EinScan-Pro vs Makerbot Digitizer

The EinScan Pro has four modes (though two of them require an add-on), each matching a specific need. With no add-ons, the device can be used on the Handheld Rapid and HD Scan modes, which offer differing levels of accuracy and methods for stitching. With the industrial add-on pack, the EinScan-Pro can also detect color and texture, and the Automatic and Free Scan modes use a turntable for very fast, accurate scans of small objects.

The EinScan-Pro boasts professional quality similar to the Artec Eva, at a third the price. While still costly for the basic tinkerer, this scanner is of sufficient quality to appeal to more advanced users.

When multiple scans of an object are taken, to form the 3D model, there is often a step that requires the user to manually align scans to form the whole image. Some exceptions aside, the software used alongside the EinScan-Pro can do this automatically with surprising accuracy, making everything much easier.

If one purchases the Industrial Add-on Pack, which adds a turntable and a tripod for $700, objects on the turntable can be scanned with uncanny speed: one or two 2 second scans can produce a very high-quality 3D model, even on a glossy surface: example

While not necessary to the functionality of the scanner, the EinScan-Pro has a nice, sharp look that goes well in any modern office or home.

The EinScan-Pro only weighs 0.8 kg (less than 2 lbs), allowing for an easy, smooth, and comfortable scanning process, even over long periods of time.

Using the scanner’s automated turning table results in accurate 360-degree scans of the target object, which is quicker and more convenient than moving the object (or the scanner) to get all of its sides.

Since the camera and the laser generators are in a fixed position, calibrating them is quite simple. This needs to be done periodically, in order to get optimal results. The scanner can calibrate itself, the user only has to follow some simple instructions (like placing the calibration tool on the device's turning table).

MakerWare for Digitizer, the companion software for this scanner, is quite intuitive to use. After placing the object in the scanner's turntable, you can simply open MakerWare and start scanning. When you have enough scans of the object, you can then fuse all of them into a 360 degree STL model.