3D scanning is widely used in additive manufacturing to create a 3D model, and this process is often preferred over modeling software. That’s because it captures data on its own, which can then be easily converted into a 3D model that can ultimately be 3D printed. 3D scanners are based on two main technologies – laser triangulation and structured light – which can be used to achieve more or less precise details depending on the device chosen. Nowadays there are several cheap solutions that allow many users to bring their projects to life: whether you are an enthusiast, a maker or a teacher, in this selection there is bound to be a cheap 3D scanner for you! Easy to use and transport, we’ve selected some of the best 3D scanners available on the market under €7,000, which are listed below in ascending price order.
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2.0 from XYZprinting
Taiwanese manufacturer XYZprinting currently offers five scanners, but today we’re going to focus on one of their cheaper options: the portable and high-resolution 3D Scanner 2.0. With a larger scanning area than its younger brother, the 1.0 A, the scanner can scan objects of 100 x 100 x 200 cm using an Intel® RealSense™ camera. The scanning resolution is also higher than that of the 1.0 A: This is between 0.2 and 1.5 mm with a range of 25 to 60 cm. The manufacturer also supplies an XYZScan mobile phone as well as scanning and post-processing software to edit your models after scanning. The product is lightweight at 41 x 157 x 61 mm and weighs 238 g, and is the most affordable model on our list with prices starting at €200.
Structure Sensor by Occipital
The Structure Sensor 3D scanner adds a precise 3D view to your mobile device and enables, among other things, 3D scanning. The only equipment you need for this 3D scanner is an iPad. Once you have downloaded the Skanect Pro app, you can start your scanning project right away. The new version weighs around 65g and is smaller than its predecessor at 109 x 18 x 24mm. It is recommended to use the device at a scanning range of 0.3m to 5m. Other features of this device include indoor mapping and virtual reality gaming. The StructureSensor is sold from €500 depending on the retailer.
CR scan 01 with Creality
In addition to its affordable desktop 3D printers, the well-known manufacturer Crealiy also offers an affordable 3D scanner: the CR-Scan 01. Weighing only 1.91 kilograms, this portable scanner is easy to handle and offers a scanning area of 536 x 378 mm. You can scan your objects with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm and export them in stl or obj format. Multiple modes are available: from manual to rotary table. The CR-Scan 01 is currently available from €589.
SOL by Scan Dimension
Developed by Denmark-based Scan Dimension, the SOL 3D scanner is essentially a hybrid solution. It uses a combination of laser triangulation and white light technology to 3D scan real objects. The scanner can provide a resolution of up to 0.1 mm. The 3D scanning process is automated and you have the option to choose between a near and far scanning mode. The 3D scanner SOL also includes software to simplify your entire workflow. Send your 3D model to your 3D printer in just a few steps. This solution is intended for makers, hobbyists, educators, and entrepreneurs who may not have the most experience with 3D scanners but still want to get great results. The 3D scanner retails for around €700.
V2 by 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 has made it its goal to develop and sell affordable, high-resolution 3D scanners. With the V2, it has achieved that mission: the 3D scanner starts at €750 and is capable of producing high-quality scans with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm. It weighs 1.71 kilograms and is 35.5 cm high and 21 cm wide. Due to the slim and foldable design, the device also finds a place on small desks. The V2 enables scanning of objects with a maximum height of 25 cm and a diameter of 18 cm. The scan files are supported on Windows and Mac, with multiple export options for 3D printing.
EINSCAN – SE by Shining 3D
The Einscan – SE 3D scanner from the Chinese manufacturer Shining 3D is characterized by its short scan time and easy handling. The scanner has a 1.3 megapixel camera that can capture the colors and surfaces of the object to be scanned. The device only needs eight seconds for a single scan and two minutes for a 360° scan in automatic scan mode. Objects up to 700 x 700 x 700 mm in volume can be scanned in free scan mode, while up to 200 x 200 x 200 mm can be captured in automatic scan mode. The minimum price for this scanner is €1,990.
