Top 17 Best Scanners For Small Parts In 2024
Peter Fonda May 3, 2024 9:57 AM
Like 3D printing before it, 3D scanning appears to be heading in the direction of the budget sector, which is great news for every tinkerer and hobbyist who wants to digitalize their environment. The capabilities and uses of 3D scanners have expanded greatly, allowing them to be used for everything from scanning tiny things to scanning entire bodies for VR or slicing and 3D printing.
The following 3D scanners should meet your needs, whether you're just getting started with 3D scanning and need something simple or you're a professional in need of something more powerful for your company. The scanning quality is excellent for the price.
Explore our top picks for micro-parts scanning if you need a tool for more complex tasks like quality assurance, reverse engineering, and inspection.
So, what are the finest scanners for tiny objects like what? We've figured it out. The following scanners for small components are the best on the market right now, and I explain why.
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Types of 3D Scanners
There is a wide variety of 3D scanners available. Check out this section before making a choice:
Handheld vs Stationary
It's not uncommon for the technology used by handheld and fixed 3D scanners to be identical, leading to some overlap in their respective uses. The key distinction is in the construction.
With a handheld scanner, the user is able to move freely around the object, capturing it from all directions.
A stationary scanner is positioned in front of the object as it spins 360 degrees on a plate. To get the best shots, the user might have to move the object around numerous times.
Compared to its predecessors, today's designs are far more compact and convenient to carry along.
Laser Triangulation
Laser trigonometric triangulation is the most popular method used for 3D scanning. It takes millions of measurements at different spots on the object's surface to create a detailed polygon mesh. These are standard features on many commercial and industrial scanners, both portable and stationary. In addition to short and long range use, they are also capable of laser tracking.
Structured-Light 3D Scanners
Structured light, sometimes known as "white light," projects a gridlike pattern across an object, much like laser triangulation, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Using sensors, 3D scanner cameras, and triangulation, it can determine the grid's structure as it relates to the object.
Long Range
In order to record millions of points while rotating 360 degrees, longer range scanners use phase shift or pulse technology and rely on mirrors. Use this more often when scanning automobiles or structures.
Time-of-flight technology, which calculates the elapsed time it takes for a signal to go from an object and back to a sensor at the speed of light, could also be used.
For common 3D scanning and printing, this is less of a concern.
Portable
More freedom of movement is afforded by a low-cost handheld 3D scanner, allowing for the capture of scans of varying forms and sizes, even in inaccessible locations. A scanner that may be used in either a stationary or portable form offers the most flexibility. In addition, a lightweight portable scanner makes it much easier to scan an object from different angles without tiring out your arms.
Resolution
The quality of the 3D model created from a scan is dependent on the resolution used. One to two millimeters is a reasonable beginning point; however, one should aim for even smaller dimensions if at all possible, with 0.3 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters providing the best results on a shoestring. Affordable 3D scanners like the Matter & Form V2 3D Scanner have a resolution as low as 0.1 mm, but they still cost quite a bit of money.
Object Size and Space
Some 3D scanners are better suited for scanning smaller objects, while others perform better with larger ones. As for the rest, they can do it everything. The size of the objects to be scanned should be determined before a scanner is purchased.
It's also important to provide some space for the scanner. Even though every item on our list is compact and easy to carry, the stationary scanners still require a flat surface upon which to operate. There will also be a required minimum and maximum distance between the scanner and the object.
When scanning larger objects, you'll need additional space to do so.
Connected Devices
All 3D scanners require a connection to a computer or other device for the purposes of monitoring the scanning process and preserving the digital model. Typically, a USB or HDMI cable is used for this purpose. Make sure your desktop or portable PC can run the scanning and modeling program. Have a tablet handy to facilitate real-time monitoring.
Scan Volume
The greatest scannable area is the area that can be captured in a single scan. If you want to generate full-body scans, but don't want to spend a fortune doing so, look for a 3D scanner with a large scan volume that costs less.
Ease of Use
Despite the technical complexity of 3D scanners, the scanning process itself need not be laborious. Try to find scanners that can scan with just the push of a button, have several scanning modes, and have intuitive software.
How do I choose a 3D scanner?
If you're having trouble deciding on a 3D laser scanner, check out our reviews and buying tips.
Choose a scanner that fits your budget, but prioritize precision and clarity when possible. Note the benefits of portable scanners over fixed ones. Choose one that is suitable for the size of the objects you intend to scan.
How do I scan something for 3D printing?
While the steps involved in scanning a 3D object will change depending on the type of scanner you use, the majority of the work involved in preparing your model for 3D printing will take place in the computer.
In stationary scanning, the light source remains fixed, allowing you to focus on the target. To get a complete 3D model, you'll need to move the object into a number of different places. A full circle turntable is available for this purpose.
Scanning the object yourself is possible with a handheld 3D scanner and the aid of software and a computer or tablet screen.
After the scanning process is over, you can use the software that came with your scanner to make any necessary adjustments and render the model so that it can be exported into a format suitable for 3D printing. To fine-tune it for your specific 3D printer, you can utilize 3D printing editing software and slicers.
Who Makes the Best Low-Cost 3D Scanners?
The outstanding EinScan-SE from Shining 3D demonstrates why the company is among the finest in the 3D scanner industry. When it comes to packing a wide variety of scan possibilities into a lightweight, compact, and inexpensive gadget, Revopoint's flexible POP 3D scanner is essentially unmatched if we decrease the price. XYZprinting's 3D scanners are also highly recommended; in particular, the newly upgraded XYZprinting Handheld 2.0, which boasts high resolution at a low cost.
Our 3D scanner reviews cover a wide range of options, from consumer models to those designed for larger enterprises. Create 3D models or reverse engineer components with the help of a variety of tools, from portable gadgets to structural lightboxes with turntables. Maybe you'll take a few 3D self-portraits!
If you have any remaining questions regarding 3D printing after reading our instructions and reviews, feel free to peruse our FAQ.
