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Cheap 3d scanners for sale


10 Best Cheap 3D Scanners in 2022 (That Work Well)

So you’re interested in getting into 3D scanning? First thing you’ll need: a 3D scanner. You could also make your own DIY 3D scanner, but this requires time, effort and skill, and many would prefer to buy their own affordable 3D scanner online and save the hassle.

But, you also don’t want to break the bank.

You don’t need a $20,000 professional piece of kit designed for precise prototypes and industry, you just want an easy-to-use, accurate and affordable 3D scanner you can use to scan your favorite miniatures and other fun designs, or even to scan you and your friends/family’s faces to 3D print them!

So, we’ve put together the absolute top picks for low-cost 3D scanners that still work great, from the lowest price range of $150 (though you have to build most of it yourself), to the $500-ish price range we recommend to get a good quality scanner – our Revopoint POP scanner is this price and we’re very happy with it – and also some more premium options for precise detail scanning.

What Makes a Good Cheap 3D Scanner?

  • Price-performance ratio — offering bang for their buck
  • Accuracy and resolution
  • Versatility — are they portable, and can they be used both handheld and stationary?
  • Ease of use — from simple setup, to software compatibility

BUDGET PICK

Revopoint POP

Has a grip for holding it to scan people/bodies, and turnstile and stationary object scanning

0.3mm accuracy and 8fps scanning

Available Revopoint here

MID-RANGE PICK

Matter & Form V2

Accurate 0.1mm scan quality

Powerful stationary scanner for intricate 25x18cm objects

Available At matterhackers here Amazon here

PREMIUM PICK

Shining 3D EinScan SE

“Cheapest professional-level 3D scanner”

Scans 70x70x70cm objects to 0. 1mm scan accuracy and can rotate objects

Available AT Dynamism here Amazon here

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Name and brandType of 3D scannerPriceBest price available at:
Revopoint POPStationary/Handheld$500Revopoint 3D here
BQ CiclopLaser triangulationaround $165Amazon here
XYZ 1.0 ProLow cost handheld 3D scanner$445Amazon here
Revopoint POP 2Stationary/Handheld/Color$699Revopoint 3D here
Sol 3D scannerLaser triangulation$799Amazon here
Matter & Form V2Desktop 3D scanner$749Amazon here
Shining 3D Einscan SEStationary 3D scanner$1,199Amazon here
Scantech iReal 2EHandheld 3D scanner$3,980Scantech site
Shining 3D Einscan SPStationary 3D scanner$2,599Amazon here

Cheap 3D Scanners Under $500

Revopoint POP – Best Cheap 3D Scanner

  • Price: around $500 — Available at Revopoint store here
  • Resolution: 0. 3 mm
  • Max Scan Volume: 210 x 130 mm
  • Technology: Structured light & infrared scanning
  • Speed/Frame Rate: 8fps

The Revopoint POP is one of the best low-cost 3D scanners around, with a single frame accuracy of up to 0.3mm, and the versatility to be used portably to scan faces, bodies and animals, as well as a stationary scanner for sculptures, prototypes and other objects.

Weighing just 200g, it’s portable and light, and can easily fit into any backpack or transporting equipment you have.

Whether you use iOS or Android, MacOS or Windows, it’s compatible with your smartphone, tablet or laptop, and connects seamlessly via USB to scan and export — and can export in STL, OBJ or PLY file formats. It comes with cables to connect to PC or Mac, as well as a portable stick that connects to your smartphone for previewing your scans in handheld mode.

For scanning faces, the infrared sensors (similar to more expensive 3D scanners like the Einscan H) makes for a zero-glare solution that doesn’t hurt your eyes, and helps with scanning darker features (though dark hair will still be a problem).  

The entire kit includes a smartphone rig, mount and grip, LED light to support scanning, mini tripod, and a turntable for scanning stationary objects. Revopoint bundle the POP 3D scanner with their own software for editing and optimizing your scans, including multiple continuous splicing, making it a great all-around affordable 3D scanner workflow.

Read more: Revopoint POP 2 3D scanner review

BQ Ciclop — Great Cheap 3D Scanner Under $200

  • Resolution: 0.5mm
  • Price: around $150 — Available on Amazon here
  • Scan time: 2-8 mins
  • Maximum scan volume: 200 x 200 x 205 mm

Most 3D printing experts will know of BQ’s 3D printer range. In addition to their printers, BQ also designed the Ciclop, an affordable 3D scanner that’s completely open-source. You can either build it yourself at home if you prefer a DIY project, or buy it pre-assembled online.

