GoKawiilWhile 3D printing has been rapidly advancing and the list of the best 3D printers changes on an almost weekly basis, 3D scanning technology has been making slower but steady progress toward becoming a consumer-friendly technology. With many 3D scanners dropping in price to around the cost of an entry-level 3D printer or laser engraver, it’s a great time to get started and learn about the technology. While some of these scanners launched several years ago, they remain competitive due to continued software updates and strong performance when capturing geometry.
To explain it simply: most 3D scanners work by capturing a point cloud and stitching it together to make a 3D model. This can easily add up to hundreds of thousands or millions of points, so there is a lot of data to process, align, and stitch together to create a 3D model. Some 3D scanners include an onboard computer to simplify the workflow, typically at the expense of a slightly longer processing time than a fast computer. If you’re proficient in mesh editing and 3D modeling, a 3D scanner that uses a computer for mesh clean-up offers more flexibility but may require more hands-on effort.
There’s a 3D scanner for almost every application, from CT scanners that can accurately capture the inside of a model to cell phone apps that can make a 3D model from pictures in minutes. Before buying a 3D scanner, it’s worth doing some research to understand what aspects are most important for your project. Consider what you want to accomplish, and read through some of these tips to get you started on your journey into the world of 3D scanning.
The Best Consumer 3D Scanners You Can Buy Today
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best Overall 3D Scanner
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
1. Creality Sermoon P1 Best Consumer 3D Scanner Overall Our expert review: Specifications Technology: NIR Structured Light, Blue Laser Accuracy: Up to 0.02 mm Resolution: 0.05 to 2 mm Minimum Scan Volume: 5 x 5 x 5 mm Scanning Speed: Up to 60 FPS Alignment: Geometry, Markers Color Texture: Supported Connectivity: Standalone, USB, Wi-Fi Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Creality Store Reasons to buy + Lightning-fast scanning in 22-line crossed laser mode + “One-Click Process” worked well for most scans + Capable and robust on-device mesh editing + Includes extra battery for mobile use Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Color texture doesn’t meet expectations - Frame rate drops when scanning large objects in standalone NIR mode
The Creality Sermoon P1 is a handheld all-in-one 3D scanner that uses both structured light and blue lasers to quickly and accurately capture geometry. The standout feature of the Sermoon P1 is the integrated touchscreen, which allows users to edit point clouds, create and repair 3D models, and even export the file just by using the onboard computer, no desktop PC required.
The bright 6-inch LCD on the Sermoon P1 is equally readable indoors and outdoors, so users can go through the entire editing process and create a 3D model without needing to put the 3D scanner down. Whether it was scanning sculptures outdoors, automotive components, or consumer products, the Sermoon P1 performed exceptionally during testing, although the color textures lacked detail.
... continue reading