Guide 2024: Choose the Right Handheld 3D Laser Scanner Based on Your Needs

Selecting the right handheld 3D laser scanner depends on both the size of the objects you plan to scan and the level of precision required. The 2024 guide offers a comprehensive overview of various Scantech’s handheld 3D laser scanners, each tailored to different object sizes and project needs.

The guide outlines key features like accuracy, scanning range, and portability, helping users identify the most suitable scanner for their specific applications. For example, for scanning small, detailed parts such as intricate machine components, high-precision and compact 3D scanners are recommended. On the other hand, 3D scanners with broader range and flexibility are better suited for larger objects like automotive parts or industrial equipment.

By matching the specific features of each device to the size and complexity of the objects, this guide simplifies the decision-making process for selecting the most appropriate handheld 3D laser scanner.

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1.If You Scan Small or Normal-Sized Parts → Use SIMSCAN

Why Choose SIMSCAN?

• Compact & Lightweight: The SIMSCAN-E is a palm-sized 3D laser scanner?measuring 203 × 80 × 44 mm, perfect for measuring small to normal-sized parts, and ideal for tight or confined spaces.
• Wireless Flexibility: Its wireless design offers flexibility and ease of use, allowing for scanning in challenging environments without being tethered by cables.
• Precise and Fast:?Capable of capturing up to 6,300,000 measurements per second with an accuracy of up to 0.020 mm, SIMSCAN-E excels at delivering quick and precise results.
• Versatile Scanning Modes:?The SIMSCAN-E features three modes: ultra-fast scanning, hyperfine scanning, and deep hole scanning, making it adaptable to a variety of use cases.
• Excellent for Narrow Spaces:?SIMSCAN-E’s short-distance camera design, with a steep view angle, greatly enhances the ability to scan hidden areas such as gaps, slots, deep holes, and channels.

Advantages

• Small and portable, making it easy to handle.
• Wireless and plug-and-play operations.?
• High-speed data collection and accuracy.
• Ideal for small objects and scanning in hard-to-reach areas.

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Examples:

Automotive:?engine bay, gearbox housing, intake, bonnet, brake systems and more.

Mechanical?Components:?connectors, gears and worms, molding and machining parts.?

Energy:?Oil Drill Bit.

For: perform GD&T measurements, ensure fit, reproduce parts, maintenance, modification and more.

2. If You Scan from Small to Big Parts → Use KSCAN-Magic

Why Choose KSCAN?

• Versatile Handheld 3D Scanner: The KSCAN-Magic combines both infrared and blue laser technologies, making it ideal for scanning small to large parts with an accuracy of up to 0.020 mm.
• Built-in Photogrammetry:?The KSCAN has a built-in large-area photogrammetry system, which provides high accuracy for scanning larger objects by reducing accumulated alignment errors. It offers a volumetric accuracy of 0.015 mm + 0.012 mm/m when paired with MSCAN-L15 photogrammetry system.?
• Wide Field of View (FOV): It has a larger scanning area of 3760 mm × 3150 mm compared to smaller handheld scanners like the SIMSCAN.
• Five Operating Modes: It offers five different modes including large-area scanning, ultra-fast scanning, built-in photogrammetry, hyperfine scanning, and deep hole scanning, giving you unparalleled flexibility.
• Massive Functions:?Intelligent edge inspection, probing, pipe measurement, automated 3D system.

Advantages

• Handheld and easy to use, but with the added power to scan large parts.
• Photogrammetry ensures high precision, especially for larger objects.
• Effective on dark and reflective surfaces.

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Examples:

Energy: wind turbine foundation, hydroturbine runner, cutter of milling drum, coal shutter car.

Automotive: mold and die, battery frame.?

Ship Building: racing dhow, boat, propeller and shafts.?

Heavy Industry:?large machinery components, casting, industrial tools and dies.?

Railway:?subway, suspension and brake systems, train wheels.

For: product development, inspection, comprehensive analysis and visualization, maintenance, documentation, and more.

3. If You Scan Small to Big Parts but Don’t Want to Use Targets→ Use NIMBLETRACK

Why Choose NIMBLETRACK?

• Wireless Operation: The?NimbleTrack optical 3D scanning system?is fully wireless thanks to its on-board processors and battery power supply. It sets a new benchmark for wireless and free 3D scanning.?
• Target-Free:?Its optical tracking allows for highly precise measurements without the need for physical markers on the object.
• Portable and Compact:?Compact and lightweight, it ensures mobility and comes with a protective case for convenient storage of all its components.
• Highly Precise:?Leveraging Scantech’s metrology products and advanced algorithms, the system achieves up to 0.025 mm accuracy and 0.064 mm volumetric accuracy.
• Next-level 3D Scanning: NimbleTrack’s compact 3D scanner can be used independently for scanning tight or hard-to-reach areas. For larger parts, its optical tracker enhances accuracy with built-in infrared large-area scanning.
• Massive Functions:?Intelligent edge inspection, probing, multi-tracker measurement, automated measurement.

Advantages

• An advanced wireless?3D scanning?solution for measurements at height or without power supply.
• Perfect for scanning parts where placing targets is not feasible.
• Compact design allows for easy transportation and operation.

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Example:

Aviation:?airplane, helicopter.?

Automotive:?mold and die, car frame, van

Cultural heritage and entertainment:?sculpture, archaeological aritifacts, museum pieces, and more

Mold:?die-casting molds, stamping dies, forging dies, and more

For: ensure precision, quality control, reverse engineering, cultural heritage protection and more.

4. If You Scan Small to Very Large Parts without Targets→ Use TRACKSCAN Sharp

Why Choose TRACKSCAN?

• For the Largest Objects:?The TrackScan Sharp-S?optical 3D scanning system?is designed for scanning very large objects, such as automotive bodies, wind turbines, or industrial equipment.
• Wireless and Battery-Powered: The system is fully wireless, allowing for freedom of movement without cable restrictions.
• Massive Field of View: With a tracking distance of up to 8.5 meters and a measurement volume of 135 m3, it's perfect for large-scale projects.
• High-Speed Measurement: It can process up to 4.86 million measurements/s, ensuring fast and accurate scans even for large objects.
• High Accuracy: The TrackScan Sharp-S system combines metrology-grade hardware with an advanced in-house algorithm, achieving a volumetric accuracy of 0.048 mm (10.4 m3) to meet strict industrial standards. Its 3D scanner uses CFFIM technology for a lightweight yet durable design.
• Massive Functions:?Intelligent edge inspection, probing, multi-tracker measurement, automated measurement.

Advantages

• Ideal for scanning very large parts with high precision.
• Large field of view and fast measurement speeds.
• Designed for use in industrial applications where size and speed are critical.
• Wireless and portable.

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Example:?

Automotive: Reflective molds and dies, EV battery cover and tray.

Cultural Heritage Preservation: sculpture, archaeological aritifacts, museum pieces, and more.

Energy:?stator frame, wind turbine blades and components.

Shipbuilding:?ship, propeller, hull, and panels.

For:?dimensional accuracy checks, defect inspection, first article inspection, product design, digital archiving and documentation, cultural heritage preservation?and more.

Summary Table

By understanding your project needs and selecting the appropriate 3D scanner, you can ensure that your 3D scanning process is efficient?and accurate to reduce time and costs.?