This nifty budget 3D scanner has a good scanning volume — up to 250 x 205 mm — so it’s no slouch for the price. It utilizes laser triangulation technology, so you don’t need to hold the scanner and move it around the object.

And since it’s open-source, you can modify it however you want — following the RepRap 3D printer philosophy. It’s a great cheap laser scanner, and one of the best value 3D scanners out there.

In terms of specs, it’s actually very good for the price — with resolutions between 0.3-0.5mm. You can easily scan to a free 3D software tool (the BQ Ciclop comes with Horus) via Bluetooth or USB, though experienced makers may prefer to work in a more professional 3D software package.

Overall, the BQ Ciclop is a plucky, low-cost 3D scanner that’s great for new makers looking to get 3D scanning. One drawback is that it isn’t the easiest 3D scanner to assemble, so less experienced DIY-ers may opt to buy it pre-assembled online.

XYZprinting Handheld 2.

0
  • Price – Check price on Amazon here
  • Resolution: 0.2 mm – 1.5 mm
  • Max Scan Volume: 100 x 100 x 200 cm
  • Technology: Stereo imaging
  • Speed/Frame Rate: 40 fps

Building on the success of its first low-cost 3D scanner, XYZ is back with the new XYZprinting 3D Scanner 2.0, promising, rather grandly, 3D scanning for a new frontier. Much of the focus here is on wiping out the reliability issues of the original while also increasing the resolution substantially.

Powered by an Intel RealSense module, the XYZprinting 3D Scanner 2.0 leans on portability, fast scanning, and greater detail as its chief attributes. It employs two cameras equipped with stereo imaging technology to measure the depth, shape, and size of objects.

Housed in a light and compact shell (itself designed to fit comfortably in the hand or clip onto a laptop or PC screen) weighing a feathery 382 g are some impressive specifications. It features full-color scanning at up to 1920 x 1080p at 40 FPS and 640 x 480 at 30 FPS depth imaging. 

Resolution sits at a decent 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, far better than the original’s 1.0 to 2.5 mm. It has a 25-60 cm operating range and a scanning distance of 20-120 cm. Alongside it boasts a max scan size of 100 x 100 x 200 cm for quick scanning of relatively large objects or bodies.

Firing up the XYZprinting 3D Scanner 2.0 gives you three modes: one tuned to capture objects, one optimized for headshots and portraits, and the last designed for full-body scans. Scanning is the usual process of capturing an object from multiple angles. The scanner then creates a digital mesh model replica, exportable to STL, OBJ, PLY, and FBX file formats.

Overall, the XYZprinting Handheld 2.0 punches above its price point and is a sound investment for those that need an affordable 3D scanner. The only negative is that the scanner is tethered to a USB cable, which detracts a little from its overall portability as you’ll always need a computer to scan objects.

Low Cost 3D Scanners ($500+)

Revopoint POP 2 – Best Under $1000

  • Price: $699 — Available at Revopoint Official store here
  • Precision: 0.05 mm
  • Scan Speed: 10 FPS
  • Minimum Scan Volume: 20 x 20 x 20 mm
  • Single Capture Range: 210 x 130 mm
  • Working Distance: 150 – 400 mm
  • Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy: 0.15 mm

We already feature the Revopoint POP on our affordable 3D scanner review, but the newer upgraded version, the POP 2, improves in almost every area.

It’s one of the best, if not the best 3D scanner under a thousand dollars, and works superbly for stationary scanning (it comes with a movable turntable to scan all sides), handheld scanning of objects, faces, bodies and more, as well as accurate color scanning.

Scanning a toy with the Revopoint POP 2 using the “fill holes” setting (often leave it off and sort any errors in post). However, you can’t scan black or shiny features unless you spray them to become visible to the camera.

If budget is important, then the standard POP is fine. But, if you want that extra quality, the POP 2 offers up to 0.05mm precision (vs 0.3mm for the POP), a faster 10fps scan speed (vs 8fps on the POP), and it can scan smaller parts, starting at 20mm³ vs the original POP’s 30mm³.During our test and review, the calibration showed an accuracy of around 0.07mm.

It scanned color images well when we tested it on some kids toys and a multi-color Rubik’s cube, and scanned faces accurately (but don’t select the “fill holes” setting as it will create deformed faces by creating a mesh cloud that includes background noise).

Overall, it’s probably the best cheap 3D scanners around – standard scanning, face scanning, color, or entire body scanning, it’s good for all uses.

Color scanning and editing test.

