Handheld 3D scanners add portability to any application that requires 3D object scanning. They create digital models of any physical object and result in a representation that captures the exact data and dimensions of the target.

There is a wide range in verified accuracies of handheld scanners depending on the type of scanner and what it is designed for. These accuracies range from 0.02 millimeters to one millimeter. Most handheld 3D Scanners intended for metrology can achieve an accuracy of 0.02 millimeter that is calibrated and certified by an ISO 17025 laboratory.

These include the SCANTECH NimbleTrack Wireless 3D Scanning System and the Artec Point, both of which offer accuracy of up to 0.02 millimeters, while the Artec Leo offers 3D point accuracy of up to 0.1 millimeter.

Several factors determine how long it takes to 3D Scan an object. Each scanner has a set rate of capture that can range from several hundred thousand points per second to several million points per second. 

The detail level (resolution) that you need to capture and reproduce also greatly affects the speed at which you can capture an object, as well. For example, a small simple part may take only a few seconds to scan, but a small and highly detailed object may take several minutes to scan. 

This time difference becomes larger when comparing scenarios with a large object. Depending on the scanner and detail level required, a full vehicle could be scanned in as quickly as thirty seconds up to a full day.

Typically, a blue laser 3D Scanner is going to give you the best speed while still giving you very high quality data. For the highest detail level, a structured light scanner can provide this, but you would sacrifice speed and convenience.

Key applications for handheld 3D scanners include scanning components and complex parts in design and manufacturing, modeling body parts for surgical interventions and prosthetics, and replicating precise parameters for digital simulations. These materials include a variety of metals (machined, casting, polished, etc), plastics, composites, ceramics, human skin, organic material, etc. Shiny and black surfaces can be difficult to capture depending on the scanner. Transparent materials are hard or impossible to capture–regardless of the scanner.

Of course, we can provide tailored product advice, including white-structured light scanners for safe medical, zoological, and ecological applications, as well as blue laser scanners for more challenging dark and shiny surfaces

3D scanner prices start as low as a couple hundred dollars for hobby level scanners, but for professional use, they typically start at roughly $10,000 and go up in price quickly based on requirements including, accuracy, portability, resolution, speed, etc. Most metrology grade scanners that come with ISO certifications will start at $30,000 and go up to $200,000.

We can give you a demo of any 3D handheld scanner. Setup and training are included, and we offer great discounts on 3D scanning accessories!

Handheld 3D scanners have varied upper thresholds. Some are designed for scanning small objects at very high resolutions; others have ultra-fast scanning capabilities that enable you to scan an entire vehicle or machine.

As a snapshot:

• The Artec Spider 2 can scan parts smaller than one centimeter, and up to several feet in size.
• SCANTECH’s TrackScan Sharp-S offers a tracking distance of up to 8.5 meters and a measurement range of up to 135 cubic meters. The Trackscan Sharp S gives you the ability to scan parts only a few millimeters in size up to an airplane.
• The FARO Leap ST offers varied scanning modes, from hyper-fine scans for complex geometries to large-area scanning for more extensive projects.

If you need a handheld 3D scanner optimized for specific environments or with adjustable modes to efficiently scan objects of different sizes, please get in touch.

Most handheld scanners require a computer to operate, even if they’re wireless. In these cases, the laptop is being used to collect data, perform post-processing and clean up, and export a finalized mesh, point cloud, or CAD file.

The one exception to that is the Artec Leo. The Artec Leo 3D Scanner is a standalone unit that does not require a laptop for capturing data. The 3D Scan data is stored locally on the scanner and can be viewed during and after scanning on the onboard screen to get feedback on the quality and thoroughness of the scan data. You do still need a computer to process the raw data that is collected to produce the finalized mesh or point cloud.

The SCANTECH SIMSCAN-E and KSCAN-X are a couple of the popular wireless 3D Scanner options, with compact, 3D wireless scanning and data transfer functionality. They still require a computer to be close by because the scan data is being transferred wirelessly to the computer live during scanning.

Most 3D scanning engineers and design professionals rely on accessories and tools to ensure each scan is seamless and faultlessly accurate. Some of the many accessories available from Digitize Designs include scanning sprays, modular frames, retroreflective targets, target dice, and cases to protect your scanner from impact, moisture, and dust.