3D scanners have been used extensively in a variety of industries, including engineering, architecture, medicine, art, and design. However, the cost of 3D scanning technology has been a limiting factor for many people, especially those on a tight budget. Luckily, there are many affordable 3D scanners available in the market today that offer excellent performance and features. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of some of the best cheap 3D scanners available, along with their pros and cons, most useful niche, pricing, and where you can buy them.
The XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0 Pro
- XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0 Pro is a desktop 3D scanner that comes at an affordable price of $229. It features a maximum scan volume of 7.8 x 7.8 x 7.5 inches and a scan resolution of 0.25mm. Its main advantage is its ability to scan objects in full color. It’s perfect for artists and designers who need to scan objects with vivid details.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Scans objects in full color
- Good for scanning objects with vivid details
Cons:
- Limited scan volume
- Lower scan resolution compared to other scanners
Most useful niche: Artists and designers who need to scan objects with vivid details
Where to buy: You can purchase the XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0 Pro from the company’s official website or on Amazon.
The Shining 3D EinScan-SE
- Shining 3D EinScan-SE is a handheld 3D scanner that costs $1,199. It can capture objects in both automatic and free scan modes and has a maximum scan volume of 7.8 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches. Its scan resolution is 0.1mm, which is higher than that of the da Vinci 1.0 Pro. It’s perfect for small businesses and hobbyists who need to scan small to medium-sized objects.
Pros:
- Higher scan resolution
- Can capture objects in both automatic and free scan modes
- Portable and lightweight
Cons:
- Higher price compared to other scanners
- Limited scan volume compared to other handheld scanners
Most useful niche: Small businesses and hobbyists who need to scan small to medium-sized objects
Where to buy: You can purchase the Shining 3D EinScan-SE from the company’s official website or on Amazon.
The Matter and Form V2
- Matter and Form V2 is a desktop 3D scanner that comes at a price of $749. It has a maximum scan volume of 7.5 x 7.5 x 9.8 inches and a scan resolution of 0.25mm. It’s perfect for educators, makers, and hobbyists who need to scan medium-sized objects.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good scan resolution
- Easy to use and set up
Cons:
- Limited scan volume compared to other desktop scanners
- Cannot capture objects in full color
Most useful niche: Educators, makers, and hobbyists who need to scan medium-sized objects
Where to buy: You can purchase the Matter and Form V2 from the company’s official website or on Amazon.
The Ciclop 3D Scanner
- Ciclop 3D Scanner is an open-source 3D scanner that comes at a price of $249. It has a maximum scan volume of 7 x 7 x 7 inches and a scan resolution of 0.5mm. It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want to build and customize their own 3D scanner.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Open-source
- design for customization
- Good for DIY enthusiasts
Cons:
- Lower scan resolution compared to other scanners
- Limited scan volume
Most useful niche: DIY enthusiasts who want to build and customize their own 3D scanner
Where to buy: You can purchase the Ciclop 3D Scanner from the company’s official website or on Amazon.
The Einscan-SP
- Einscan-SP is a desktop 3D scanner that costs $2,299. It offers high-resolution scanning with a 0.05mm accuracy and a maximum scan volume of 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches. It also has an automatic turntable for easy scanning of small objects. This scanner is perfect for professionals in the design, engineering, and manufacturing industries who require high-precision scanning.
Pros:
- High-precision scanning with 0.05mm accuracy
- Large maximum scan volume
- Automatic turntable for easy scanning of small objects
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other scanners
- Not portable
Most useful niche: Professionals in the design, engineering, and manufacturing industries who require high-precision scanning
Where to buy: You can purchase the Einscan-SP from the company’s official website or on Amazon.
The Occipital Structure Sensor
- Occipital Structure Sensor is a handheld 3D scanner that costs $399. It attaches to an iPad, allowing for easy and portable scanning. It has a maximum scan volume of 6.5 x 6.5 x 10 feet and a scan resolution of 0.5mm. This scanner is perfect for architects and engineers who need to scan large spaces.
Pros:
- Attaches to an iPad for easy and portable scanning
- Can scan large spaces
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Limited scan resolution compared to other scanners
- Limited maximum scan volume
Most useful niche: Architects and engineers who need to scan large spaces
Where to buy: You can purchase the Occipital Structure Sensor from the company’s official website or on Amazon.
Comparison Table:
| 3D Scanner | Price | Maximum Scan Volume | Scan Resolution | Most Useful Niche | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0 Pro | $229 | 7.8 x 7.8 x 7.5 in | 0.25mm | Artists and designers | Company’s website or Amazon |
| Shining 3D EinScan-SE | $1,199 | 7.8 x 7.8 x 7.8 in | 0.1mm | Small businesses and hobbyists | Company’s website or Amazon |
| Matter and Form V2 | $749 | 7.5 x 7.5 x 9.8 in | 0.25mm | Educators, makers, and hobbyists | Company’s website or Amazon |
| Ciclop 3D Scanner | $249 | 7 x 7 x 7 in | 0.5mm | DIY enthusiasts | Company’s website or Amazon |
| Einscan-SP | $2,299 | 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 in | 0.05mm | Professionals in design, engineering, | Company’s website or Amazon |
| and manufacturing industries | |||||
| Occipital Structure Sensor | $399 | 6.5 x 6.5 x 10 ft | 0.5mm | Architects and engineers | Company |
Summary
In conclusion, 3D scanners are a valuable tool in various industries, but they can be costly. However, there are many affordable 3D scanners available in the market that offer excellent performance and features. The XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0 Pro is an excellent option for artists and designers who require a 3D scanner that can scan objects in full color. The Shining 3D EinScan-SE is perfect for small businesses and hobbyists who need a handheld 3D scanner that can capture objects with high precision. The Matter and Form V2 is a great option for educators, makers, and hobbyists who need an affordable and easy-to-use 3D scanner.
The Ciclop 3D Scanner is an excellent option for DIY enthusiasts who want to build and customize their own 3D scanner. The Einscan-SP is an excellent option for professionals who require high-precision scanning. Lastly, the Occipital Structure Sensor is an excellent option for architects and engineers who need a portable 3D scanner that can scan large spaces.
When choosing a 3D scanner, it’s important to consider factors such as price, maximum scan volume, scan resolution, and most useful niche. By doing so, you can find a 3D scanner that meets your needs and budget. Whether you’re an artist, designer, hobbyist, or professional, there’s a 3D scanner out there for you.