NEO by RangeVision
The NEO 3D scanner from the manufacturer RangeVision is an entry-level device with two 2-megapixel cameras that works with structured light technology. Thanks to an automatic scan mode, the scanner is suitable for all those who have little experience in digitizing objects. The 3D scanner can capture items from 30mm to 1200mm with a precision of 0.05mm, with the 3D scans being created using RangeVision software. The scope of delivery also includes a turntable and a tripod, which make the scanning process easier for the user. According to the manufacturer, the scans of the NEO are suitable for reverse engineering, 3D modelling, monument protection and of course 3D printing. The RangeVision NEO is available from around €2,190 and is therefore one of the desktop 3D scanners for the small budget.
Calibry by Thor3D
Thor3D is a Russian manufacturer behind the Calibry handheld 3D scanner. It is based on structured light technology and has a touchscreen, allowing the user to follow the captured points in real time. It offers an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm and is able to scan objects from 30 cm to 10 m in length. Black and glossy surfaces can be easily scanned and exported in stl, obj, ply or WRML format. In addition, the Calibry is fast and comfortable, can scan up to 3 million points per second and weighs only 900 grams. It is available from €4,990.
EinScan H by Shining3D
The EinScan H is one of the most advanced versions of the handheld 3D scanners developed by the manufacturer Shining3D. Based on the hybrid light technology of LED and invisible infrared light, the EinScan H can scan human faces more comfortably and without strong light exposure. It has a full color camera and a large field of view for an impressive final quality of the models, ready for editing in just a few minutes. Its high resolution of 0.25mm and data accuracy of up to 0.05mm make it a quality choice on the market. In addition, it is characterized by its low weight of around 700 g and its intuitive user interface. The base price of this model is €5,400. Visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
POP 3D scanner from Revopoint
The Revopoint POP is unique among 3D scanners as the device is part of the largest crowdfunding campaign for 3D scanners on Kickstarter. More than $2.28 million was raised for funding. The scanner was developed by Revopoint – a company founded in 2014 by a group of young doctors and researchers at MIT, Kent University and other universities. They decided to focus on developing easy-to-use and inexpensive 3D scanners. The Revopoint POP is a structured light binocular 3D scanner that uses infrared as the light source. It is a full color scanner with an accuracy of up to 0.3 mm, texture scan and a scan speed of 8 fps. The device has a number of interesting properties: the scanner is easy to transport and can be operated with a power bank. At around €599, the scanner is one of the most affordable options on our list, while still being effective, accurate and scanning at a high resolution. Also, the device can be used easily as the device is compatible with four different operating systems – Windows, Android, Mac and iOS.
iReal 2E by ScanTech
The iReal 2E is a professional handheld color 3D scanner manufactured by ScanTech. The company specializes in developing, manufacturing and selling innovative inspection equipment and has a full range of 3D scanners for various applications and industries. The iReal 2E is designed for medium to large objects and 3D scanning of the human body. In terms of technology, the iReal 2E uses structured light infrared VCSEL technology. Fast texture capture and geometry capture can be done without attaching markers, and different alignment modes allow scanning in different situations. In addition, this 3D scanner offers algorithm functions, user-friendly software, ergonomic design and durability for precise color 3D measurements.
Eva Lite by Artec 3D
The specialist for 3D scanning, Artec 3D based in Luxembourg, offers its most economical version with the EVA Lite. This professional scanner specializes in digitizing complex geometries such as B. the human body and is therefore increasingly used in the medical field. It works on white light and while it doesn’t have the ability to capture color and texture like other scanners from the brand, it does have an accuracy of 0.5mm. This 3D scanner works with the Artec Studio software package. Artec Studio is a powerful tool for a streamlined 3D scanning process. This software is capable of performing 3D scans, merging and repairing. It is currently available at a price of €6,700.
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