Best 3D Scanners for 3D Printing 2024
Best for beginners
Perfect for enhancing your 3D printing experience, the Creality CR-Scan Ferret offers high accuracy and speed. With a resolution of 0.16mm and the ability to capture fine details, this scanner is ideal for creating realistic 3D models. It is user-friendly and an excellent choice for beginners, and is compatible with both Mac and Windows. The scanner is easy to use with a simple setup process, making it ideal for those who are just starting out with 3D scanning and want to achieve professional results without needing a deep technical understanding.
Educational purpose
Ideal for educational purposes, EinScan-SP offers improved data accuracy and faster scanning speeds. With a scanning accuracy of 0.05mm and dual scanning modes, it delivers accurate results quickly. It's a plug-and-play device, ideal for those new to 3D scanning. The EinScan-SP is also known for its ease of use and robustness, making it a popular choice for schools and educational institutions looking to give their students hands-on experience with advanced 3D scanning technology.
High resolution
Known for its high resolution and exceptional accuracy, the Transcan C is ideal for scanning small to medium-sized objects. It has two 12 MP cameras that ensure detailed and high-quality scans. This professional scanner is fully automated, making the scanning process simple and efficient. With a resolution of 0.035mm, Transcan C is ideal for users who need a high level of detail in their 3D models, for example for medical applications, art conservation or high-precision engineering work.
Most versatile
The Artec Eva Lite is a handheld 3D scanner that excels at capturing accurate 3D models of medium-sized objects. It is lightweight and portable, making it suitable for on-site scanning. Eva Lite offers a resolution of up to 0.5mm and is popular in industries such as healthcare and the automotive industry for its precision and versatility. The scanner is easy to use and requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for users who need a fast and reliable solution for creating digital copies of physical objects.
Professional use
Go!SCAN SPARK is a professional 3D scanner that provides high accuracy and large scanning areas. With a resolution of 0.1mm and the ability to capture intricate details, it is perfect for metrology grade applications. Its ease of use and fast scanning speeds make it an excellent choice for professionals in various fields. It is particularly valued in the manufacturing industry for its ability to quickly and accurately scan complex parts and structures, saving time and improving production quality.
Best value in 2024
A good option for desktop 3D scanning, the Matter and Form V2 offers a balance between quality and affordability. With a resolution of 0.1mm, it is suitable for capturing small objects and intricate details. It has user-friendly software, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and educators. The scanner is compact and easy to use, making it ideal for home use or in small work environments where space is limited but the need for high-quality scans is high.
Portable and simple
The Revopoint POP 2 is a versatile handheld 3D scanner known for its affordability and simplicity. It provides a resolution of 0.15mm and can scan a variety of object sizes. Its portability and ease of installation make it a favorite among beginners and professionals alike. POP 2 is ideal for users who need a flexible solution that can be used both in the field and in the studio, making it perfect for architects, designers and hobbyists looking to take their projects to the next level.
Why choose a 3D scanner for 3D printing?
A 3D scanner allows you to capture the exact measurements and details of real objects, turning them into digital 3D models. These features are critical to creating accurate prototypes, reverse engineering parts, and improving your 3D printing projects. By choosing the right 3D scanner, you can ensure high precision and quality in your prints.
3D scanning has revolutionized the possibilities of creating spare parts for old cars and digitizing complicated structures. For vintage car enthusiasts and mechanics, this means an opportunity to easily and accurately recreate parts that are no longer manufactured. Using a 3D scanner, you can quickly scan an existing part, create a digital model, and then use a 3D printer to produce an exact copy. This eliminates the need to find original parts, which is often both expensive and time-consuming.
Accuracy and Resolution: Look for scanners with high accuracy and resolution to capture fine details.
Ease of use: User-friendly software and plug-and-play features can make a big difference, especially for beginners.
Compatibility: Make sure the scanner is compatible with your operating system and your 3D printer.
Scan speed: Faster scanning speeds can significantly improve your workflow efficiency.
Versatility: Consider scanners that can handle a range of object sizes and materials.
| Model | Price level | Resolution | Scanner type | Recommended users | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creality CR-Scan Ferret | $$ | 0.16mm | Hand held | Beginner | Best for beginners. Offers high accuracy and speed, user-friendly. |
| Shining 3D EinScan-SP | $$$ | 0.05mm | Stationary | Educational purpose | Perfect for educational purposes. Improved data accuracy and faster scan speeds. |
| Shining3D Transcan C | $$$$ | 0.035mm | Stationary | Professional users | High resolution. Exceptional accuracy, perfect for small to medium objects. |
| Artec Eva Lite | $$$$ | 0.5mm | Hand held | Professional users | Most versatile. Lightweight and portable, great for medium-sized items. |
| Creaform Go!SCAN SPARK | $$$$ | 0.1mm | Hand held | Professional users | Professional use. High accuracy and large scanning areas. |
| Matter and Form V2 | $$ | 0.1mm | Stationary | Hobbyists and educators | Affordable. Great for desktop 3D scanning, balances quality and price. |
| Revopoint POP 2 | $$ | 0.15mm | Hand held | Beginners and professionals | Portable and simple. Affordable, versatile for different object sizes. |
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