When comparing DAVID SLS-3 vs Artec Space Spider, the Slant community recommends DAVID SLS-3 for most people. In the question“What are the best non-contact 3D scanners? ” DAVID SLS-3 is ranked 3rd while Artec Space Spider is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose DAVID SLS-3 is:
Unlike setup and calibration, the scanning process itself is quite easy. Scanning an object from multiple positions is enough to merge the data and form a 360 degree mesh.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Scanning process is easy
Unlike setup and calibration, the scanning process itself is quite easy. Scanning an object from multiple positions is enough to merge the data and form a 360 degree mesh.
Pro Included software is powerful and intuitive to use
To operate this scanner, you’ll need the HP 3D Scan Software Pro V5 installed on your computer. The software license is bundled with the scanner itself, so you won’t need to buy it separately. The software is simple to use and intuitive, but also quite powerful. It’s divided into three main parts: setup, scanning and shape function. This means that, during the scanning stage, for example, you’ll only be presented with the functions relevant for that stage.
Pro Maximum resolution of 0.05 mm
This 3D scanner can push its resolution to up to 0.05 mm, at 10 cm distance from the object (keep in mind that in order to be able to achieve this result you’ll have to spend hours calibrating the device). The overall result is very impressive, since a 0.05 mm resolution allows to scan objects in great detail. For example, you can theoretically scan a human hair using this scanner. This is a very powerful tool if used properly.
Pro Capable of capturing color
As the unit only has a monochrome camera, color capturing is achieved by measuring reflectivity on the surface of the scanned object.
Pro Plenty of great accessories available
Besides cables and hard cases, this scanner has plenty of accessories to choose from. There’s the TT-1 Automatic Turntable ( $1160.00 ), which makes 360 degree scans easier, or the DSL-1 Desk Scan Lever ( $650.00 ), which gives the scanner some extra free space for more complicated 3D scans. Another notable accessory is the SLS-3 Stereo Camera Upgrade Kit ( $1795.00 ), which improves scan quality by adding a second camera, at the cost of complicating even more the default setup, since both cameras need to be individually calibrated.
Pro Good for teaching purposes
Calibrating this scanner is quite time-consuming and tricky, which can be annoying for regular use, but can be useful for teaching purposes, since the setup process itself helps understanding how structured light 3D scanning works.
Pro Enhanced texture
This scanner's high precision 1080p camera enhances the textures of scanned objects.
Pro Exports into STL, OBJ and PLY formats
This 3D scanner is designed to export purely geometric 3D formats, and is therefore capable of generating STL, OBJ and PLY files, which are more than enough for reverse engineering and geometry editing with most CAD software.
Pro Great scan resolution
The 0.1mm resolution is the best available for a handheld 3D scanner. This scanner combines the freedom and versatility of a handheld scanner with the accuracy of a stationary unit.
Pro Companion software is great
Artec Studio, the official software for this scanner, is versatile, user friendly, and very well documented. Every aspect of the software is described well on the official documentation. It’s also powerful and intuitive, making it quite worth the hefty price.
Cons
Con Limited workspace
The SLS-3 system is limited by the maximum size of objects it can scan, a problem which exists for pretty much all stationary 3D scanners. This scanner's maximum allowed dimensions are 500 mm in any direction, and it's impossible to use it to scan larger objects, unlike handheld scanners, that can be used to scan objects that are quite big.
Con Harsh calibration procedure
Calibrating the scanner is very unforgiving. You’ll need to find the ideal positions of the cameras, the projector and the object itself just for one scan. You’ll have to adjust the focus, distance and the angle of both the camera and projector manually. After doing all that, you’ll then have to double check everything using the DAVID software. All in all, it’s a very time-consuming effort that needs to be repeated for every new target object.
Con Unintuitive setup
The setup procedure is unintuitive, and requires thoroughly reading the manual. First, you’ll need to connect the DAVID camera and projector to your computer, then you’ll have to install all software and drivers provided in a USB stick, then configure the projector as an extended screen.
Con Resolution drops with distance
As expected with this kind of scanner, resolution drops if you increase the distance to the target object. At a distance of 500 mm from the object, the resolution is only 0.25mm (5 times worst than the resolution at 100 mm).
Con Expensive
This device is quite expensive, making it a purely industrial product, as only medium or large companies are able to afford it.
Con Scanning distance is quite limited
In order to get maximum precision, you need to make sure the scanner stays within the 0.2 m - 0.3 m range distance from the target object. This 0.1 m margin is low for a handheld device and can be an issue, especially since it takes several minutes to complete a scan.
Con Official software requires an extra investment
As with other Artec scanners, purchasing an Artec Studio annual license costs $400.