Read the full review: Revopoint POP 2 hands-on test and review

Compare: Revopoint POP vs POP 2 and MINI

Sol 3D scanner — Low cost laser scanner

  • Price: $799 — Available on Amazon here
  • Resolution: up to 0. 1 mm
  • Scan volume: up to 170 x 170 mm
  • Scan speed: 10 min in Turbo mode, 20 min normally

Costing under $1,000, the Sol 3D scanner is an affordable laser scanner capable of scanning small and medium-sized objects with strong accuracy. For small parts or objects, it has a specialized Near Mode option, and for larger objects, you can use Far Mode.

Specialized 3D scanning software comes with the Sol scanner, easily enabling you to export object scans in either STL or any other file formats, for either 3D printing in a 3D slicer, or importing into a 3D CAD software tool for editing and optimizing.

The scanner is positioned towards hobbyists as well as entrepreneurs looking to expand their product range presentation.

With Facebook now letting anyone upload 360-degree images of their products that customers and fans can view, it has never been more important to have 3D scans of your best-sellers, with the Sol perfectly suited for this.

Overall, it’s a great low cost 3D scanner for effective scanning of small and medium objects.

Matter & Form V2 3D Scanner

  • Price: $749 — Available on Amazon worldwide here / Available on Matterhackers here
  • Scan volume: 250 x 180 mm
  • Accuracy: within 0.1 mm
  • Scan speed: up to 65 seconds
The Matter and Form scanner is ideal for stationary objects, such as this vase.

Featuring very accurate scanning at up to 0.1mm due to its 2 lasers and HD-CMOS sensor, the Matter & Form V2 is up there as the most precise cheap 3D scanner under $1,000.

Like many of these desktop 3D scanners, the Matter & Form comes with its own 3D software tool for editing and transferring files, and comes with Mfstudio and Quickscan for fast 65-second scanning.

If you’re looking to 3D print your scans, you can seamlessly import them into your 3D printer software and either print remotely via WiFi, or slice and export to a USB or SD card.

The only thing that may rule it out for some people is its relatively small maximum scanning size. Because it sits stationary when scanning, it can only scan objects that fit on its scanning platform (up to 25cm tall and 18cm diameter), so those who plan on scanning people or larger objects will prefer a handheld scanner instead.

Apart from that, it’s a fantastic, very precise 3D scanner perfect for scanning intricate, small objects.

Shining 3D EinScan-SE — Best value 3D scanner

  • Price: $1,199 — Available on Amazon worldwide here / Available on Dynamism Store here
  • Scan accuracy: a single shot is within 0.1 mm
  • Scan range: single scan – 200 x 150 mm / maximum scan range – 700 x 700 mm
  • Scan speed: a single shot under 8 seconds

Proclaimed the “cheapest professional level 3D scanner” by Shining 3D, their EinScan SE model is their entry-level 3D scanner. Some of their other scanners, for example the Einscan Pro 2X can cost upwards of $7,000, though just because it’s their cheapest scanner doesn’t mean the EinScan SE isn’t impressive.

It can scan up to 70 x 70 x 70 cm, which should be enough for your printing needs unless you’re scanning entire cars, or people. Moreover, it’s accurate to 0.1mm so scan quality will absolutely not be a problem.

You can either have the object being scanned rotate, or do so yourself, the EinScan-SE supports a variety of options. Overall, it’s impressive for the price and a very strong 3D scanner.

iPhone With LiDAR Scanner

  • Price: Check price on Amazon here
  • Technology: LiDAR sensor
  • Compatible Devices: iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPad Pro

You may already have one of the best cheap 3D scanners in your pocket right now – an iPhone. The latest additions to Apple’s iPhone lineup, namely the iPhone 12 and 13 Pro family, along with the iPad Pro, feature a LiDAR sensor integrated into the camera assembly.

Light Detection And Ranging, or in simple terms, 3D laser scanning, beams light onto an object and then measures the time it takes for the light to reach back to the sensor to capture the size, shape, and other characteristics. It does not just scan objects but also 3D spaces.

The sensor is chiefly equipped to boost the iPhone’s ability to capture crisp and clear images in less than ideal light conditions, but when paired with an appropriate app becomes a decent 3D scanner. The results aren’t quite on par with what you’d get with a dedicated 3D scanner, but they aren’t half bad for a device with a cheap LiDAR scanner you likely already own.

A growing number of apps make full use of the iPhone LiDAR sensor to scan and create 3D models, ready for export in various popular formats, which you can then edit in CAD software. Apps like Canvas, 3D Scanner, and Polycam are excellent starting points. Most are free, too, meaning you can 3D scan for no extra cost if you’re already the owner of one of the latest iPhones.

iReal 2E color 3D scanner

  • Price: $3,980 – More info at Scantech store here
  • Resolution: up to 0.2 mm
  • Accuracy: up to 0. 1 mm
  • Weight: 850g

While not as cheap as some other options, Scantech’s iReal 2E is one of the most cost-effective professional handheld color 3D scanners on the market, capable of extraordinary accuracy and precise 3D object scans.

