What are 3D Scanner
3D scanners are devices that scan the real-world physical objects and create their digital 3D models. These 3D models have physical object size, shape and geometry information.
Earlier 3D scanning was limited to industrial purposes only. But with easy availability of technology, reduction in price, and improvements in the design of lasers, cameras, and computing hardware. Affordable low-cost 3D scanners are available in the market. Hobbyists, educators, students, and freelancers use these low-cost and cheap 3D scanners.
In this article, we will discuss the following points:
- Applications of the 3D scanners.
- How to select a 3D Scanner?
- Best affordable low price 3D scanners available in the market for real-world object scanning applications.
Why do we use 3D Scanners?
The most affordable 3D scanners available in the market have applications in scanning physical objects and manufacturing them using a 3D printer.
But 3D scanning has a variety of applications in engineering, entertainment, and robotics. Here is the list of the applications of 3D scanners in various fields.
- Reverse engineering and inspection of manufactured parts in mechanical engineering.
- Scanning and 3D printing real-world objects.
- Used in the entertainment industry for creating video games or movies with real-world characters.
- Environment mapping in robotics.
- Create 3D objects for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality app developments.
Types of 3D Scanner: Available 3D Scanning Technologies
Various types of 3D scanning technologies available in the market have their advantages, limitations, and applications. For example, some 3D scanners work best with large objects, whereas some can scan small parts with precision and accuracy.
The following types of 3D Scanning Technologies are available in the market.
- Laser-Based 3D Scanner
- Structured-light Scanning
- Coordinate Measuring Machine.
- Optical 3D Scanning
Laser Based 3D Scanner
Laser scanners utilize a trigonometric triangulation method to scan 3D objects accurately. They work best for short-range applications. The laser-based 3D scanners have the following advantages.
- Low cost and easy to use.
- Can scan glossy surfaces.
- Portable.
- Minimal impact from environment light conditions.
Structured Light 3D Scanners
Structured-light scanners are also known as blue or white light scanners. Compared to laser-based scanners, structured light scanners utilize white or blue light to generate object 3D surfaces using triangulation methods. They also work best for short-range applications.
Structured light 3D scanners have the following advantages
- Low cost.
- Highly accurate.
- Larger scan area.
- Multiple lenses for small and large part scanning are available.
CMM machines utilize a probe that is moved along the part surface to generate its 3D surface. Quality engineers use CMM machines for part quality inspection.
CMM inspection machines have the following advantages:
- Highly accurate
- Measure small or medium size parts.
Optical 3D Scanner
Optical scanners utilize multiple cameras and other sensors to track and scan an object’s position relative to the scanning head. Most optical scanners are portable and can scan large objects. An optical 3D scanner has the following advantages.
- Portable.
- Large scan area.
- Low cost.
Factors affecting the selection of a 3D Scanner?
As discussed above, various types of 3D scanning technologies are available. Buying the most expensive scanner may not work best for you. Therefore it is recommended to analyze it on the following parameters.
1. Part Surface Type and Finish
Not all scanners work for all parts. For example, a reflection-based scanner does not work best on glossy or transparent surfaces. These surfaces require pre-treatment to scan it using a reflection-based scanner.
2. Accuracy and Resolution Requirements
A 3D scanner price starts from a few hundred dollars and can go up to a few thousand dollars. What differentiates them is the level of details a 3D sensor can capture.
For example, we require a highly accurate 3D scanner for manufacturing and quality control activities. Whereas for augmented reality and gaming development less accurate will also work.
3. Object Size
3D scanners are available in various scan area capabilities. Therefore good practice to select a scanner based on the range of object sizes you want to scan.
4. Scanner Types
Various types of scanners (handheld, desktop, etc.) are available. Therefore we recommend you select a 3D scanner according to your company infrastructure.
5. Application Type
Laser scanners can harm the human eyes. Therefore we recommend you buy a human safe-scanner if your application is to 3D scan human bodies or pets.
Best Affordable Low Cost 3D Scanner
A 3D scanner price may vary from a few 100 USD to thousands of dollars depending on the technology used, bed size, and accuracy.
Following is the list of affordable low-cost 3D Scanners available in the market. Each scanner has its advantages, limitations, and applications.
1. XYZ Printing Handheld 3D Scanner 2.0
Powered by Intel® RealSense™ is a portable, high-resolution, cheap 3D scanner. This 3D Scanner 2.0 allows you to scan real-world objects and export them in multiple formats.
