optical metrology solutions. It is aimed at industrial users looking for a powerful and flexible metrology solution at a reasonable price.
One of the ATOS Q’s key selling points is the fact that it can be easily moved along an assembly line or from one site to another. It can’t be qualified as “portable”, but is without a doubt “transportable”.
The scanner also offers a lot of flexibility in part type and size thanks to its multiple lenses and is able to acquire difficult surfaces thanks to its blue light equalizer.
Read the full review: GOM ATOS Q review
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Solutionix is part of the larger, South-Korean Medit group, and is known for its high-precision dental 3D scanners. Their C500 is able to scan larger objects while benefitting from the same, excellent precision and resolution. Its automatic turntable not only turns but also tilts, providing very thorough scans.
While the Solutionix C500 is sensitive to dark and shiny surfaces, it offers very clean data and high resolution when such surfaces are matted with special spray (like AESUB). The C500 comes with four different sets of lenses for varying fields of view, resolution, and accuracy.
Its smallest lens set gives an accuracy of 10 microns and a resolution of just 28 microns (point-to-point distance).
The C500 is particularly adapted to small parts, but can be mounted onto a tripod for the occasional large scan.
Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison
Affordable 3D scanners for makers
This selection includes some of the best affordable 3D scanners for makers.
| Brand | Product | Accuracy | Country | Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scan Dimension | SOL | – | Denmark | $ 599609 €531 £89,285 ¥ | Buy |
| Revopoint | POP 2 | 0.1 mm0.003937 in | China | $ 699711 €620 £104,190 ¥ | Buy |
| Creality | CR-SCAN 1 | 0. 1 mm0.003937 in | China | $ 700700 €621 £104,339 ¥ | Contact |
| Matter and Form | Scanner V2 | 0.1 mm0.003937 in | United States | $ 749761 €664 £111,643 ¥ | Buy |
| Shining 3D This brand is a certified partner from our network. | EinScan-SE (Elite) | 0.1 mm0.003937 in | – | $ 1,1991 219 €1,064 £178,718 ¥ | Contact |
Expand to see more specs
The products in the table are ranked by price (low to high).
| Brand | Product | Technology | Country | Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scan Dimension | SOL | Laser triangulation | Denmark | $ 599609 €531 £89,285 ¥ | Buy on Amazon France |
| Revopoint | POP 2 | Structured light | China | $ 699711 €620 £104,190 ¥ | Buy on Revopoint |
| Creality | CR-SCAN 1 | Structured light | China | $ 700700 €621 £104,339 ¥ | Contact manufacturer |
| Matter and Form | Scanner V2 | Laser triangulation | United States | $ 749761 €664 £111,643 ¥ | Buy on Amazon US |
| Shining 3D This brand is a certified partner from our network. | EinScan-SE (Elite) | Structured light | – | $ 1,1991 219 €1,064 £178,718 ¥ | Contact manufacturer |
Overview of the best affordable 3D scanner options
Revopoint launched the POP 2 towards the end of 2021 after a successful Kickstarter campaign with the original POP. We reviewed the original POP shortly before this release, and it seems that some of the quacks (mainly software-related) we encountered have since been worked out. Their new software features a calibration process and a new “Wi-Fi host” mode.
The POP 2 is an interesting option for makers or beginners looking to learn more about 3D scanning. We wouldn’t particularly recommend it for professional use cases, though it can get the job done if you don’t need high resolution.
The Revopoint POP 2 can be used on a small tripod or as a handheld device, and is able to capture colors.
Buy on Revopoint Add to comparison
The EinScan-SE is a powerful entry-level desktop 3D scanner designed to capture small- to medium-sized objects in 3D.
Launched back in 2017, it’s still relevant today as an affordable, professional-grade option.
It is based on white structured light technology and offers two 3D capture modes: Fixed Scan and Auto Scan (with a rotating table). The Shining 3D EinScan-SE is a versatile and fast 3D scanner, suitable for a wide range of applications and designed with 3D printing applications in mind.
