Fuel3D Scanify Handheld 3D Scanner is a portable scanner that offers a number of impressive features. It is a point and shoot device that provides the user with crisp images, and features easy to grip controls and a sturdy handle that makes it easier to use than one might think. The scanner is fitted with a stereo camera lens system that provides 3D scans, and can convert them for you with its easy to manage interface. For a handheld device, the Fuel3D scanner offers the best in high resolution, full color scans.
The device is able to scan an entire 3D surface that contains physical and color measurements, and allows you to view them from any direction. You can edit and use the source material for printing or for onscreen manipulation. This is by far not the least expensive of its kind on the market, nor is it the most expensive. It can do well what other scanners that cost upwards of $10,000 can do, and this one is far below that price range.
You can literally take any item that you want, of any size or shape, and create your 3D scan with the Fuel3D. One of the main advantages of this one is that it is a handheld scanner. Larger scanners, stationary models, can provide you with exceptional 3D images, but you have the disadvantage of being stationary, so you cannot turn it or otherwise move it around. It is limited to the size and range of the turntable. You don’t have that problem with the Fuel3D scanner.
Being handheld makes this scanner completely portable, so you can literally walk around items that you are scanning. The highpoint here is that you don’t need a turntable. However, when you are scanning larger items, you will need to piece your images together post-production, which is one of the pitfalls of this handheld device. If you can live with that issue however, this is an excellent scanner for the price.
Specifications include a maximum resolution of .25mm, which enables it to capture twice the resolution of many other scanners in its price range. It does offer full color capture ability and gives you crisply clear images. The company calls this the first 3D scanner in the world to combine the pre-calibrated camera with a photometric imaging feature that enables it to capture and then process your files in a matter of seconds.
Finally, Fuel3D has provided software with the scanner that is a dream. It’s easy to understand and implement and the software will generate a color 3D date file that allows you to perform basic edits before you export your image files, which is great for many. You will need a Mac, Windows 7, or higher OS and at least 2GB of RAM along with a dual core processor to install and use the software. You can scan and then export in a number of file formats including STL, OBJ, and PLY, and scans created with the Fuel3D scanner can be used in onscreen rendering in full color, 3D printing, or in various other uses for a number of applications and games.
Overall, this is an excellent scanner for the money, and is perfect for those who are just beginning or who may not have a lot of experience with these types of scanners. It falls into the $1,500 and below price range.