There has been an increase in the availability of affordable 3D scanners these last few years, largely down to the use of structured light technology in such scanners. Traditional 3D scanners use laser scanning technology, often requiring expensive and complex optical hardware. Structured light systems, on the other hand, need only a light source and a camera.
This makes structured light 3D scanners an affordable option for scanning in the home, or for small businesses.
Structured Light
Structured light scanners such as the CR-Scan 01 work by projecting light patterns onto the object to be scanned, and analyzing how the light is distorted. The scanner then uses a camera to capture the information and create a detailed digital replica of the object. Structured light scanning technology offers a more precise and efficient way to capture the complexities of an object compared to other 3D scanning methods like photogrammetry.
The data is then processed using software (such as JM-Studio) to create a 3D model of the object. Structured light scanners can also capture the full-color details of an object, making them ideal for a range of applications, from reverse engineering to virtual reality.
The benefits of using structured light scanning, compared to laser-based technologies, includes faster scan times, dense and accurate data, higher levels of detail, full-field scanning, and safety of operation. Most of these benefits come from how structured light systems work. A structured light system captures the entire scanned scene in one go, while technologies such as laser-based systems scan a single line at a time.
CR-Scan 01- A Popular Choice
The CR-Scan 01 was jointly developed by 3DMakerpro and Creality and was released as the first wide-format consumer 3D scanner. Wide-format scanners allow a broader field to be captured during a single scan, meaning that objects can be captured quicker and more accurately.
The CR-Scan 01 was released in 2021 and was an immediate hit and trusted by thousands of consumers, thanks to its features and low price. The CR-Scan 01 normally retails for US$450, and for February 2023, it is available for the even lower price of US$375, as 3DMakerpro is offering a discount as part of their largest sale ever.
With the reduction in price, 3DMakerpro hopes to maintain the popularity of the scanner among makers, even as the consumer 3D scanner space becomes more and more crowded.
So what makes the CR-Scan 01 such a popular choice? Let's take a look at some of the features.
High Precision: The CR-Scan has a precision of 0.1mm, and can scan with a resolution of 0.5mm, meaning that it is excellent at picking up small details and reproducing them accurately on the 3D model.
Large Format: In addition to its wide-format capabilities, it has a working distance of 400mm-900mm, meaning that it is more comfortable to work with and can capture wider areas more quickly. It scans at a rate of 10 frames per second, which is quick enough to acquire data easily and accurately.
What's in the Box: Included with the CR-Scan 01 scanner are a USB-powered turntable, the JM-Studio software, an 8 GB USB stick, various data and power cables, a power supply, a tripod, and a handy carry case.
Combine all these items with an easy-to-use workflow, thanks to the software's one-click alignment, and you can see why the CR-Scan 01 has been so popular since its release.
Competitively Priced
3DMakerpro is offering the CR-Scan 01 at the discounted price of US$375 (reduced from US$450) from February 1, 2023. The CR-Scan 01 still has an excellent value and price advantage compared to new scanners on the market, for example, the Revopoint Range 3D scanner, which is available now for Early Bird Price US$401 on Kickstarter.
Although both scanners are equally precise, the CR-Scan 01 has a greater working distance of up to 900mm, while the Range only has 800mm. Regarding optics, both scanners have similar full-color RGB cameras and feature large-format scanning capabilities. However, the CR-Scan 01 is a well-established and tested product, unlike the Revopoint Range, which still needs to be proven in the market.
Some comparatives between the CR-Scan 01 and the Revopoint RANGE can be found below.
CR-Scan 01 | Revopoint Range | |
Precision | 0.1mm | 0.1mm |
Working Distance | 400mm-900mm | 300mm-800mm |
Single Capture Range | 378*536 | 360*650 |
Format Type | Large Format | Large Format |
RGB Camera | Full Color | Full Color |
Frame Rate | 10 fps | 12-18 fps |
To find out more information about the CR-Scan 01, and take advantage of the sale discount, head on over to the 3DMakerpro website.