3DMakerPro Toucan 3D Scanner review: All-in-one 3D scanning

The 3DMakerPro Toucan delivers a portable, computer-free 3D scanning workflow with solid geometry capture and fast onboard processing. Frequent tracking loss, poor color texture quality, and an unreliable Wi-Fi file transfer process keep it from being an easy recommendation.

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The 3DMakerPro Toucan looks and feels more like a digital camera than a 3D scanner, and it even has a thumbwheel to adjust exposure. Designed for convenient on-the-go 3D scanning, the Toucan uses a blue laser structured light system with both a Class 1 and Class 3R laser to capture point clouds. These can be edited, fused into a 3D model, and exported all on-device, no computer required. The $1,699 Premium bundle reviewed in this article includes a manual turntable and carrying case and has everything you need to make a 3D model in well under an hour after unboxing.

While the name Toucan evokes the colorful bird, the Toucan 3D scanner ironically struggled most with creating color textures. Geometry is crisp and sharp using the Class 3R laser and “Ultra Mode” to create dense point clouds, but the applied color textures look unfocused and blurry. If you are more comfortable with a keyboard and mouse and want to do your editing on a computer, you can also use the JMStudio software for more granular editing on a PC or Mac.

Specifications: 3DMakerPro Toucan

Swipe to scroll horizontally Scanning Mode Continuous, Turntable, Photo Mode Light Type Blue Laser Structured Light (Class 1 / Class 3R) Single Frame Accuracy ≤ 0.03mm Near, ≤ 0.1mm Far 3D Resolution ≤ 0.05mm Near, ≤ 0.1mm Far Working Distance Between 200 mm and 1000 mm Min Scan Volume 10 x 10 x 10 mm Scan Speed Up to 15 FPS Alignment Geometry, Texture, Markers Connectivity Standalone, Wi-Fi Color Texture Supported Output Format OBJ, STL, PLY, ASC Operating System Windows, macOS

Included in the Box: 3DMakerPro Toucan

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The 3DMakerPro Toucan is available in two packages: Standard and Premium. The Standard package includes the Toucan scanner, a power adapter, a calibration board and stand, a manual turntable, and a set of reflective markers. The Premium package (covered in this review) includes all of this as well as a tripod and a carrying case. 3DMakerPro also includes a silicone case and a wrist strap in both packages.