3D scanners convert physical objects into digital models for countless applications across industries and creative fields. Shining 3D’s Einstar scanner combines professional capability with manageable costs for small teams and freelancers.
Its balance of precision and portability could benefit projects involving reverse engineering, quality control, or creative design without requiring enterprise-level investment. Join us below to discover its price and whether it’s worth it.
Cost analysis
The Einstar 3D Scanner costs £795 excluding VAT or £954 including VAT, positioning it below the psychological £1,000 barrier for professional equipment.
In the box, you’ll find these items:
- Einstar 3D scanner
- Carrying case
- USB cable
- Power cable
- Power adapter
- Cleaning mat
- Quick start guide
- Calibration board
- Markers
- Calibration board protector
- Carrying straps
Previous systems with similar capabilities would have required significant additional investment for colour capture modules alone. Your initial outlay buys complete functionality without hidden costs or subscription fees for basic operations.
Capabilities
Imaging combines white structured light and VCSEL infrared laser technology at speeds reaching 14 frames per second. Your scans can achieve a point distance of 0.1mm for detailed work on complex surfaces and textures.
RGB cameras work alongside infrared projectors to collect shape and colour data in a single pass without additional equipment or steps. Depending on what you need, scan modes adapt to your object types through feature, texture, or hybrid capture approaches.
How it performs
Resolution settings range from 0.1mm to 3mm based on your object size selection in the software interface. Dark materials and reflective surfaces effectively scan despite typically causing problems for less capable systems.
You can work outdoors with reliable results despite changing light conditions, freeing you from studio-only limitations. Portrait mode functions comfortably for human subjects thanks to eye-safe infrared technology that doesn’t cause discomfort during face-scanning sessions.
Software package
EXStar software provides a complete scanning ecosystem with calibration wizards that guide you through geometry and colour setup in under 10 minutes.
Real-time data quality indicators use colour-coding to show captured areas, helping you identify regions needing additional passes during scanning. The plane clipping tool removes supporting surfaces with a single operation, eliminating the tedious manual deletion of background elements.
Auto-alignment technology matches separate scans with remarkable speed, joining multiple viewpoints without manually selecting reference points. Intelligent hole-filling algorithms repair missing data even in complex geometries.
The software includes multiple selection tools — polygon, rectangle, and lasso — for precisely removing scanning artefacts without affecting desired data.
Compatibility
Standard 3D formats like OBJ, STL, PLY, P3, and 3MF ensure your scans work with CAD software and 3D printing systems without conversion headaches.
The EXStar software exports to these formats without stripping the texture mapping to accurately preserve geometry and colour information captured during scanning sessions.
Technical requirements
Computer power matters when processing scan data from the Einstar system. You need a minimum of an Intel i7-7700H processor, 16GB memory, and a GTX 1050 graphics card running Windows 10.
Setting up takes roughly ten minutes before your first project begins, including calibration for geometry and colour accuracy. Connecting involves simple cable management without complex installation procedures or specialised mounting equipment.
Practical uses
- Scan obsolete parts to create digital files for 3D printing replacements when original components vanish from markets
- High-resolution capture of existing designs lets you modify products digitally before committing to production
- Preserve physical objects with accurate colour information for digital archives, online access or conservation records
- Replace physical impressions and moulds with face-scanning measurements when creating custom-fitted products
- Skip time-consuming modelling by scanning physical objects for direct reference during design and development
Summing up
The Einstar scanner suits you if your work demands accurate 3D models with colour capture in a single portable device. For £795 (excluding VAT), you get professional scanning capability with integrated software without subscription fees or additional modules.
Your investment covers everything required for a complete scan-to-model workflow, including mesh editing, alignment tools, and multiple export formats for production use.
Image credits: Shining 3D (Einstar)