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This affordable desktop 3D scanner is geared towards hobbyists and tech enthusiasts. The SOL 3D scanner is equipped with an automatic turntable to complement its hybrid 3D scanning technology (a combination of structured light and laser triangulation).
Scan Dimension notes that this 3D scanner is easy to use, thanks to a simplified app that lets users avoid complex calibration and software manipulation.
Buy on Amazon France Add to comparison
The CR-SCAN 1 is another 3D scanner under $1,000. It can be used on a tripod as well as in handheld mode.
According to Creality, the use of markers is unnecessary thanks to their AI-based alignment algorithm.
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Matter and Form has been producing affordable desktop 3D scanners since 2014. The 3D Scanner V2 (a.k.a. MFS1V2) is, as its naming suggests, the second version of their flagship product, the Matter and Form MFS1V1 3D scanner.
It boasts a great price-to-performance ratio and is able to quickly scan 3D objects while displaying results in real time. Matter and Form also manufactures the Bevel dongle for use with 3D scanning smartphone apps.
Buy on Amazon US Add to comparison
Metrology 3D scanner selection
3D metrology is the process of acquiring highly accurate physical 3D measurements of an object. The result is a digital 3D model that users can analyze or retro-engineer.
Take quality inspection, for example. Professionals can compare the 3D scan to a reference CAD model to make sure the object respects established norms and standards.
3D metrology helps ensure product quality while saving time and, thus, lowering costs.
Handheld 3D scanner selection
Handheld 3D scanners have been gaining a lot of popularity over the past few years. They offer various benefits over other types of 3D scanners:
- Ability to access hard-to-reach places
- Relative ease of use
- Portability
Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of industries, including automobile, aerospace, engineering, and design, and some can even be used for 3D body scanning.
SLAM 3D scanner selection
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology allows a device to position itself and navigate through a given space based on its surroundings. Sometimes called CML (Concurrent Mapping and Localization), it was initially developed for robots and autonomous appliances.
In 3D scanning (mobile mapping), SLAM algorithms combine and use the sets of data collected from one or more sources to track the scanner’s position, all while building up an accurate, complete 3D point cloud of the surrounding environment.
SLAM-based 3D scanners can work in extremely remote locations where GPS or GNSS signals are unavailable, and make it easy to quickly 3D scan large areas like building sites and underground caves.
TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanner) selection
Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a form of 3D scanning in which tripod-mounted laser scanners are used to capture large objects and environments. The technique is widely used in construction, surveying, forestry, and other disciplines.
Also known as long-range laser scanning, TLS involves deploying a scanner in a static location, whereas other laser scanners may be handheld or mounted to vehicles to capture data from a greater number of vantage points. TLS produces more accurate scans than mobile scanning — at the expense of speed and simplicity.
These 3D scanners are often generically called LiDAR scanners, though terrestrial scanners aren’t the only type of scanner to use the technology.
Desktop dental 3D scanner selection
Bit by bit, dentists are beginning to replace traditional methods with digital dentistry. This involves the use of digital capture, digital design, and digital production technologies to improve the speed, accuracy, and profitability of dental practice.
A key part of digital dentistry is the use of 3D scanners, which capture 3D shapes using a combination of cameras and light projection before transferring the result to a computer.
Desktop dental 3D scanners capture dental models or impressions (negative imprints of a patient’s teeth and gums) and are usually used in a laboratory setting.
Jewelry 3D scanner selection
A popular use of 3D scanning technology is jewelry 3D scanning. This is the process of 3D scanning jewelry, precious metals, and gemstones with the goal of creating a digital copy of the original object. The digital twin can be used for many purposes, such as repairing or duplicating a valuable item.
3D scanners have been adopted as a supplementary tool by traditional jewelers, but the technology has also allowed newcomers to enter the field, many of which have combined 3D scanning with jewelry 3D printing.
Most jewelry 3D scanners are enclosed or partly enclosed desktop machines that offer ideal lighting conditions. Desktop jewelry 3D scanners almost always feature an automatic turntable, or auto-rotating table, on which the piece of jewelry is placed to be scanned.
