The 6 Best Handheld 3D Scanners

3D modeling is not always about creating models from scratch; you can also create models by scanning objects. A 3D scanner captures the physical shape and dimensions of objects in three-dimensional space. It uses various technologies to collect data points on the surface of an object and then combines these points to create a digital representation of the object in three dimensions. 

Different types of 3D scanners are available, including laser scanners, structured light scanners, and photogrammetry-based scanners. Not all 3D scanners have to come with bulky components. Keep reading to find out more!

What Are Handheld 3D Scanners?

Handheld 3D scanners are portable tools to record three-dimensional information about things or settings. They enable users to digitize 3D models of real-world things by scanning them. The handheld equipment used in these scanners often has sensors and cameras that record the object's geometry and texture. 

Handheld 3D scanners come in various designs. Structured light scanners cast a light pattern onto the object, which they then capture as it deforms to reveal its contour. Laser scanners produce a point cloud on the object's surface and utilize lasers to measure distances. The 3D geometry of the object is reconstructed using several images taken at various angles by photogrammetry-based scanners. 

Comparatively speaking, smaller, portable 3D scanners are more adaptable and simple to use. They are frequently employed in reverse engineering, digital preservation, product design, and architecture. They are also finding use in industries that require precise 3D models, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D printing.

How Does a Handheld 3D Scanner Work?

Simply put, a handheld 3D scanner collects information from a physical object, subject, or environment and then converts that information into a precise digital model.  An object's shape, texture, surface, and location within a predetermined viewing field are all captured as data, which is later processed to create a mesh or point cloud. After gathering the data, it is transferred into 3D modeling CAD software, edited, and modified to fit various uses. 

Handheld 3D scanners use two main scanning techniques. Both structured light and laser triangulation are essentially variations of the basic idea of triangulation using an infrared laser or a projected light pattern onto an object. To calculate the distance to an integrated camera and to build a 3D model, the 3D scanner measures how the object behaves under the laser or light the scanner emits. 

3D scanners, as the name suggests, are untethered, handheld devices that call for the user to scan an object from various angles to record a 3D model accurately. This contrasts with hands-free stationary 3D scanners with fixed sensors, cameras, and frequently a turntable to rotate the object autonomously.

Advantages of Using a Handheld 3D Scanner

• Portable and versatile: Handheld 3D scanners can scan difficult-to-reach things tucked away in small places or moved around a busy workshop, industrial facility, design studio, or even outdoors. They can also scan considerably larger things than the majority of stationary scanners can.
• User Friendly: Handheld 3D scanners are significantly simpler to operate by design. Using the scanner often involves pressing a trigger and moving the object around with little setup or preparation. In order to acquire an accurate scan of an object or place, some handheld 3D scanners shine visible light onto the object being scanned to give the user a better view.
• Affordability: Cost is always relative, but compared to industrial-grade stationary scanners, handheld 3D scanners are far less expensive to purchase, making them more affordable for smaller enterprises on a budget.

Which Are the Best Handheld 3D Scanners?

1. Creality CR-01 Scanner

The Creality CR-Scan 01, which costs about $750, reduces the entry barrier for 3D scanning without significantly compromising scan quality. And to scan things of all sizes, it combines a handheld and turntable mode. The Creality CR-Scan 01 doesn't go too far from what we've come to expect from 3D scanners twice its price, pushing a reasonable 0.5 mm resolution and fairly good 0.1 mm accuracy. With a maximum scan size of 536 x 378 mm, it is quick and enables users to capture significant areas of a scan in a single pass at a distance of 400–900 mm. 

It also incorporates slick 24-bit high-fidelity color mapping to fully capture an object's vibrant color detail at a frame rate of 10 FPS. The scanner uses Structured light technology to scan objects. Usability is another important aspect of this. Pick-and-scan technology won't overwhelm beginners or reduce efficiency in a business context.

2. Scantech 3D iReal 2E

The professional-grade color 3D scanner Scantech 3D iReal 2E priced at $3980, was created for scanning the human body and medium- and large-sized objects bigger than 30cm.  Working without attaching marks is beneficial when scanning the human body and objects with rich geometric/textural elements (such as cultural treasures, etc.). You may quickly activate the LED-OFF mode on the iReal 2E if the direct glare makes you uncomfortable while scanning your body. This option makes scanning easier for the person being scanned by using invisible light. 

The scanner's versatility is enhanced by using infrared structured light technology to scan more materials in challenging environments. This model uses Infrared VCSEL structured light to scan at a speed of 1,500,000 points/s. The iReal 2E is simple to operate and has a wide field of vision and depth of field. You can start using a 3D scanner immediately, even if you've never done it. 