It’s a good choice to generate 3D models for 3D printing, 3D Game Development, VR, and AR Developments. This scanner is a good option for scanning large objects.
Features
Scan Engine: Intel® RealSense™ Camera
Output Format: tl, bj, ly and bx
Operating Range: 25 to 60 cm
Scanning Distance: 20 to 120 cm
Scan Size: 100 x 100 x 200 cm
Resolution: 0.2 ~ 1.5 mm
Connectivity: USB
2. BQ Ciclop 3D: Open Source Cheap 3D Scanner
Ciclop is a basic open-source cheap 3D scanner that comes with a DIY kit. All information on this scanner design is available on BQ Website. You can build this and learn from it.
But it’s not a good choice if you are looking for a plug-and-play option. It comes with 2 lasers and one Logitech C270 HD camera to scan physical objects.
Features
DIY Kit
Scan Technology: Laser Triangulation
Output Format: stl, ply
Scan Area: Approx. 24 cm Circular
Resolution: ~ 0.1 to 3 mm
Connectivity: USB
3. Hp Z 3D Camera
It utilizes SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to construct 3D models from real objects.
You can mount this scanner on the monitor. The object needs to be placed under the camera to scan an object or a document.
Features
Scan Technology: SLAM
Output Format: OBJ, GLTF, 3MF, JPG, PNG, PDF
Other Features: Live view, 2D and 3D scanning
Connectivity: USB
4. Sense 2 by 3D System: Affordable, Full-color Cheap 3D scanner
Sense 2 is an affordable, full-color cheap 3D scanner. It is a handheld device that you can use to scan moderate size physical objects. Sense 2 utilizes structured light technology with two sensors.
Features
Scan Technology: Structure Light Technology
Output Format: stl, obj, ply and fbx
Operating Range: 0.4 meter to 1.6 meter
Scan Size: 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 meter to 2 x 2 x 2 meter
Spatial X-Y Resolution: 0.9 mm per 9 meters
Depth Resolution: 1 mm per 5 meters
Connectivity: USB
5. Structure Sensor Mark II
It is an infrared 3D laser scanner. You can connect this scanner with an iPad and adds 3D vision to your mobile device.
As a result, you can scan physical devices using your mobile device. You can use this cheap 3d scanner to scan physical objects for 3D printing, Augmented Reality, virtual reality, 3D game development, and 3D mapping.
Features
Scan Technology: Structure Light Technology
Output Format: stl, obj, ply and fbx
Operating Range: 0.3 meter to 5 meter
Other Features: Indoor Mapping
Connectivity: App Based (Connects with iPad)
6. Sol Laser 3D Scanner
It’s an affordable scanner to scan small to midsize objects. The complete scan process is automated. Scanning of parts is possible with just one click. It utilizes triangulation and white light technology to scan 3D objects.
Features
Scan Technology: Laser Triangulation and White Light Technology
Output Format: STL, OBJ, DAE, XYZ, PLY
Scan Area (Far Mode) : 170 mm in diameter and 170 mm Height
Scan Area (Near Mode) : 170 mm in diameter and 100 mm Height
Resolution: ~ 0.1 mm
Connectivity: USB
Other Features: One Click Scan
7. EinScan-SE 3D Scanner
Similar to the sol laser scanner EinScan Desktop scanner from Shining 3D can scan physical objects automatically. But compared to Sol Laser, EinScan-SE is very fast.
Features
Scan Technology: White Light and 1.3 Mega Pixel Camera
Output Format: STL, OBJ, ASC, PLY
Minimum Scan Volume: 30 x 30 x 30 mm
Scan Area (Auto Scan Mode): 200 x 200 x 200 mm
Scan Area (Free Scan Mode): 700 x 700 x 700 mm
Resolution: Less than 0.1 mm
Connectivity: USB
Other Features: One Click Scan
If you can’t afford a 3D scanner, you can use 3d scanning services to scan 3D objects and create 3d models.
To sum up, 3D scanning has applications in manufacturing, design, and the entertainment industry. Nowadays, cheap 3D scanners are available in the market but professional scanners are still very costly. We suggest you read this article on affordable 3D Printers.
We will keep adding more information on affordable 3D scanners and various 3D scanning technologies. Add your suggestions, comments, or questions on low-cost, cheap 3D scanners in the comment box.
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