3D body scanner selection
3D body scanners are designed to capture your full body in 3D. The result is a 3D model (or 3D avatar) of your exact body shape with accurate data such as body measurements, posture analysis, textures, …
Originally developed for the fashion industry as fast and accurate 3D measurement solutions, 3D body scanners are now used in various other fields such as healthcare, 3D figurines and 3D photos, fitness, and entertainment.
To obtain a full-body 3D scan, the customer or patient holds a pose for a few seconds, which is the time it takes for the 3D scanner to capture images from all angles. The 3D software then reconstructs the final 3D model of the body by “stitching” all of the images together, generating a highly detailed 3D model. Models can have colors and textures depending on the type of body scanner.
Which 3D scanner is the best for me?
3D scanning can be used in a large variety of fields. For every application, the features necessary to generate a great 3D model are different. The 3D scanner must be chosen according to your desired use and results.
What the best 3D scanner is for you will depend on many factors, detailed below.
3D scanning field of application
The first thing to take into consideration is the field in which the 3D scanner will be used. It could be for example:
Professional use
- Small objects: dentists, jewelers, and other professionals can use 3D scanning to capture small pieces.
- Big objects: professionals such as architects and archeologists might need to 3D scan large objects such as statues, archeological fields, or buildings.
- 3D body scanning is increasingly used in various professional fields such as healthcare and 3D figurines.
Personal use
- Occasional scanning: A person might need to use 3D scanning on rare occasions or maybe just one time.
- 3D scanning on a regular basis: You can use 3D scanning for various things from making personalized objects to making a replica of yourself, friends, or family members.
Type of 3D scanned object
Dimensions and distance of the object (scan area and scanning range)
The “best 3D scanner” will depend on the dimensions and the distance of the objects you wish to 3D scan. A desktop 3D scanner can’t 3D scan a 2-meter-tall statue, and a handheld 3D scanner might not be the best option to 3D scan a very small and precise piece.
Surface of the object
Not every 3D scanner is able to capture colors. For color capture, you need a scanner with photogrammetry.
It can also be challenging to capture objects with black, shiny, or reflective surfaces. However, as 3D scanning OEMs fine-tune their technology and hardware, such surfaces are becoming less and less of a challenge. For cases where it is a challenge, it is always possible to use a white mattifying spray.
Desired resolution
Not all 3D scanners offer the same level of resolution. Therefore, depending on the quality you need, some 3D scanner models are more adapted than others. Reverse engineering requires high resolution and precision, for example.
Desktop 3D scanners
Desktop 3D scanners can be ideal for both professionals and hobbyists that need to scan small parts. They tend to be more accurate since you aren’t holding and moving the 3D scanner around yourself.
Also, many desktop 3D scanners come with (or at least optionally) an automatic turntable, which makes it much easier to get clean 3D scans.
Handheld 3D scanners
Handheld 3D scanners, a.k.a. portable 3D scanners, are versatile and can 3D scan small to very large objects. They also enable users to 3D scan hard-to-reach places. The precision and the ability to capture color and texture will depend on the 3D scanner model.
3D body scanners3D body scanners have applications in numerous fields.
- Professionals: professionals might want to 3D scan a person to make a 3D figurine, prepare for a surgical intervention, follow-up on a pregnancy or skin conditions, etc.
- Individuals: 3D body scanners can help with fitness goals and personal shape. These 3D scanners usually can’t capture color and texture but offer a high resolution.
3D scanning mobile apps
3D scanning mobile apps are ideal for occasional users that are not willing to or are unable to invest in a 3D scanner.
They are not as precise as most 3D scanners, but mobile apps are a great way to get familiar with 3D scanning.
3D scanner price
3D scanner prices can range from just several hundred dollars to over $100,000.
Desktop 3D scanner price
Desktop 3D scanner prices vary a lot from one model to another. It can start at a few hundred dollars and can top out at around $50,000 for the more advanced 3D scanners. More industrial-grade, robot-mountable scanners can cost double.
Handheld 3D scanner price
The handheld 3D scanner price range is very wide. A professional handheld 3D scanner can start at around $5,000 and can reach up to over $70,000 for very high-end and advanced 3D scanners.
