3D scanning is becoming more and more popular to do at home with the rise of at-home 3D printing. With users needing to scan objects to make their own prints, there is a need for 3D scanners. The SOL 3D Scanner is a versatile option for copying objects.
SOL 3d Scanner: White Light Desktop Laser 3D Scanner
The SOL 3D Scanner is a desktop 3D scanner. It features a turntable, easy assembly, and different scanning modes.
Unlike the SOL Pro 3D Scanner, the SOL 3D Scanner does not offer dark surface, unsteady object, or optimization alignment for symmetrical objects options. Additionally, the Pro offers full resolution scanning while the SOL 3D does not.
The SOL 3D offers a unique combination of laser triangulation and white light technology. This combination allows for a resolution of 0.1 mm with a texture feature. The camera acquires the texture while the laser acquires the geometry.
The scanner offers two different scanning modes that allow users to adjust the SOL 3D based on the size of the scanned object. Near Mode allows for objects up to 100 mm in diameter and height to be scanned. Far Mode increases this size to 170 mm.
One downside to this scanner is that it has trouble handling dark objects. This is due to the objects having a hard time reflecting the laser beam. Because of this, the scan renders an inaccurate model.
The SOL 3D comes equipped with a built-in turntable. This turntable can support a maximum weight of 2 kg. It also makes scanning easier for the user. The table rotates the object 360°, allowing for it to be scanned from all angles. This frees the user from having to manually scan the object from every angle. Users can also rescan objects from three different angles and then have the software align the pictures into a uniform mesh.
The scanner also features ease of use. Manual mesh alignment, complex calibration, and software manipulation are all eliminated. Additionally, setup is very easy. It requires the tightening of four screws and the connection of a USB cable. It can be done in minutes by beginners and advanced users alike.
The software completes all the time-consuming and difficult tasks like complex calibration. It provides a preview of the estimated time remaining and informs the user when the scan is complete. Output formats include most files that allow for incorporation into slicing software like Cura.
Other Specifications
The SOL 3D’s resolution and point accuracy are 0.1 mm. The camera resolution is 5 megapixels. It can work across a distance that ranges from 210 mm to 360 mm.
The smallest objects that can be scanned are 25 mm in diameter by 25 mm in height. It can capture coloring and outputs results in file formats like XYZ, STL, OBJ, PLY, and DAE. The scanner offers a data collection speed of 17 minutes per scan pass.
The 360° scanning time is 20 minutes in normal mode while only 10 minutes in turbo mode. This is affected by object complexity and computer hardware.
Recommendation
The SOL 3D Scanner, with its user-friendly setup and software, is an excellent choice for beginners. More advanced users will want to select a scanner like the SOL Pro 3D Scanner which offers more advanced features.