It’s specially designed for 3D scanning medium and large objects and human body scanning, equipped with four scanning modes: features, texture, markers, and mixed, giving you great flexibility for scanning different types of objects.

It features a large 580 x 550 mm field of view making it easy for beginners to operate, and a long 280 – 1000 mm scanning distance, ideal for larger items that lower-cost 3D scanners simply can’t manage.

Additionally, the iReal 2E color 3D scanner adopts infrared structured light technologies, with key advantages across invisible light scanning, environment/material adaptability (such as performing well on human hair, dark objects or under strong sunlight), and so many more.

Above all, if you are looking for a reasonably priced 3D scanner that can handle professional applications, this could be perfect for you.

It’s powerful and with the scanning modes and large field of view, it’s also very versatile. The iReal 2E is particularly useful for:

  • Human body modeling — customization and re-creation of artistic portraits, film, video, game, VR, AR and other CG character modeling, medical rehabilitation, human body parts customization
  • Art and design — medium and large-sized sculptures, cultural relics, college art training, clothing design, creative design, and derivative product development, etc
  • Reverse engineering — castings, forgings, sanitary ware and other products with low precision requirements
  • 3D printing

Shining 3D EinScan-SP

  • Price: $2,599 — Available on Amazon worldwide here / Available on Dynamism Store here
  • Scan range: single scan – 200 x 150 mm / max scan range – 1200mm³
  • Accuracy: single-shot accuracy under 0. 05 mm
  • Speed: single shot speed of under 4 seconds

Having included the EinScan-SE, we had to also include its bigger brother, the EinScan-SP, as they’re both such standout 3D scanners. It’s not as cheap, and in fact, $2,500 is a lot of money, but compared to some industrial 3D scanners that can cost $50,000 plus, it’s comparatively inexpensive!

Whereas the EinScan-SE is accurate to 0.1mm, the SP is accurate to 0.05mm, an astonishing level of precision. This will result in clean, accurate and crisp 3D scans that can in turn be made into stunning 3D prints.

Additionally, it can scan larger objects, up to 120 x 120 x 120 cm, so unless you need to scan entire rooms or cars, you should definitely have enough space with the EinScan-SP.

What Makes A Good Cheap 3D Scanner – Buyer’s Guide

Portable

A handheld and portable cheap 3D scanner allows for more freedom of movement to capture scans of all shapes and sizes, even those located in hard-to-reach places. Better yet, a scanner that works in both stationary and handheld modes offers the best of both worlds. Furthermore, portability usually means lightweight, making scanning more manageable and less of a strain when capturing an object from multiple angles.

Resolution

Resolution determines the quality of the 3D model obtained after scanning an object. Around 1 mm to 2 mm is a good starting point, but go lower if possible; ideally, about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm to give you the best possible results on a budget. You’ll find cheap 3D scanners like the Matter & Form V2 3D Scanner drop to as low as 0.1 mm, but these tend to carry a higher price tag.

Scan Volume

This determines the size of the maximum scannable area you can capture in one go. Lean towards cheap 3D scanners with large scan volumes if you plan to make full-body scans as these reduce the number of angles you’ll need for a complete scan.

Ease of Use

Though the technology behind 3D scanners is relatively complex, the actual scanning process doesn’t have to be. Look for scanners with one-touch scanning, multiple optimized modes, and user-friendly accompanying software.

Export File Formats

A good cheap 3D scanner needs to offer the ability to export scans to file formats that will be useful to you and compatible with CAD software. STL, OBJ, and PLY are generally available on most budget 3D scanners but check beforehand if you need a less standard format.

What You Can Do With a Cheap 3D Scanner – Uses and Applications

  • Education and Schools – For developing 3D CAD modeling skills, design lessons, and general STEM education.
  • 3D Printing – Scan real-world objects and convert them into 3D printed objects. Especially useful for those that don’t want to create 3D models from scratch in CAD software.
  • Design – Rough, rapid prototypes based on real-world objects.
  • 3D Room Scans – Renovation, digital real estate house viewings, interior design.
  • AR and Animation – game development, app development, digital art.

FAQ

Which Is the Best Cheap 3D Scanner?

Revopoint POP is one of the most versatile cheap 3D scanners, thanks to both stationary and handheld modes, along with the tripod and turntable that ships alongside the scanner.