There are plenty of great entry-level options for a couple of thousand dollars. Mid-range handheld 3D scanners tend to cost between $10,000 and $30,000.
Industrial 3D scanner price
Industrial 3D scanners generally offer more cutting-edge features and higher precision.
Hence, their prices can be pretty high, ranging from $10,000 for the simplest ones to more than $100,000 for the most evolved ones.
3D scanning applications
There are many reasons to buy a 3D scanner, for various industries and applications.
Reverse engineering
Reverse engineering, also known as retro-engineering, is the process of extracting information from an object or process and studying it. 3D scanners can be used to capture all the parts of a disassembled object to create a 3D model. The user will then be able to digitally study it in 3D afterward.
Jewelry
Jewelers are starting to use 3D printing and 3D scanning to build casts in order to create amazing jewels. Read more on our 3D printing and 3D scanning for jewelry page.
Dental
Dentists and dental labs are using 3D printing to build and create various dental appliances. Find more information on our 3D printing and 3D scanning for the dental industry.
Medical
3D scanners are very versatile and are used in many different ways in healthcare, from making prosthetics to studying a person’s posture. Find more information in our guide to 3D scanning and 3D printing for the medical industry.
A dental 3D scan by Pierre-Antoine.Metrology/inspection
Industries need to make sure their factories are producing perfect products that are perfectly in line with the products’ reference dimensions. 3D scanners enable professionals to efficiently measure potential discrepancies.
Figurines and 3D selfies
3D portraits or mini-me’s are increasingly popular. To make one, you scan yourself in 3D and 3D print your mini lookalike. To learn more about the subject, you can visit our 3D printed figurines, 3D selfies, and 3D portraits page.
Architecture
Architects can use 3D scanning to capture an area, building, or habitation and present it in a more efficient way to their clients.
Find more information on our 3D scanning and 3D printing for architects page.
Archeology and museums
Archaeologists, museum curators, and researchers are starting to use 3D scanning to get a better view and capture ancient pieces. To read more about this topic, you can visit our 3D printing and 3D scanning in archeology and cultural preservation page.
A dot cloud of Notre Dame. Source: engadgetOverview of 3D scanning technologies
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry consists of taking measurements from photographs to recover the exact positions of surface points.
The principle of photogrammetry is to analyze several photographs of a static subject, taken from different viewpoints, and to automatically detect pixels corresponding to the same physical point.
Photogrammetry enables scanners to capture an object’s color (a.k.a. texture). This technology also often serves to detect positioning markers (sticky targets placed on or around the object to help the scanner precisely align scans together).
Structured light
3D scanners using structured light project a series of linear light patterns onto an object.
The system is then able to examine the deformations of each line and to calculate the distance between the 3D scanner and the object’s surface. With this data, the software is able to build an accurate 3D model of the object.
Structured light 3D scanning technology. Source: Depth BiomecanicsTriangulation
A 3D scanner using triangulation technology will project a laser beam on the object’s surface and measure the deformation of the laser ray (similar to structured light, but with one or more lasers).
3D scanning laser triangulation technology. Source: NeoMetrixContact
Contact 3D scanners probe the subject via physical touch. A touch probe moves along an object’s surface to record 3D information.
For more precise and detailed explanations, you can visit our 3D scanning technologies page.
FAQ
What is the most accurate 3D scanner?
The most accurate 3D scanners are metrology 3D scanners, which generally offer an accuracy of around 20 microns.
Is a 3D scanner worth it?
This is entirely up to how much you will be using your 3D scanner. We can however say that 3D scanning is an impressive technology that does help save a lot of time for product design, reverse engineering, part inspection, and many other use cases.
How much does a good 3D scanner cost?
Again, the definition of “good” is quite subjective in 3D scanning. Some of the best 3D scanners we have reviewed cost between $10,000 and $30,000. But a $5,000 3D scanner can do “good” if its specs meet your requirements.
Is 3D scanning expensive?
Not only is 3D scanning hardware generally expensive, but so are the necessary, professional software solutions.