The iReal 2E has already been embraced by businesses in the art and design, medical rehabilitation, cultural treasures and archaeology, VR/AR, digital people, and reverse engineering sectors. Overall, it's a decent mid-range handheld 3D scanner with a large field of vision for low-light circumstances.

3. EinScan H

The EinScan H is a capable mid-range professional portable 3D scanner that combines infrared and structured light with a hybrid light source. The structured light is tailored for broad, quick scanning, while the infrared is tuned to catch fine details, including challenging reflections and darker hues. The EinScan H can catch minute details like hair on a human subject and even color because of its 0.25 mm resolution and 0.05 mm accuracy. Large item scanning is a breeze for this featherweight 703g scanner, which can record 1,200,000 points per second in a scan area of 420 x 440. 

Although we would anticipate that all of this would be expensive, EinScan has done well to provide significant value at a reasonable $5,000 cost—a good option for applications in forensics, art conservation, and healthcare.

4. EinScan Pro HD

The EinScan Pro HD is the next step up in the EinScan scanner ladder. Delivering high-quality scans appropriate for 3D modeling is this project's main goal, emphasizing small details comparable to those of stationary scanners. The scanner accomplishes this for less than $10,000 with precise 0.045 mm accuracy and 0.2 mm resolution. The EinScan Pro HD is small and reasonably light, capturing up to 310 x 204 mm at a rate of 3,000,000 points/s. 

Furthermore, the EinScan Pro HD stands out for excellently capturing dark, metal, and shaded surfaces. We see it as a powerful instrument for manufacturing, engineering, and the automobile industry.

5. Artec Eva

Artec, which has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best 3D scanner producers, tops our list with the robust Artec Eva. The Artec Eva, a workhorse that combines portability and versatility, is appropriate for various applications, including forensics, aerospace, computer graphics, and prosthetics. It excels at scanning medium-sized items, especially those with dark and reflective surfaces. It can produce highly realistic, texture-rich 3D models of anything from machine parts to human faces. 

The Artec Eva has a whopping 18,000,000 points/s, 16 FPS, 0.1 mm precision, and 0.2 mm resolution, with a scan area of 536 371 mm. Or, to put it another way, a quick and precise handheld 3D scanner. The model is priced between $16000-$17000.

5. Creaform HandySCAN Silver 307

The metrology-grade Creaform HandySCAN Silver 307 handheld 3D scanner is made to produce repeatable, reliable scans of even the most difficult surfaces for detailed, accurate 3D models. To guarantee precise scans even when the scanner and object are moving, Creaform uses patented technology. It can scan up to 480,000 points per second and boasts an accuracy of 0.040 mm and a resolution of 0.1 mm. 

With so many additional advantages, it's difficult to complain about the slightly longer scan times for larger things, even though the small 275 x 250 mm scan area detracts a little from the offering. Regardless of the object's features, such as color, size, or material, the Creaform HandScan Silver 307 is user-friendly and generates excellent results despite its high price of $ 18000-20000.

Best 3D Modeling Software

If you would like to create your 3D models and you don’t have a 3D scanner, you should use 3D modeling software. A lot of them are available, each with its pros and cons, but we recommend using SelfCAD. SelfCAD is an easy-to-use 3D modeling software that provides an all-in-one solution for 3D modeling, sculpting, rendering, and preparing designs for 3D printing. Here are some of the key features of SelfCAD.

• User-friendly interface: The software has a beginner-friendly interface, making it accessible to users with limited experience in 3D modeling. SelfCAD also provides various tools and features with a straightforward layout, making it easy to navigate and understand.
• Sculpting tools: It includes various sculpting brushes that enable users to manipulate the surface of 3D models directly, making it ideal for organic and artistic designs.
• In-built online slicer: SelfCAD provides an online STL slicer, offering slicing capabilities to prepare models for 3D printing.
• Solid modeling: SelfCAD includes tools for creating and editing solid models crucial for mechanical and architectural designs. Users can perform Boolean operations, filleting, and chamfering to create precise and accurate models.
• Sketching and drawing tools: SelfCAD offers sketching and drawing tools that allow users to draw 2D sketches and drawings that can later be turned into 3D models using extrusion or other techniques.
• Image to 3D feature: You can import 2D images and convert them into 3D models using the image to 3D feature.
• 3D rendering: SelfCAD provides rendering capabilities, allowing users to visualize their models with various materials, lighting setups, and environments.

Enjoy the Versatility And Portability of Handheld 3D Scanners

Portable tools called handheld 3D scanners record three-dimensional information about things or settings. These scanners are made to be maneuvered around the subject to record its shape and texture while being held in hand. They often collect data using sensors, cameras, or laser technology, which is then processed to produce a 3D model. Handheld 3D scanners are excellent for various applications, including reverse engineering, virtual reality, product design, and architecture, because of their portability, flexibility, and ease of use.

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