3D scanners used to be the exclusive domain of engineering companies and would cost tens of thousands of dollars. But over the last few years we have seen a variety of consumer-grade 3D scanners making their way into the market, largely thanks to the interest in additive manufacturing.
One such 3D scanner is the popular CR-Scan 01, which first hit the shelves back in 2021, and has been gathering fans since its release, largely due to its affordable price and great features.
Working closely with Creality, the CR-Scan 01 was designed, developed and marketed by 3DMakerpro, who have vast experience in the consumer 3D scanner industry. And now, thanks to a new sale, the affordable CR-Scan 01 has become even more of a steal.
Read on to learn more about the CR-Scan 01, and the upcoming sale.
Big Performance, Small Price
The CR-Scan 01 was the first wide-format scanner available in the consumer 3D scanning market.
With the wide-format scanner, you can scan much larger objects than other consumer-grade 3D scanners, enabling you to scan medium to large sized objects, or even body parts if that’s your thing. The wide-format feature is not just a gimmick either, as it allows the user to scan a bigger area, faster and smoother, meaning that scanning larger items is a lot easier.
The easy (and precise) scanning of larger objects allows for hassle-free scanning in a range of applications such as reverse engineering, vehicle modification, and even preservation of museum artifacts.
With a scanning resolution of 0.5mm, and accuracy of 0.1mm, you will be able to capture the most complicated geometries and detailed features with excellent accuracy.
3D scanning resolution refers to the smallest details that a 3D scanner can capture and represent in a digital model. It is a measure of the fineness of detail in the scanned object. The higher the resolution, the finer the details captured.
3D scanning accuracy, on the other hand, refers to how closely the scanned representation of an object matches its real-world dimensions. It is a measure of how correct the detail in the scanned model is. The higher the accuracy, the more precise the representation of the object’s dimensions.
Take a look at the detail in the 3D printed pineapple in the image below. The printed pineapple was printed in resin, using scan data captured from the CR-Scan01. Even the little curly protrusions of the skin are captured in the scan, thanks to the high resolution of the scanner.
This is a good feature, especially for those wishing to scan miniature figurines for board games, which have incredibly high levels of detail.
Of course, you don’t need to limit yourself to scanning items to 3D print.
The CR-Scan 01 can export in file types used by a range of different industries. For example, 3D printing fans, both hobbyist and professional will be pleased to hear that it can export as STL files.
On the more artistic side, the CR-Scan 01 software can export in OBJ files, meaning that the files can be imported into other softwares for further modification to be used as models in animation, virtual reality, and augmented reality. This is particularly useful as a labor saving device for these industries, as artists can simply scan items to be used in virtual scenes, rather than having to model them from scratch, leaving them more time to focus on more complicated 3D modeling tasks such as character design.
Structured Light
The CR-Scan 01 utilizes structured light scanning technology, meaning that the scanner projects light patterns onto a 3D object, and analyzes how the light is distorted by the object. A camera on the scanner then captures this information and uses it to create a highly detailed digital replica of the object.
Unlike photogrammetry, structured light scanning offers a more precise and efficient way to capture the nuances and complexities of an object. And as the CR-Scan 01 features an RGB camera, it means objects can be captured with full color details as well.
As mentioned previously, the scanner can be used to scan body parts, and this can be done safely thanks to the use of an NIR safety light. The NIR (near infrared) light appears as a white light, emitted from the LEDs in the scanner, enabling risk free scanning of the face and eyes.
Scanning Modes
The CR-Scan 01 can be used in multiple modes, handheld and turntable modes, as well as a hybrid handheld+turntable mode.
With handheld mode, the user can scan larger objects quickly, either in a single scan, or as multiple scans, and without the need for markers.
With turntable mode, smaller objects can be placed on the turntable, leaving the operator’s hands free, and providing a consistent scan. When the turntable has rotated 360 degrees, the user can simply flip the item over, and scan the bottom part.
Creating the models from multiple scans is made simple too, thanks to the one-click model optimization, which is accessed via the JM-Studio software. There are two alignment modes in the software, with the first being the one-click alignment, which aligns the geometry from multiple scans into a single coherent geometry.
The second is manual alignment, and this allows the user to manually align the scans by identifying three identifying points over the different scans.
The JM-Studio software can export files such as STL, OBJ, and PLY, which are compatible with most 3D design and CAD softwares including Maya, 3ds Max, Unreal Engine, Z-Brush, SolidWorks, Fusion 360 and more.
Now that we’ve seen some of the features of the scanner, let’s take a look at how the CR-Scan 01 compares to another upcoming scanner- the Revopoint Range.
Comparison
The Range is another infrared-based structured light 3D scanner, from competing manufacturer, Revopoint. The Revopoint Range is due to launch via an upcoming Kickstarter campaign this month.
Take a look at how the CR-Scan 01 compares to the Revopoint Range in the table 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 |
As you can see, when compared side-by-side, the hugely popular CR-Scan 01 is fairly similar in performance to the upcoming Revopoint Range scanner. They are almost identical except for one thing- the price!
Yes, for similar performance, you will pay only $375 for the CR-Scan 01 in the upcoming sale, which is even lower than the early-bird price for the Revopoint Range.
Based on previous Revopoint crowdfunding campaigns, it is estimated that their lowest price for their Range scanner will be around the $399 mark.
The CR-Scan 01, has always been a good value scanner, and now that the price has been slashed to its lowest point in the product’s history, it is a steal.
And it’s not just the scanner that you get when you purchase the CR-Scan 01.
The scanner also comes with a tripod, turntable, turntable panel, all your cables, an 8 GB USB drive, plus a sweet carry case.
Further Information
Founded in 2015, 3DMakerpro specializes in providing professional and cost-effective 3D scanners to North America, Europe and the rest of the world.
They have a team of over 100 R&D personnel, and have over 10 years of experience in the 3D industry. The company also attaches great importance to R&D investment and has spent over 30 million dollars in research and development, gaining over 88 patents and 78 software copyright patents.
Their innovations include a multi-spectral projection system, visual tracking and no-marking registration algorithms, and the automatic model processing algorithm found in the JM-Studio software.
In addition to the CR-Scan 01, they have developed 3D scanners such as the Magic Swift Plus, and the industrial-grade Whale 3D scanner.
3DMakerpro’s BIGGEST SALE EVER will start on February 1st 2023 with a limited price of
$375, reduced from the usual price of $799!
To learn more about the CR-Scan 01, please visit the product webpage over at this link.