Sometimes, it’s a one-time fee for a permanent license; other times, a monthly or yearly subscription is the only way to access a software suite. And to run such software, you will likely require a powerful, monster of a PC with a lot of RAM and a high-end graphics card. You may also need to buy a tripod or turntable if they aren’t included in your 3D scanner package. All of this can quickly amount to several thousand dollars.
Day-to-day 3D scanning expenses can include cans of mattifying spray and rolls of adhesive markers if you need them. Other than that, aside from potential software subscriptions, there are no extra hidden costs.
Comparison table of scanners GOM
GOM is a world famous manufacturer of optical 3D scanners, metrological systems, non-destructive testing solutions. The company manufactures professional-grade equipment with incredible precision that is used in industrial, automotive, aerospace and other applications.
| ATOS Core 45 | ATOS Core 80 | ATOS Core 135 | ATOS Core 200 | ATOS Core 185 | ATOS Core 300 | ATOS Core 500 | |
| Light source | Blue LED | Scan technology | Optical | ||||
| Precision | 0. 0026 mm | 0.0030 mm | 0.0040 mm | 0.0050 mm | 0.0060 mm | 0.0130 mm | |
| Scan area | 45 x 30 mm | 80 x 60 mm | 135 x 100 mm | 200 x 150 mm | 185 x 140 mm | 300 x 230 mm | 500 x 380 mm |
| Working distance | 170 mm | 250 mm | 440 mm | ||||
| Operating system | Windows | ||||||
| Output file formats | CATIA V4, CATIA V5, PRO/E, NX Unigraphics, IGES, STEP, JT-Open, Parasolid, ASCII, CSV, FTA | ||||||
| Software | GOM Scan, ATOS Professional | ||||||
| Weight | 2. 1 kg | 2.9 kg | |||||
| Power supply | 220V~ | ||||||
| Scan unit size | 206 x 205 x 64 mm | 361 x 205 x 64 mm | |||||
| ATOS 5 150 (8 MP) | ATOS 5 320 (8 MP) | ATOS 5 500 (8 MP) | ATOS 5 700 (8 MP) | ATOS 5 1000 (8 MP) | ATOS 5 150 (12 MP) | ATOS 5 320 (12 MP) | ATOS 5 500 (12 MP) | ATOS 5 700 (12 MP) | ATOS 5 1000 (12 MP) | |
| Light source | Blue LED | Scan technology | Optical | |||||||
| Precision | 0. | 0.005 mm | 0.007 mm | 0.008 mm | 0.010 mm | 0.004 mm | 0.005 mm | 0.007 mm | 0.008 mm | 0.010 mm |
| Scan area | 170 x 130 x 130 mm | 320 x 240 x 240 mm | 500 x 370 x 370 mm | 700 x 530 x 520 mm | 1000 x 750 x 750 mm | 170 x 130 x 130 mm | 320 x 240 x 240 mm | 500 x 370 x 370 mm | 700 x 530 x 520 mm | 1000 x 750 x 750 mm |
| Working distance | 880 mm | |||||||||
| Operating system | Windows | |||||||||
| Output file formats | CATIA V4, CATIA V5, PRO/E, NX Unigraphics, IGES, STEP, JT-Open, Parasolid, ASCII, CSV, FTA | |||||||||
| Software | GOM Scan, ATOS Professional | |||||||||
| Weight | 15 kg | |||||||||
| Power supply | 230V~ | |||||||||
| Scan unit size | 550 x 320 x 200 mm | |||||||||
| ATOS 5X 320 | ATOS 5X 500 | ATOS 5X 700 | ATOS 5X 1000 | |
| Light source | Blue LED | Scan technology | Optical | |
| Precision | 0. | 0.007 mm | 0.008 mm | 0.010 mm |
| Scan area | 320 x 240 x 240 mm | 500 x 370 x 370 mm | 700 x 530 x 520 mm | 1000 x 750 x 750 mm |
| Working distance | 880 mm | |||
| Operating system | Windows | |||
| Output file formats | CATIA V4, CATIA V5, PRO/E, NX Unigraphics, IGES, STEP, JT-Open, Parasolid, ASCII, CSV, FTA | |||
