How Accurate Are 3D Scanners and Are They Worth Buying?

Imagine being able to create a digital model of every object that surrounds you. This may have sounded like science fiction a few decades ago, but today it's reality.

3D scanning is a modern-day marvel that is becoming more accessible and affordable by the day. However, they are still a big investment and most buyers want to be 100% sure they are worth the money.

Today we will investigate the accuracy of consumer-grade 3D scanners, what physical objects they are able to scan, and some tips on how to choose the best 3D scanner for your needs. We will also explore how they can be used in education and introduce three popular models that are worth checking out!

How do 3D scanners work?

3D scanners operate based on various technologies, but the most common ones are laser triangulation and structured light.

In laser triangulation, the scanner projects a laser line or dot onto the object, and a sensor calculates the distance to the surface based on the angle of the incoming reflection. Structured light scanners, on the other hand, project patterns of light onto the object and use cameras to record the deformation of the pattern caused by the object's shape.

Both methods result in a "point cloud" – a large set of data points in three-dimensional coordinates that represent the object's surface. This raw data is then processed and converted into a mesh model made up of tiny triangles, creating a digital 3D representation of the scanned object.

How accurate are 3D scanners?

The accuracy of 3D scanners can vary significantly based on the technology used, the quality of the device, and the conditions of the scanning environment.

High-end professional scanners often boast impressive accuracy, capable of capturing details down to a few tens of micrometres - about the width of a human hair. However, more affordable consumer-grade 3D scanners typically offer an accuracy ranging from 0.1mm to a few millimetres.

It's important to note that all scanners have limitations and potential sources of error. Factors such as the object's material, colour, and surface finish, as well as environmental conditions like lighting and temperature, can all impact the accuracy of the scan.

Here are some items your average consumer-grade 3D scanner is capable of accurately scanning:

• Personal items: objects like jewellery, footwear, glasses, or toys can easily be scanned to create 3D models for design purposes or replication via 3D printing
• Art and sculpture: artists and art enthusiasts can scan sculptures, pottery, or other pieces of art to create digital portfolios, study the works in detail, or even create replicas.
• Components and parts: DIY enthusiasts and makers often scan parts for reverse engineering, customization, or to create replacement parts using 3D printing.
• Organic materials: plants, rocks, and even small animals can be scanned for study or for use in digital art or video game design.

Benefits of using 3D scanners in the classroom

Incorporating 3D scanners into the classroom opens up a world of interactive, hands-on learning opportunities that can enrich the educational experience across a range of subjects.

For STEM fields, 3D scanning offers an engaging way to introduce concepts related to geometry, engineering, physics, and computer science. Students can scan objects and manipulate the resulting 3D models to their liking. Additionally, 3D scanning can be used in conjunction with 3D printing for a range of interdisciplinary projects, allowing students to create physical replicas of scanned objects.

By integrating real-world technology into the learning process, 3D scanners prepare students for future careers in fields like engineering, computer science, design, and more.

Tips for choosing the right 3D scanner

Choosing the best 3D scanner for a classroom setting involves considering the educational objectives, the students' age and skill level, and the budget. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

Ease of Use: classroom scanners should be user-friendly with intuitive software interfaces. This allows students to focus more on learning the concepts and less on struggling with complicated technical procedures. Look for models that offer automatic calibration and easy setup.

Accuracy and Resolution: depending on the educational purpose, you might need a scanner that can capture high levels of detail. However, for many classroom projects, ultra-high precision might not be necessary. Balance accuracy needs with cost.

Speed: in a classroom setting, you might have multiple students needing to use the scanner within a limited period. Therefore, a scanner that can capture objects quickly might be beneficial.

Budget: classrooms often operate under budget constraints. Fortunately, there are many affordable 3D scanners on the market that offer a good balance of cost and performance.

Software Compatibility: ensure the scanner's output is compatible with the software you're using in the classroom, whether that's for 3D modelling, CAD design, or 3D printing.

Portability: a portable scanner can be an advantage in a classroom setting, allowing you to easily move the scanner between different spaces or groups of students.

Best entry level 3D scanners on the market

EinScan SE V2

Cost: $1,967.90 inc GST

The EinScan SE V2 is a trusted entry-level structured light scanner that has become a staple in classrooms and maker spaces worldwide. Known for its reliability and ease of use, it offers excellent accuracy for scanning small to medium-sized objects.

The SE V2 includes both an automatic turntable scanning mode and a fixed scanning mode, giving users flexibility depending on object size and complexity. The turntable mode is particularly valuable for beginners, as it enables hands-free, 360-degree scanning with consistent results.

Its user-friendly software, fast setup, and repeatable accuracy make the EinScan SE V2 ideal for educational projects, product design concepts, and introductory reverse engineering tasks.

EinStar 2 3D Scanner

Cost: $2,112.00 inc GST

The EinStar 2 is the next evolution of Shining 3D’s popular handheld scanner, offering improved tracking stability, faster data capture, and enhanced scan quality compared to its predecessor. Designed with beginners, educators, and makers in mind, it strikes an excellent balance between performance and ease of use.

Thanks to its handheld design, the EinStar 2 is well suited for scanning medium to large objects, including furniture, mechanical components, sculptures, and organic shapes. It captures dense point cloud data, allowing for smooth surface reconstruction and detailed geometry that can be easily edited or prepared for 3D printing.

The scanner’s intuitive software provides real-time feedback during scanning, helping users quickly identify areas that need additional coverage. This makes it especially effective in classroom environments, where students may be learning 3D scanning concepts for the first time.

EinStar VEGA 3D Scanner

Cost: $3,289.00 inc GST

The EinStar VEGA stands out as a highly versatile and portable 3D scanning solution. Designed as a standalone scanner, VEGA features onboard processing and a built-in screen, allowing users to scan without being connected to a computer.

This flexibility makes it particularly useful for mobile scanning applications, demonstrations, and environments where portability is important. VEGA supports both handheld scanning and rapid data capture, making it suitable for scanning people, medium-sized objects, and textured surfaces.

With its ability to capture colour and geometry in one workflow, the EinStar VEGA is well suited for education, digital archiving, virtual reality content creation, and design applications. Its all-in-one design also reduces setup time, helping users focus on scanning rather than configuration.

Find 3D scanners for the Australian classroom

At CD-Soft we supply the latest 3D scanning technology to secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as DIY enthusiasts. Find handheld 3D scanners or turntable ones, including those listed above.

Create digital 3D models for virtual reality or print them out using one of our 3D printers. Browse our range today and start replicating real-world objects in your classroom or at home!

Contact us today for any questions regarding our 3D scanner or 3D printers in Australia. One of our dedicated team members will be happy to assist you!