【3D SCANNER】Review: SHINING 3D - FreeScan Combo+ : Compact yet Powerful
It's safe to say that 3D scanning is no longer a niche technology.
Tech giants like Nvidia and Apple are integrating this technology into an increasing number of consumer products.
The professional 3D scanning sector has not stood still either, with manufacturers like SHINING 3D driving innovation and cost-effectiveness in this market.
Unboxing
The FreeScan Combo+ and its accessories are packaged in a durable storage case, whose quality impressed us greatly.
Despite its robustness, the case is relatively compact and can fit into a large backpack – perfect for on-site scanning tasks.
Everything from the overall design to the locking mechanisms exudes a high-end, sturdy feel.
It's not just about appearances; the case boasts an IP67 rating, ensuring complete dust protection and temporary immersion in water.
All storage within the case is thoughtfully designed.
The scanner and accessories are easily removed and put back.
Setup
Getting started with the FreeScan Combo+ software is straightforward – simply plug the USB key into your computer to activate.
Note that this occupies one USB slot, so you'll need at least three USB slots if you plan to run the scanner, USB key, and mouse simultaneously.
Setting up the scanner is very simple; just connect it to your computer and a power outlet, launch the software, and complete calibration using the included calibration target board.
The calibration process itself is quick, taking less than five minutes.
Choose your scanning method
The first step in any scan is to choose between laser or non-light mode.
These two technologies cannot be mixed in one project.
Therefore, choosing the correct mode is crucial for obtaining the most accurate and efficient results.
If your object has complex shapes or tricky textures, such as reflective or absorbent surfaces, then laser is your go-to option.
On the other hand, non-light scanning, as it doesn't require marker setup, is generally better suited for quick scans of people or objects that don't need much detail.
Depending on the alignment type chosen, you will have two different scanner workflows.
Scanning with marker alignment in laser mode
When using marker-based alignment, each side of the scanned object requires its own project file.
This means if you scan an object from multiple angles, you must create a separate project for each viewpoint.
After scanning all sides, you need to align these individual projects into a unified 3D model.
It adds a few steps to the process, but ensures higher accuracy in the final model.
Additionally, for best results, trim imperfect scanned areas.
Scanning with geometric alignment in non-light scan mode
When using geometric alignment, the process of scanning multiple sides of an object becomes simple.
Simply pause the scan, rotate the object, and resume.
However, in geometric alignment mode, handling flat or planar objects can be slightly trickier.
While you might think these simple shapes are ideal for non-light scanning, the system often struggles to identify these indistinct features for precise alignment.
User Experience
The scanning interface works well in laser mode.
Even a beginner can complete a basic scan after just 10 minutes of training.
The various modes (26 lines, 7 lines, and single line) provide a versatile toolkit for different project needs.
In laser mode, you can quickly and easily adjust brightness.
The 26-line mode excels at capturing larger areas, while the 7-line and single-line modes offer high-quality detail.
The deep hole scanning mode is a valuable additional feature, allowing you to erase data from specific areas and rescan them with enhanced quality.
Software
The stitching module of the FreeScan Combo+ software works well.
In most cases, the software's automatic stitching function works seamlessly without manual intervention.
In a few cases, the marker point stitching function might need to be used, but it's equally efficient, requiring only 3 or 4 points to be set manually, taking just a few seconds.
During the stitching process, individual parts are grouped by project and aligned with each other.
In each updated scan result, the system takes into account the specific characteristics of that scan result to ensure consistency with the next updated model.
The more items you stitch, the better the automatic stitching performs!
The FreeScan Combo+ software provides a powerful suite of post-processing tools, allowing for easy optimization of scanned data – whether it's removing irrelevant details or filling "holes" in the mesh.
Conclusion
Scanning with the FreeScan Combo+ consistently delivers excellent results, and its speed and convenience are impressive.
Most scans can be completed in 30 minutes or less, meeting the demands of high-end applications like reverse engineering and quality control.
The FreeScan Combo+ is equipped with two scanning technologies and four different modes, making it a versatile tool for handling various objects and scenarios.
Its compact size and lightweight design are also significant advantages, ideal for prolonged scanning sessions or on-site work.
The software operation and calibration process are very user-friendly, allowing even beginners to quickly perform advanced tasks.
The FreeScan Combo+ lives up to its promise of accuracy, versatility, and compactness.
It offers excellent value for money, providing industrial-grade performance at a highly competitive price.
Want to learn more about Shining 3D products? Contact us below!
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3DMart offers more than just 3D printers; we provide three major outsourcing services: "3D printing service", "3D scanning service", and "3D space scanning service"!!
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- Contact Us -
3DMart offers more than just 3D printers; we provide three major outsourcing services: "3D printing service", "3D scanning service", and "3D space scanning service"!!
Follow our fan page to stay updated:
Facebook | Instagram | Threads