| Software | GOM Scan, ATOS Professional | |||
| Weight | 5 kg | |||
| Power supply | 230V~ | |||
| Scan unit size | 550 × 320 × 200 mm | |||
| ATOS Capsule 40 | ATOS Capsule 70 | ATOS Capsule 120 | ATOS Capsule 200 | ATOS Capsule 320 | |
| Light source | Blue LED | Scan technology | Optical | ||
| Precision | 0. | 0.003 mm | 0.06 mm | ||
| Scan area | 40 x 30 x 15 mm | 70 x 50 x 40 mm | 120 x 80 x 40 mm | 200 x 140 x 140 mm | 320 x 240 x 230 mm |
| Working distance | 290 mm | ||||
| Operating system | Windows | ||||
| Output file formats | CATIA V4, CATIA V5, PRO/E, NX Unigraphics, IGES, STEP, JT-Open, Parasolid, ASCII, CSV, FTA | ||||
| Software | GOM Scan, ATOS Professional | ||||
| Weight | 7 kg | ||||
| Power supply | 230 V~ | ||||
| Scan unit size | 310x240x150 mm | 310x220x150 mm | |||
| ATOS Q 8M | ATOS Q 12M | ATOS Compact Scan 2M | ATOS Compact Scan 5M | ||
| Light source | Blue LED | Scan technology | Optical | ||
| Camera resolution | 8 MP | 12 MP | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| Precision | 0. | 0.003-0.006 mm | 0.003-0.026 mm | 0.003-0.026 mm | |
| Scan area | From 170 x 130 x 130 mm to 500 x 370 x 320 mm | From 170 x 130 x 130 mm to 500 x 370 x 320 mm | From 40 x 30 x 15 mm to 1200 x 900 x 900 mm | From 40 x 30 x 15 mm to 1200 x 900 x 900 mm | |
| Working distance | 490 mm | 490 mm | 420 - 1170 mm | 490 - 1170 mm | |
| Operating system | Windows 10 | ||||
| Output file formats | CATIA V4, CATIA V5, PRO/E, NX Unigraphics, IGES, STEP, JT-Open, Parasolid, ASCII, CSV, FTA | ||||
| Software | ATOS Professional | ||||
| Weight | 4 kg | 4 kg | 4 kg | 4 kg | |
| Operating temperature | - | 5 - 40°C | |||
| Power supply | 230V~ | ||||
| Scan unit size | 340 x 240 x 83 mm | 340 x 130 x 230 mm | |||
Comparison table of Artec
3D scanners-
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Start-up, setup, training
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Home Useful Articles Artec 3D Scanner Comparison Chart
Compare the specifications of different models and order the scanner that best suits your needs.
| Features | |||||
| Artec™ L | Artec™ M | Artec™ MH | Artec™ MHT | Artec™ S | |
| 3D resolution, up to | 1. | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.2 mm |
| Point accuracy, up to | 0.2 mm | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Volumetric accuracy | 0.15% over 1000 mm | ||||
| Light source | flash (not laser) | ||||
| Working area, H×W close range | 598×459 mm | 214×148 mm | 214×148 mm | 80×56 mm | |
| Working area, H×W long range | 1196×918 mm | 536×371 mm | 536×371 mm | 134×93 mm | |
| Camera field of view, H×W | 41×32° | 30×21° | 30×21° | 30×21° | |
| Working distance | 0. | 0.4 - 1 m | 0.4 - 1 m | 0.15 - 0.25 m | |
| Frame rate, up to | 15 k/s | ||||
| Extract | 0.0002 s | ||||
| Acquisition rate, up to | 500,000 t/s | ||||
| Calibration | less than 1 min, no special equipment required | ||||
| Data format | OBJ, STL, PLY, WRML, ASCII, AOP | ||||
| Processing speed | 40,000,000 triangular/1GB RAM | ||||
| Dimensions, H×L×W | 353×114×70 | 266×114×70 | 180×187×260 | 180×187×260 | 125×195×80 |
| Weight | 2. | ||||