Among the best cheap stationary 3D scanners for objects, the Matter & Form V2 3D Scanner is a solid option offering high-quality scans thanks to an excellent 0.1 mm accuracy and fast scan speeds.

If you’re looking for pure value and the lowest price, nothing beats the cost-effective offering of the BQ Ciclop.

Lastly, if you need a scanner capable of higher quality results, the Shining 3D EinScan-SE is a value-packed professional 3D scanner at a mid-range price.

Who Makes the Best Low-Cost 3D Scanners? 

Shining 3D is among the best 3D scanner manufacturers, as exemplified by the excellent EinScan-SE. If we drop in price, Revopoint’s versatile POP 3D scanner is largely unmatched when it comes to bundling a broad range of scan options into a lightweight, compact, and affordable device. Also worthy of mention is XYZprinting and their 3D scanner range, notably the refreshed and updated XYZprinting Handheld 2.0, which offers excellent resolution at a great price.

Other articles you may be interested in:

  • Professional 3D scanners buyer’s guide
  • DIY 3D scanner kits you can build at home
  • The best 3D scanners – ranked
  • Top 3D scanner apps (for iOS and Android)

3D Scanners: What Are the Best Available Low-Cost Solutions?

Published on July 16, 2022 by Carlota V.

3D scanning is often used in the additive manufacturing (AM) sector to design a 3D model more easily than via modeling software. It captures data that is then transformed into a 3D model which can then be 3D printed. 3D scanners are based on two main technologies – laser triangulation and structured light – which will allow to obtain more or less precise details depending on the chosen device. Several affordable solutions, compared to professional scanners which are much more expensive, are available today to allow many users to bring their projects to life: whether you are a maker, a teacher or an industry leader, on of these low cost 3D scanners is bound to suit your needs! Easy to handle and transport, we have chosen some 3D scanners under $8,000 (€7,000), sorted by increasing price.

3D Scanner 2.0 from XYZprinting

Taiwanese manufacturer, XYZprinting, currently offers 5 scanners, though today we will focus on one of their more low-cost 3D scanners, the portable and high-resolution 3D Scanner 2.0. With a wider scanning range than its younger sibling the 1.0 A, the scanner can scan objects that are 5 x 5 x 5 ~ 100 x 100 x 200 cm using an Intel® RealSense™ Camera. The scan resolution is also superior to the 1.0A,  between 0.2 and 1.5 mm with an operating range ranging from 25 to 60 cm. The manufacturer also provides XYZScan Handy, a scanning and post-editing software to edit your models after scanning. The product is lightweight measuring 41 x 157 x 61 mm with a weight of 238 g. It is available from €199.

Structure Sensor from Occipital

The Structure Sensor solution adds precise 3D vision to your mobile device, enabling 3D scanning among other features. The only equipment you will need for this 3D scanner to work is an iPad, then once you have downloaded the app Skanect Pro, it will work instantly.

The new version of this device is smaller than the last, 109mm x 18mm x 24mm, and weighs about 65 g. It is recommended to use it on a 0.3 m to 5m scanning range. Some other features on this device include indoor mapping and virtual reality gaming! The Structure Sensor retails for $527, making it a low-cost scanner when compared to many other options.

POP 3D Scanner from Revopoint

The Revopoint POP is unique among 3D scanners as it has the distinction of being part of the highest crowdfunded campaign for a 3D scanner in Kickstarter, raising more than $2.28 million USD. It was developed by Revopoint, a company founded in 2014 by a group of young doctors and researchers from MIT, Kent University and other higher education institutions when they decided to focus on developing easy-to-use and cost-effective 3D scanners. It is safe to say that they certainly succeeded with their POP 3D scanner.
A binocular structured light 3D scanner that uses infrared as its light source, the Revopoint POP is a full-color scanner with an accuracy of up to 0. 3mm, texture scan and an 8Fps scanning speed. It has a number of interesting features, including the fact that it is easy to use outdoors because of it’s portable and can be powered by a power bank. With a cost of the scanner of only $549 in USA and about $599 in Europe, it is one of the most affordable options on our list, all while still being an effective, precise, high-resolution scanner. Not to mention, it can be used by a variety of users, as it supports four OS platforms – Windows, Android, Mac and iOS.

Creality CR-Scan 01

Known for its affordable desktop 3D printers, manufacturer Creality has also developed a low-cost 3D scanner, the CR-Scan 01.  Weighing only 1.91 kilos, this portable scanner is easy to handle and offers a scanning area of 536 x 378 mm. You will be able to scan your objects with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm and export them in stl or obj format. Several scanning modes are offered, either manual or on a turntable.  It is currently available from 589 €.

SOL 3D Scanner from Scan Dimension

This scanner was developed by Scan Dimension, based in Denmark, and is essentially a hybrid solution. It uses a combination of laser triangulation and white light technology to 3D scan real-life objects. The SOL 3D scanner can provide a resolution of up to 0.1 mm. The 3D scanning process is automated and you can choose between a near and far scanning mode. 

The SOL 3D scanner also includes software to simplify your entire workflow. In a few steps you will be sending your 3D model to your 3D printer. This is a solution meant for makers, hobbyists, educators and entrepreneurs who may not have the most experience with 3D scanners but still want to achieve great results with a relatively low cost. The SOL 3D scanner retails for $699. 

V2 from Matter & Form

The Matter and Form 3D Scanner V2 is a desktop 3D scanning solution manufactured by Matter & Form, a company founded in 2013. This company has made it its mission to develop and distribute affordable, high-resolution 3D scanners. With the V2, it has achieved that mission: the 3D scanner is available from $750 and is capable of producing high-quality scans with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm. It weighs 1.71 kilograms (3.77 lbs) and has a height of 35.5 cm (13.5 in) and a width of 21 cm (8.25 in). The slim and foldable design allows the device to fit on small desks. The V2 allows scanning of objects with a maximum height of 25 cm (9.8 in) and a diameter of 18 cm (7.0 in). Windows and Mac scan files are supported, with multiple export options for 3D printing as well.

RangeVision NEO

The NEO 3D scanner from the manufacturer RangeVision is an entry-level device with two 2-megapixel cameras, which works using Structured Light Scanning (SLS) technology. With an automatic scan mode, the scanner is suitable for all those who have little experience in digitizing objects. The SLS-3D scanner can capture objects from 30mm to 1200mm with a precision of 0.05mm, with 3D scans created using RangeVision software. Also included is a turntable and tripod, which make scanning easier for the user. According to the manufacturer, the NEO’s scans are suitable for reverse engineering, 3D modeling, historic preservation and, of course, 3D printing. The RangeVision NEO is available from around €2,190, making it one of the few low cost desktop 3D scanners available.

Calibry, the low-cost 3D scanner, from Thor3D

Thor3D is a Russian manufacturer that is behind the Calibry portable 3D scanner. Based on structured light technology, it integrates a touch screen so that the user can follow the points it captures in real time. It offers accuracy down to 0.1 mm and is capable of scanning objects from 30 cm to 10 meters long. Black and glossy surfaces can be easily scanned and exported in stl, obj, ply or WRML formats. Finally, the Calibry is fast and convenient, capable of scanning up to 3 million points per second and weighing only 900 grams. It is available from 4,990 euros.

EINSCAN H from Shining 3D

The EinScan H is one of the most advanced versions of portable 3D scanners developed by the Chinese manufacturer Shining3D. Based on the hybrid structure light technology of LED and invisible infrared light, the EinScan H is able to perform human face scans more comfortably and without emitting strong light. It also incorporates a full-color camera and a large field of view for a truly impressive final quality of the models, ready for processing in just a few minutes. Its high resolution of 0.25 mm and data accuracy down to 0.05 mm make this a good choice in the market considering the price/performance ratio. In addition, it stands out for its light weight of almost 700g and intuitive user interface. The base price of this model is $5000 and you can get more information on the manufacturer’s website.

 

Eva Lite from Artec 3D

Artec 3D, based in Luxembourg, offers the Eva Lite as its cheapest option for 3D scanning. This professional scanner is specialized in the digitization of complex geometries, such as the human body, and is therefore increasingly used in the medical field. It works on the basis of structured light technology and, although it does not have the ability to capture colours and textures like most scanners of the brand, it has an accuracy of 0.5 mm.

This 3D scanner works with the software package Artec Studio. Artec Studio is a powerful tool for an optimized 3D scanning process. This software is able to perform, assemble and repair 3D scans. It is currently available at a price of $9,800. You can find more information HERE. 

Any other low cost 3D printing scanners you think should be on this list? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! And remember to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, to get all the latest news in 3D printing send straight to your inbox! For more 3Dnatives articles about 3D scanners, click HERE.

Top Ten 3D Scanners from $100 to $100,000 / Sudo Null IT News There are several ways for you: you can of course create your 3D model from scratch in a 3D modeling program or find a suitable one on the Internet, but you can also scan an existing object! The purpose of this review is to help you understand the variety of 3D scanners available and offer the best in every price segment from a photogrammetric smartphone app to professional 3D scanners.

Scanners are listed in ascending price order so you can choose the one that suits your budget and use the resulting 3D models for both 3D printing and animation.

If you are not satisfied with the proposed solutions, there is an extended overview at this link.


3D scanner in hand:

1. Best smartphone app: Autodesk 123D Catch (free)

Autodesk 123D Catch is a free photogrammetric application. It allows you to create a 3D model from photographs of an object taken from different angles. You can use it to scan objects, people, and even the landscape. For some applications, if you don't need perfect accuracy, you don't need special equipment. This application actually provides quite good detail and is easy to use. However, it will take you at least 30 minutes for the app to process your photos as the processing takes place on the server and it takes time to send them.

2. Best DIY 3D Scanner: Kinect ($99.99)

The Xbox Kinect is designed to expand your gaming experience. It is not designed for 3D scanning, but you can easily find manuals and third party software (like ReconstructMe) to turn it into a 3D scanner. If your arms are growing out of your shoulders, this is an interesting and inexpensive solution for 3D scanning.

Price: $99.99
Resolution: 0.051mm

)

This scanner can be attached to your tablet or phone (generally designed for iPad, but can be adapted to other devices). Lightweight and easy to use, with a very good resolution. Suitable for large items (can scan a full-length person) and outdoor scanning. You will be able to use it with software running on Occipital's SDK. This will increase the resolution and give you access to special features like room scanning. It probably won't be something you'll use for 3D printing, but it's interesting for game development, for example.

Price: $ 379
Resolution up to: 0.5 mm
accuracy to: 4 mm

4. The best of cheap manual 3D scanners: Cubife ($ 399)

3D 3D-scanners can be quite affordable and easy to use if you choose from inexpensive portable models. Cubify fits these criteria very well and has a relatively good resolution. But still, its capabilities are not enough for texture scanning and it is better to use it for subsequent 3D printing of one-color models.

Price: $ 399
Resolution: 0. 9 mm
Resolution at a distance of 0.5 m: 1 mm

3D scanner on the table:

5. Best and cheapest table 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D 3D- Scanner: Matter and Form ($519)

If you're looking to take your quality to the next level, you can purchase a desktop 3D scanner. This model is compact, easy to use, and delivers good resolution, especially considering the price (not your go-to option if you're looking for perfection, but great for educational and demo purposes). The scanning process takes place with the help of a laser and a rotating platform. The scan takes about five minutes and simultaneously reads the texture of the object.

Price: $ 519
Resolution: 0.43 mm
accuracy: ± 0.25 mm

6. The best device "two in one": XYZPRINTING DA VINCI 1.0 ($ 600)

is inexpensive combines a 3D scanner and a 3D printer. The quality of the models is not too high, but the price is very low for such a combined device. This makes the XYZprinting Da Vinci the easiest solution for beginners who want to get into the world of 3D scanning-printing.


Professional 3D scanners:

7. Best value for money portable 3D scanner: Fuel3D Scanify ($1490)
Very easy to use, intuitive, and feels good in the hand, this scanner delivers good accuracy and texture quality. The only limitation is that the size of the scanned area is limited, which is great for small objects, but for scanning a full-length person, for example, it will not work.

Price: $ 1490
Resolution: 0.35 mm
accuracy: to 0.3 mm

8. Best price The scanner uses a different scanning technology than others. Instead of a dual laser scanning system, it uses a structured light source and cameras for fast scanning with very fine detail down to 0.06mm! The scanner comes with DAVID Pro Edition 3 software that works with OBJ, STL and PLY 3D file formats that can be exported to other programs for further editing.

Price: $ 3995
Resolution: 0.06 mm
accuracy: 0.5% of the size of the object

9. The best table professional 3D-scanner: SolutionIX REXCAN 4 ($ 79 900)

The 3D scanner and its price provides much better scanning quality. Solutionix Rexcan is equipped with two cameras for greater accuracy. It uses optical phase shift triangulation technology and two high-resolution CCD cameras to provide high-precision data. The scanner can be used to scan larger objects by increasing productivity with a photogrammetric system. As an option, it can be equipped with an automatically rotating platform capable of supporting up to 50 kg of weight.

Price: $ 79 900
accuracy: from 0.03 to 0.71 mm

10. Best professional manual 3D scanner: Metrascan 750 ($ 50,000 - $ 100,000)

Creaform Metrascan 750 is a complete professional, production solution for accurate 3D scanning. It is light, accurate, fast, and scans objects of any surface quality, with any texture with excellent accuracy.

Price: $79900
Resolution: 0.050 mm
Accuracy: Up to 0.03 mm

We hope this was a useful read and you found a 3D scanning solution suitable for your needs and your budget! If you want to learn more about photogrammetry, you can read this article.

Good luck with your 3D scanning!

3D scanning at home. Cheaper and easier than ever!

In the world of 3D technology, scanning is the yin to the yang of 3D printing. While a printer turns computer models into real things, a scanner turns real things into computer models. Along with sketch-based modeling, 3D scanning - in which a real part is scanned into a model in a computer - is another technology for preparing prototypes for subsequent printing.

Advanced 3D scanners are available, but they can be quite expensive and sometimes even more expensive than professional 3D printers.

Fortunately, today there are home 3D scanners that can be used to achieve outstanding results. Today, there are three scanning methods: laser line scanning, structured-illuminated scanning, and image-scanning modeling.

Linear laser scanning.

Probably the most popular scanning method for personal scanners. It obtains data about the model by illuminating it with a laser beam. These scanners work best with a neutral background, such as an all-white back set at a 90-degree angle. Such a background is inexpensive to make, and scanners based on this technology are cheap. The addition of a 360-degree rotating platform on which the scanned model can stand can greatly improve the quality of the scan.

When everything is ready, you simply turn off the light, illuminate the model with a laser from all sides, the software does the rest.

Although it is possible to use, for example, MATLAB to convert raw scanned images obtained in this way into a full-fledged 3D model, since 2006 the German company David Vision Systems began to develop special low-cost software for this purpose. This software simulates a 3D model in real time, and you immediately see the result of your work. It composes images taken from different angles and forms a 3D model in a format that is convenient for you. The latest versions of the software also support structured-illuminated scanning (see below). You can even use the free trial version to try it out.

Patterned Illuminated Scanning

This method combines a light projector, digital camera and image analysis software for the 3D scanning process and is generally faster than the line laser method. An additional plus is that there is no need to prepare the background from behind. The projector imposes a certain light pattern on the scanned model, often a grid of light and dark stripes, so that the program can determine the shape and coordinates of the object, depending on how the light pattern is distorted on it. The light pattern can be both visible and made in the form of infrared radiation, which you will not even notice.

Infrared scanning has its advantages, for example, because this radiation does not conflict with external light radiation. For example, the Microsoft Kinect device for the XBOX gaming platform uses exactly the method of structural lighting through infrared radiation.

Prior to the use of infrared radiation, ordinary visible color was commonly used. Using this technology, for example, Radiohead's video for the song "House of Cards" was filmed in 2008. The software that supports structured-illuminated scanning is David's software, as mentioned above, as well as ThreePhase, a utility designed specifically for working with structured-illuminated scanning. Most programs are usually written for Mac OS X, but ThreePhase can run on all platforms - Mac OS, Windows, Linux.

However, since the introduction of the Kinect by Microsoft in 2010, scanning at home has changed a lot. After several years of development, as well as millions of dollars invested in its research, the Kinect device was obtained, consisting of five elements: right and left microphones, an RGB video camera, an infrared radiation projector, and a monochromatic sensor suitable for a laser. A pair of sensor / laser and allows you to scan and analyze the movement of a person.

In general, the release of the Kinect device prompted many to develop this technology, including in the field of 3D scanning. Against this background, as well as the inexpensive price of the device, interest in structured-illuminated visible light scanning has completely disappeared. Kinect is an incredibly powerful device at a very cheap price and is a great alternative to visible light. At the time of writing, the Kinect sensor costs about $100.

Among all the programs for 3D scanning, one of the leading programs is the ReconstructMe program from the Austrian company Profactor. This is a quality commercial product that can easily be used for personal purposes. ReconstructMe scans the model immediately at its actual scale, so no further scaling is required. Unfortunately, the program is only available for Windows.

Skanect from the French company Manctl is another popular program that works with both Windows and Mac OS.

Modeling based on image scanning

If you have many photos of the same part from all angles, then special software will convert them into a 3D model. This method is sometimes called photogrammetric, and it has often been used in forensics to analyze crime scenes, car accidents, and so on. based on conventional 2D photos. In this method, the most important thing is to choose the right photos, shooting angles, and also choose the right software.

Programs like Eos Systems' PhotoModeler, David's D Sculptor, and Autodesk's 123Catch make it very easy to select anchor points for photo alignment and then create a 3D model.

This simulation works best when you have full access to the subject and the ability to take an unlimited number of photos. The more photos, the better the lighting and the more correctly the photo shooting angles are chosen, the better and clearer the models will be.

With good observance of all the factors described above, the programs themselves find a way to combine photos to obtain a model, and human intervention is not required at all.

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